Longines Irish Champions Weekend 10th-11th September EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:21 | Winning time: 1m 25.62s

(4)

Berkshire Phantom²⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-7| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding

9/4

Promise both starts, second of 12 in novice event at Ascot (7f, firm) 29 days ago. Should improve as he gains experience.

Form: 42

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(5)

Circle of Fire

Age: 2| Weight: 9-7| J: R Kingscote| T: Sir Michael Stoute

15/2

Foaled January 28. Almanzor colt. Half-brother to smart 7f-9f winner Evening Sun and 2-y-o 7f winner Flarepath. Dam 1½m winner. Has to command respect on debut.

Form:

(3)

Gozo

Age: 2| Weight: 9-7| J: P J McDonald| T: Ian Williams

33/1

Foaled April 5. €11,500 foal, €54,000 yearling, 105,000 gns 2-y-o, Cotai Glory gelding. Half-brother to 3 winners, including useful winner up to 7f Comino. Dam once-raced half-sister to smart 7f winner Tombelaine.

Form:

(2)

King's Code

Age: 2| Weight: 9-7| J: S Hitchcott| T: R Hannon

22/1

Foaled March 29. Saxon Warrior colt. Half-brother to useful 1¼m-1½m winner Ply and 1½m-2m winner Polish. Dam 1¼m-1½m winner.

Form:

(6)

Supreme King¹²

Age: 2| Weight: 9-7| J: P J Dobbs| T: R Hannon

4/6

Runner-up on debut and better form when occupying same spot in 18-runner maiden (11/2) at Goodwood (6f, good to firm) 12 days ago. Sets a solid standard.

Form: 22

(1)

Valdai⁷⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-7| J: J P Fahy| T: C G Cox

22/1

Blinkered when sixth of 8 in novice event at Bath (5f, good) on debut 79 days ago, hampered and given a considerate ride after. Significantly up in trip.

Form: 6

Forecasts

Supreme King (4/6), Berkshire Phantom (9/4), Circle of Fire (15/2), Valdai (22/1), King's Code (22/1), Gozo (33/1)

SUPREME KING sets a pretty good standard on his runner-up effort in a well-run maiden at Goodwood and a repeat of that form may well enable him to go one place better. Berkshire Phantom is open to progress and is second choice, for all Circle of Fire is a well-bred newcomer representing a top yard.