Strathmore Hotels Ltd Novice Stakes (GBB/GBBPlus Race)

(5)

Kissmehoneyhoney⁹²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-1| J: P Mulrennan| T: W J Haggas

4/1

Ridden positively when a game winner over 1¼m on debut at Leicester in September. Found Goodwood listed race all too much on return in May (not knocked about) and remains with plenty of potential, her dam having not coming into her own until she was aged 5-6.

Form: 1-8

(4)

Tiernan²⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-13| J: A Mullen| T: I Jardine| OR: 85| BF

6/4

Still to win but ran another cracker when collared late by an improver in 1¼m Pontefract maiden last month, the pair well clear. Longer trip fine (went close in a C&D listed race a year ago) and can surely find a race.

Form: 320-602

(2)

According To Mark^p1²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: P J McDonald| T: E Bethell| OR: 84

1/1

Much improved this year, no match for useful winner (touched off in hot handicap at Goodwood on Wednesday) in very valuable 1½m Doncaster novice last month, albeit not seen to best effect on the firm ground. Strong claims fitted with cheekpieces.

Form: 4-222

(1)

Sottsfield⁸⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: D Swift| T: S Spencer

20/1

€200,000 Sottsass colt much improved from her November debut when fourth of 5 at Chester (10.3f) on return in May, still green. Steps up further in trip and looks one for handicaps after this.

Form: 8-4

(3)

Midnight Serenade^h1

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Amie Waugh⁽³⁾| T: R M Smith

125/1

Twilight Son half-sister to 6.7f-1m winner Willy Il Coyote and 5f/6f winner Earn Your Stripes. Dam, 1½m winner, half-sister to 1m-1¼m winner Terre Neuve and winner up to 8.5f Lilbourne Eliza (both useful). Refused to enter stalls intended debut June 8. Wears hood.

Forecasts

Kissmehoneyhoney (7/4), According To Mark (15/8), Tiernan (2/1), Sottsfield (25/1), Midnight Serenade (50/1)

KISSMEHONEYHONEY wasn't seen to best effect in a listed contest on just her second start in May and remains with plenty of potential. The only winner in the field, she can get back on track down in grade. Tiernan and According To Mark can surely find races and the trio aren't easy to split in what looks a competitive novice despite the numbers.