14:30 Ascot

Friday 1 October 2021

All13:5514:3015:0515:4016:1516:50

Troy Asset Management Novice Stakes

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 2m 42.05s

(5)

Independence³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Thomas Greatrex⁽³⁾| T: B Barr

100/1

Is a fair bumper winner but has shown just modest form on both Flat outings. Up against it.

Form: 53

(2)

The Swagman⁶⁶⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-8| J: Charles Bishop| T: S DurackWS

66/1

Fair bumper winner who showed a similar level of form over hurdles. Off 22 months ahead of this Flat debut and looks best watched. Had wind op.

Form:

(3)

Bartzella¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 80| BF

3/1

Well-bred filly who made the perfect start in 9-runner maiden at Goodwood (9.9f) in August, looking a strong stayer. Failed to progress at Thirsk but she's worth another chance to improve.

Form: 13

(6)

Kingsofthemidlands¹⁴⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: S De Sousa| T: A M Balding| BF

2/1

€600,000 yearling, Kingman colt who made an encouraging start when fifth of 11 in 1m maiden at Newmarket. Proved a disappointment at Chester next time but he's worth another chance back from a break.

Form: 54

(1)

Without Envy

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding

11/1

Lope De Vega gelding. Half-brother to French winner up to 1½m Purple Light and another winner abroad.

Form:

(4)

Country Pyle¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: M Dwyer| T: W Muir & C Grassick| OR: 79

9/4

Fairly useful filly who was run down by Barzella at Goodwood before putting it up to a pair of good prospects at Leceister (10f) 11 days ago. Will stay 1½m and remains with potential.

Form: 233

(7)

Nell The Thief⁵⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: Oisin Murphy| T: E Walker

6/1

Zoffany filly who was clued up and ran to a fair level when fifth of 11 in 1½m novice at Kempton on debut in August. May do better.

Form: 5

Forecasts

Kingsofthemidlands (2/1), Country Pyle (9/4), Bartzella (3/1), Nell The Thief (6/1), Without Envy (11/1), The Swagman (66/1), Independence (100/1)

BARTZELLA was underwhelming at Thirsk but she's worth another chance to improve given both her pedigree and the impression she created at Goodwood on her debut. Kingsofthemidlands is another who can't be written off back from a break, especially as his debut has worked out well. Country Pyle remains with potential now stepping up to 1½m and looks the other key player.