Nine two-year-olds take part.
Accento will start hot favourite here after finishing fourth on debut at Doncaster over 7f. This bay colt is a son of Elusive Quality and a homebred from Al Asayl Bloodstock Ltd. He was outpointed by the talented juvenile Sam Harry in a race where the form has been franked. This Hugo Palmer-trained two-year-old was probably expected to win on debut and a month on the sidelines should see a bold second start. It is a sign of confidence that he was entered for the Convivial Stakes, just one of two for the stable, but the highly reputed Via Serendipity was given the green light in favour and finished a creditable third. Accento isn't much of a price and probably not one of the better juveniles in the stable but will go well today.
Simon Crisford has done remarkably well since starting his training career in 2015. He can prime a horse to win on debut and Ningaloo is fancied in the betting. This January foal is a son of French sire Siyouni out of an unraced mare. This colt cost 280,000G at the yearling sales when purchased by Crisford Racing. Difficult to assess this juvenile which doesn't have any lofty entries, although that doesn't mean it doesn't have the ability to go well. The betting is key. If starting favourite it would be a confident sign. However, if second best in the market it may just be the tag that the Accento will take some beating. Still a major threat.
Qatar Man shouldn't be discounted. This American-bred son of Archarcharch is owned and bred by Mubarak Al Naemi. This horse is held in some regard and if priced 10/1 & less would have fair each-way claims.
Paul Cole isn't the powerhouse he once was with fewer numbers in his string but make no mistake he know a winner. Tuscany is owned by Mrs Fitri Hay and a relatively cheap purchase at 35,000G. This son of Poet's Voice is ridden by Martin Harley. The betting is key here. If priced 8/1 & less SP would have respectable win and place claims. If outside this betting guide, I would take a watching brief.
Conclusion: A few juveniles here which are held in regard by their trainers. Accento has valuable experience which counts for a lot although over seven furlongs there is often enough time for a true talent to shine. Accento will take some beating but I wouldn't bet at even money or odds on simply there are horses in opposition. Qatar Man has the ability and may be a live danger while Ningaloo is short in the betting. If either is seriously backed I would fear them. It may be the case Qatar Man makes a fair each-way bet if 10/1 & less. I would take a watching brief if Qatar Man and Tuscany are priced outside this betting guide, which would suggest this isn't going to be their day.