17:40 Southwell

Thursday 7 November 2019

All16:4017:1017:4018:1018:4019:1019:4020:10

Ladbrokes Where The Nation Plays Novice Stakes

Off time: 17:42 | Winning time: 57.61s

(6)

Royal Context⁴²

Age: 2| Weight: 9-9| J: P Mulrennan| T: M Dods| C

4/1

Confirmed the promise shown on debut when taking a 6f event here not needing to improve but still producing a stylish performance. He'll stay further so it's interesting to see him back at 5f under a penalty which it won't be easy to overcome.

Form: 41

(3)

Auchterarder¹⁷⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-4| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| D

5/1

Absent since winning a minor event at Beverley earlier in the year on her debut (knew what was required; won with something in hand). Fibresand debut under a penalty; should be a leading player if she handles the surface; doubt fitness will be an iss

Form: 1

(8)

Evora Knights²⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: G C O'Neill⁽⁵⁾| T: M & D Easterby

66/1

Failed to progress from his debut over 6f here in September when he hinted at having some ability. That was a steep rise in grade last time and this looks more suitable; on the whole one for handicaps further down the line.

Form: 48

(7)

Mews House¹¹⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Thore Hammer-Hansen⁽⁵⁾| T: D H Brown

50/1

Very green on his debut at York back in the summer when he finished last over 6f this looks to be a more suitable test although he will have to prove himself on the surface (sire 0-15 on Fibresand). Back from an absence and readily passed over.

Form: 8

(2)

Rathagan³⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Finley Marsh⁽³⁾| T: R Hughes

8/1

Promising individual; showed a lot more on his second appearance than he had on his debut still looking a work in progress. Blindfold removed late last time still gave the winner a good workout; Fibresand debut, chance if he takes to the surface.

Form: 52

(5)

The Bell Conductor⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: B A Curtis| T: Phillip Makin| OR: 81

10/11

Has had plenty of experience running his best race last time at Catterick over 5f behind one who set a good standard. Looks a speedy type (travelled well last time); ought to go on Fibresand (sire has a fair record); bold show likely to transpire.

Form: 232

(4)

Ilsereno

Age: 2| Weight: 8-11| J: J P Sullivan| T: S Dixon

20/1

The only newcomer in the field; £25,000 yearling; closely related to smart winner up to 7f Decrypt (2-yo 6f winner, by Dark Angel); dam 2yo 5f winner. Sire (Lethal Force) building a good record at the track (8-26), should come on for the experience.

Form:

(9)

Navajo Dawn⁹⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 8-11| J: Seamus Cronin⁽⁵⁾| T: R Brisland| OR: 60

40/1

Shaped well on a couple of occasions particularly on her nursery debut over 6f looking as though the test may have proved too much. Disappointed over 5f again in a handicap last time; Fibresand debut, plenty to prove back in novice company.

Form: 05259

(1)

Quiet Word²²

Age: 2| Weight: 8-11| J: Adam J McNamara| T: A Watson

16/1

Yard have had a cracking season with their 2yo's (63 winners); this one looks to have ability but will need to settle down first; the return to 5f may help in that respect. Makes her Fibresand debut; the second progeny of Dandy Man in the field.

Form: 75

Forecasts

The Bell Conductor (10/11), Royal Context (4/1), Auchterarder (5/1), Rathagan (8/1), Quiet Word (16/1), Ilsereno (20/1), Navajo Dawn (40/1), Mews House (50/1), Evora Knights (66/1)

An interesting contest with both of the penalised runners looking as though they deserve their positions towards the head of the market but have something to prove. Fibresand winner Royal Context has to cope with a drop back to 5f having looked as though a step up in trip would be in order while Beverley winner Auchterarder has to cope with this surface and a long absence. For those reasons THE BELL CONDUCTOR is taken to build on his three sound efforts so far having shown plenty of speed over 5f and being by a sire (Dandy Man) who is building a good reputation on Fibresand. Rathagan and Quiet Word are two others who should be noted and add some depth to what is an intriguing little puzzle.