Sporting Times Sri Lanka Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:37 | Winning time: 1m 35.48s

(3)

Midnight Bandit¹²

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

33/1

28/1, last of 7 in maiden at Ascot (7f, good to soft) on debut 12 days ago. Lots more is required.

Form: 7

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(5)

Montague Menace

Age: 2| Weight: 9-7| J: Jason Watson| T: A M Balding

7/1

Foaled March 18. 80,000 gns yearling, €55,000 2-y-o, Mehmas colt. Dam, 10.7f winner, half-sister to very smart winner up to 1¼m French Navy out of useful French winner up to 1¼m First Fleet. Considered newcomer for leading yard.

Form:

(4)

Morshdi

Age: 2| Weight: 9-7| J: Cieren Fallon| T: W J Haggas

10/11

Foaled March 16. Dubawi colt. Brother to useful 1m-1¼m winner Elraaed and smart 1¼m-14.5f winner Nakheel. Interesting newcomer from top stable.

Form:

(2)

Shadowmere¹⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-7| J: P Cosgrave| T: George Baker

20/1

100/1, eighth of 10 in maiden at this C&D (soft) on debut 19 days ago. Needs a major step forward.

Form: 8

(1)

Esna¹⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Charles Bishop| T: B J Meehan

13/8

Starman filly came in a promising second of 7 in maiden at this C&D (soft, 12/1) on her debut 18 days ago. Holds very good claims.

Form: 2

Forecasts

Morshdi (10/11), Esna (13/8), Montague Menace (7/1), Shadowmere (20/1), Midnight Bandit (33/1)

William Haggas has his string in great nick so it could pay to side with his Dubawi colt MORSHDI to make a winning start and thwart Esna, who shaped well when a debut runner-up over C&D and rates a big threat. Andrew Balding's debutant Montague Menace also needs considering, especially if the market vibes are positive.