Dubai Duty Free Nursery (Str)

Off time: 14:56 | Winning time: 1m 27.63s

(6)

Metahorse²⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-9| J: David Egan| T: M L W Bell| OR: 86| D

5/2

Recorded successive victories in July, winning 3-runner event on nursery debut at Thirsk (7f, good, 5/6). Found it tougher when mid-field in valuable sales race at York last month (6f, good, 9/1), but could bounce back.

Form: 32110

(2)

The Parent²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-7| J: R L Moore| T: R Hannon| OR: 84

2/1

Upped in trip, showed improved form when off the mark in minor event at Goodwood (8f, good, 11/4) 3 weeks ago, proving game as he made most. Has to be taken seriously on his first start in a nursery.

Form: 431

(5)

Strawberry Belle²⁰

Age: 2| Weight: 9-0| J: Louis Steward| T: P Owens| OR: 77

4/1

In the frame all 4 starts, exceeding expectations when fourth of 18 in valuable sales contest (28/1) at Newmarket (6f, good to soft) 20 days ago. Can give another good account on nursery bow with 7f sure to suit.

Form: 3324

(4)

Surely Not⁵⁰

Age: 2| Weight: 8-12| J: Hollie Doyle| T: D J S Ffrench Davis| OR: 75| D

10/3

Showed benefit of first outing when winning Lingfield maiden (7f, AW) in June. Lesser effort next time but caught the eye when third on nursery debut at the Goodwood Festival (7f, good to firm, 28/1). Major player.

Form: 8173

(3)

Haughty³⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 8-8| J: David Probert| T: A King| OR: 71

40/1

Having progressed gradually in maidens she finished last of 3 on nursery bow at Doncaster (8f, firm, 7/1) a month ago. However, the race wasn't run to suit so she's worth another chance.

Form: 7223

(1)

Dream Of Mischief²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 8-7| J: L Morris| T: Mrs A J Perrett| OR: 70

22/1

Got back to something like his debut form when fifth of 7 in minor event at Newmarket (7f, good to soft, 80/1) 21 days ago. Improvement needed as he makes his handicap debut.

Form: 705

Forecasts

The Parent (2/1), Metahorse (5/2), Surely Not (10/3), Strawberry Belle (4/1), Dream Of Mischief (22/1), Haughty (40/1)

A competitive-looking event, with preference for SURELY NOT who caught the eye when finishing best from widest of all on his nursery debut at the Goodwood Festival. He can build on that effort to get the better of handicap debutant The Parent, with Strawberry Belle completing the shortlist.