16:45 York

Saturday 26 August 2023

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 16:47 | Winning time: 58.65s

(11)

Alabama^b⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 98

11/2

Still a maiden but was fifth of 23 in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot before going close in listed events at Tipperary/the Curragh. Sure to be in the mix again.

Form: 34522

(4)

Cover Point¹⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: D Tudhope| T: W J Haggas

11/1

Soldier's Call colt who left debut well behind when just edged out at Musselburgh 2 weeks ago. Surely has more to offer still and not taken lightly.

Form: 02

(7)

Fast Responder⁶⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: K P De Foy

6/1

Travelled best when worn down close home starting out over 6f at Windsor and confirmed that promise when an excellent third of 23 to Big Evs in listed Windsor Castle Stakes (18/1) at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm) 66 days ago. Likely more to come starting out for new yard.

Form: 23

(3)

Markakol²⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Rossa Ryan| T: R Varian| OR: 89| D

40/1

Starspangledbanner colt who stepped up on his debut effort when winning 5f Newcastle novice but found out in better company since.

Form: 6185

(1)

Mon Na Slieve⁶⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: T Eaves| T: K A Ryan| OR: 90| CD

11/2

Exceed And Excel colt who fetched plenty at the Breeze-Ups so no surprise he knew exactly what was required to make a winning debut in C&D novice (firm, 17/2). Better than the distance beaten suggests in Norfolk at Royal Ascot since (second home on the wrong side) and remains with potential.

Form: 18

(6)

Purosangue²⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 107| D

9/4

Made an impressive racecourse bow when making all in novice at Haydock (5f, good to firm) in June and similar form when fifth in July Stakes at Newmarket. Big improvement when just failing in Group 3 at Goodwood (heavy) since and sets a clear standard on that run.

Form: 152

(9)

Sketch²³

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: M Meade| OR: 91

12/1

Looked useful when scoring by 5 lengths on 6f Newbury debut. Fast tracked to the Richmond at Goodwood (soft) 12 days later on the back of that but was well held. Worth another chance.

Form: 16

(10)

World Of Darcy^v²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 94| BF| D

18/1

Made a perfect start and some good efforts in defeat upped in grade since, including when 2½ lengths third of 10 in listed race at Deauville (5f, soft) 21 days ago. Others have more potential, however.

Form: 12043

(8)

Boardroom²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 8-11| J: Harry Russell| T: G R Oldroyd| D

28/1

Confirmed debut promise when winning 11-runner maiden at Thirsk (5f, heavy) 21 days ago but big step forward is required.

Form: 21

(2)

Make It Easy²⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 8-11| J: Connor Beasley| T: J Channon| OR: 81| D

40/1

Progressed again to get off the mark at the third attempt in a 5f Catterick maiden in July, pulling clear of a subsequent winner. Upped in grade and failed to pick up on much softer ground than previously at Goodwood since. Plenty to find.

Form: 5217

Rule 4

Rule 4 applies to all bets - deduction 15p in the pound

Non-Runners

(5)

Baheer²⁴

Weight: 9-2| Age: 2

T: R Hannon J: S M Levey

Forecasts

Purosangue (9/4), Baheer (5/1), Alabama (11/2), Mon Na Slieve (11/2), Fast Responder (6/1), Cover Point (11/1), Sketch (12/1), World Of Darcy (18/1), Boardroom (28/1), Markakol (40/1), Make It Easy (40/1)

PUROSANGUE only just failed to peg back Big Evs in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood and that is by far the best form on offer. Inquisitively and Mon Na Slieve both shaped better than the distance beaten suggests at Royal Ascot and they head the dangers.