Racecards
16:25 Ascot
European Breeders Fund Maiden Stakes (Class D) (Class D)
- 6 Runners
- Distance: 7f
- Going: Good to Firm, Good in places
- Age 2
- Weight 9-0
- Trainer Mrs A Perrett
- Jockey Johnny Murtagh
slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace
- Form 333
- Age 2
- Weight 9-0
- Trainer M R Channon
- Jockey Ted Durcan
prominent, ridden and every chance 1f out, not quicken
- Age 2
- Weight 9-0
- Trainer R Hannon
- Jockey Richard Hughes
held up behind leaders, smooth headway 2f out, led just over 1f out, quickened clear, pushed out
- Age 2
- Weight 9-0
- Trainer A M Balding
- Jockey M Dwyer
slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong
- Age 2
- Weight 9-0
went right start, disputed lead, ridden and headed well over 1f out, weakened
- Form 02
- Age 2
- Weight 9-0
- Trainer C & M Johnston
- Jockey R Hills
disputed lead, ridden and headed just over 1f out, kept on same pace
In depth
Verdict
Capable Guest's third in the Coventry Stakes reads very well in the context of this race and a repeat effort would surely see Mick Channon's colt too good for his rivals, with Takhmin likely to emerge the most serious pursuer. Capable Guest stepped up on a couple of maiden outings with a marked improvement as a 33/1 chance, to finish just over two lengths down on Iceman in the Coventry, and has not been seen since. Channon was quoted as saying that the colt has been crying out for seven furlongs and today he gets his chance over that trip for the first time. This looks the day for him to break that duck. Takhmin will need a similar improvement in form to that of Capable Guest if he is to take a close hand in proceedings. Beaten by Sir Anthony at Thirsk last time, he stepped up on his debut effort and he should be up to going better still here, but will probably not be good enough. Of those on debut, Andrew Balding's Regal Attire is bred to go well at this trip at two, and any market confidence would be a boost to his chance, but we will stick with Capable Guest, whose time has come.