A tentative vote goes to SAN JUANITO who has shown enough in four runs to suggest he can win a race of this nature. Southwell winner Supreme Sovereign is open to improvement and probably the main danger, although Special Ghaiyyath has to put just one poor run behind him to make some appeal as well. Three newcomers from leading stables complete the picture.[Richard O'Brien]
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Quite a classy pedigree, and he overcame inexperience to make winning debut at Southwell (7f) in November, staying on from off the pace to lead close home; bred to stay at least this far; open to improvement and should go well under a penalty.
65,000euros yearling; Calyx half-brother to four winners including Blues Emperor (1m including AW; RPR 104) and Geological (prolific 6f-1m including 2yo/AW; 102); dam 6f/7.4f winner (85), out of 5f Group 3 winner; appealing pedigree; well worth monitoring in the market on debut.
42,000gns yearling; brother to 1m4f AW winner Mhajim (RPR 79), half-brother to Swedish 1m winner Secret Account; dam French 1m1f/Italian 1m2f (Listed) winner (95), closely related to Derby/St Leger runner-up Mojo Star; interesting newcomer from yard with 23% strike-rate on AW this year.
Has claims on his second at Windsor (1m, good to firm) last autumn, but he then ran poorly after making the running at Kempton three weeks later; still lightly raced and he's not without hope after six months off.
47,000euros yearling; Kodi Bear half-sister to winners Rievaulx Raver (1m including 2yo; RPR 75) and Solo Mia (Italian 1m1f/11.5f); dam unraced half-sister to 7f Group 3 winner Iveagh Gardens; represents a top stable; one of three interesting newcomers in the line-up.
