Betway Novice Stakes

Off time: 14:55 | Winning time: 1m 15.75s

(2)

Badayel^p¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Jason Hart| T: I Furtado| OR: 74| BF

8/15

Is the clear form pick here given his four successive seconds, but he has had every chance on several occasions and not seen out his effort. He looks an awkward ride, and while a first win would be no surprise, he remains vulnerable.

Form: 2/2-22

(4)

Bluelion

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: M Appleby

14/1

First foal of 5f Tapeta winner who was unraced on this surface, and a half-sister to sprint winner Mata Hari Blue. Stable's older horses 7% this winter (compared to five-year average 12%) so best advice looks to be a market check ahead of his debut.

Form:

(3)

Ghost Buy^p,t⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Phil Dennis| T: I Furtado| OR: 49

5/1

0-15 so far. Was placed on Polytrack in a Lingfield maiden (6f) in November, but well held in handicaps from marks in the low-50s since then and up against it here.

Form: 2647-97

(1)

Snow Space¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston

5/1

Went off at 11-4 in the same Wolverhampton race that saw Badayel finish second on his most recent start. Ran well for a long way in a prominent position there before folding in the straight. Should improve for that and is of interest back in trip.

Form: 5

(5)

Whistling Sands

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: T Eaves| T: R Brisland

33/1

First foal of Sea Whisper, who has placed here over both 6f/7f and a half-sister to US 1m Grade 2 winner Mr Napper Tandy. Trainer quiet of late, but is 12% with his older AW horses this season, so worth a market check ahead of this debut.

Form:

Forecasts

Badayel (8/15), Ghost Buy (5/1), Snow Space (5/1), Bluelion (14/1), Whistling Sands (33/1)

A race that appears to revolve around Badayel, who has shown a decent level of form, but visually does not look too willing in the closing stages. That again leaves him vulnerable to an improver and today that could be SNOW SPACE. Admittedly, Mark Johnston's gelding was a long way behind Badayel on his debut, but he should learn plenty and this drop in trip may suit him better. The market should provide the best clues with regard to newcomers Bluelion and Whistling Sands.