Haynes, Hanson & Clark Novice Stakes (Str)

Off time: 16:00 | Winning time: 1m 40.91s

(1)

King Of Cities²⁰

Age: 2| Weight: 9-8| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon

11/8

Caught the eye with how he travelled when third on debut in maiden at Newmarket (1m) and duly confirmed promise of that effort when landing 5-runner novice at Chester (7f, good to firm) 20 days ago, having no issues with the drop in trip. Sound claims with prospect of more to come.

Form: 31

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(3)

Dissident

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Rossa Ryan| T: R M Beckett

9/4

Foaled March 11. Half-brother to several winners, including very smart performer Bluestocking, 7f winner Qirat and 2-y-o 7f-8.6f winner Pomelo, both useful. Already gelded but looks the part on paper and no surprise to see him capable of playing a part.

Form:

(4)

Echalar¹⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

25/1

Makes plenty of appeal on paper and, having looked in need of experience on debut at Ascot in July, he improved a little when third of 13 in novice at Kempton (7f) 16 days ago. Can do better again but that may well come in handicaps further down the line.

Form: 63

(5)

Regal Ulixes¹⁷

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

85/40

From a very good family and he produced a highly promising first effort when third of 10 in class 2 maiden at Goodwood (1m) 17 days ago, getting gap entering final 1f and running on under hands-and-heels ride. Yard landed this 2 years ago and he appeals as the type to take a big step forward.

Form: 3

Non-Runners

(2)

Dunamase²³

Weight: 9-8| Age: 2

T: J & T Gosden J: James Doyle

Forecasts

King Of Cities (11/8), Regal Ulixes (85/40), Dissident (9/4), Dunamase (3/1), Echalar (25/1)

Often an informative contest with this year's renewal fancied to go the way of REGAL ULIXES. Andrew Balding's well-bred colt shaped with plenty of promise without being seen to best effect when third on debut at Goodwood 17 days ago and he looks sure to improve. The penalised pair, King of Cities and Dunamase, are both appealing types with claims, whilst market confidence behind newcomer Dissident would also look significant.