St Michel justified a second glance for the ten-runner 2-y-o Maiden Stakes over a mile of 'soft' Leicester today and delving unearthed a 'live' hope; the debut of this Sea The Stars colt, over a similar distance at Beverley twelve days ago, certainly represented a useful effort.
A 20/1 chance, trained by Sir Mark Prescott, raised no eyebrows but St Michel tracked the leaders comfortably and kept on well in the closing stages where our nap, Column, accelerated eight lengths clear! Obviously the winner is way above average but jockey Luke Morris doubtless gave the veteran Newmarket trainer an optimistic report, hence this declaration; Prescott never rushes thoroughbreds, especially juveniles!
Obviously any one of eight newcomers could prove useful and Muroor might also benefit from the experience of a satisfactory debut but the time-handicap, and impression, suggests one of three placings will be a formality for St Michel.
The betting market should be intriguing, and informative! Running in tandem will be another eight-race programme at Musselburgh, where Rosamaria ticks plenty of boxes for the nine-runner Maiden Stakes over a mile on a 'good' surface which should be lively and make for excellent entertainment. Race-times will be interesting.
On the TH thrice-raced Rosamaria is better than William Haggas-trained Nokhada and we expect Mark Johnston's charge to be ridden with typical positivity by Joe Fanning; a 5lbs fillies' allowance is massive over such a distance for two-year-olds. It could also tilt the scales in favour of Rose Marmara half an hour later in the Maiden Stakes over five furlongs.
Eagle-eyed Richard Fahey has spotted an opportunity for this twice-raced Exceed And Excel filly, 2nd (of 14!) to Comedy Night at Nottingham thirteen days ago; solid form.
SELECTIONS
10.00 Rosamaria
10.30 Rose Marmara
12.20 St Michel