John & Margaret McCluskey Memorial Celebrations EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)

Off time: 18:25 | Winning time: 58.66s

(1)

Utmost Respect²⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-7| J: O J Orr| T: R A Fahey

1/4

Showed promise when second of 6 in a novice race at York on debut (11/4), finishing with a flourish after trouble in running. Seventh of 23 in a listed race at Ascot (10/1) 24 days ago, running to a similar level despite the step up in grade. Clear standout in this maiden and should be difficult to beat.

Form: 27

(3)

Wonderful Friend²¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-7| J: Connor Beasley| T: E Bethell

4/1

Sixth of 8 in 5f novice at Nottingham on debut (10/1), missed the break and raced off the pace. Fourth of 7 in 5f novice at Redcar (10/1) 21 days ago, slowly into stride and made effort 2f out but couldn't quicken. Still learning the game and likely to show more with experience.

Form: 64

(4)

U Heat^t³⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Rhys Elliott⁽⁵⁾| T: N Wilson

200/1

Has shown very little in two starts, most recently when seventh of 7 in seller at Musselburgh (150/1) 35 days ago with tongue strap.

Form: 07

(2)

Victaz¹¹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: A Mullen| T: I Jardine

14/1

Ran green on debut at this course and distance, then finished fourth of 4 in maiden at Musselburgh (9/1) 11 days ago showing similar modest form. Still learning and may need further than 5f to show improvement.

Form: 44

Forecasts

Utmost Respect (1/4), Wonderful Friend (4/1), Victaz (14/1), U Heat (200/1)

UTMOST RESPECT has shown significant promise, finishing second on debut at York before running to a similar level in listed company at Ascot. He's the clear standout in this maiden. Wonderful Friend is lightly-raced and could show more with experience. Victaz has shown modest form in two starts and may need further.