Ben And Mary Hibbert Memorial Novice Stakes

Off time: 16:02 | Winning time: 2m 17.45s

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Selected odds by:

(1)

Subjectivity²⁶¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: M Appleby

66/1

Half-brother to four winners, mainly over trips shorter than this, and although he showed a modicum of promise on only start at Southwell last September, looks one more for handicaps further down the line.

Form: 5-

(2)

Herculean⁵³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: H & R Charlton| BF

1/6

Brother to Group 3 winner Fair Eva, and has already shown a level of ability himself, having won on debut at Nottingham and then better again at Newmarket last time. Good chance of scoring again, with the step up in trip likely to be beneficial.

Form: 1-2

(3)

Bunker Hill Lad²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: A Mullen| T: M Appleby

100/1

Sent off big prices both starts and although not disgraced at Beverley last time, needs this run for a handicap mark, where he will have a more realistic chance of success.

Form: 05

(4)

Jumping Cats¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: T P Queally| T: C F Wall

50/1

Half-brother to the useful stayer Swivel, and judged on his two efforts so far he too looks like he needs more of a trip than this' (has been a little one paced). Track will suit though, and may pick up some minor money here.

Form: 65

(5)

Recordman²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: G Lee| T: S bin Suroor

7/2

Half-brother to the yard's useful Memorial Day, a winner from 1m-1m4f, and although he's only shown fair form in two starts it's early days and he should improve. Looks one of the dangers to Herculean, with conditions no issue.

Form: 63

(6)

Mayfair Secret

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: P J McDonald| T: C & M Johnston

12/1

Not cheap at €380,000 from Arqana yearling sales back in 2016, but only makes debut today. Closely related to useful Normandy Eagle, likely to want further in time but should be decent on pedigree. Market likely to tell us what's expected.

Form:

Forecasts

Herculean (1/6), Recordman (7/2), Mayfair Secret (12/1), Jumping Cats (50/1), Subjectivity (66/1), Bunker Hill Lad (100/1)

Mayfair Secret is of some interest on her debut, as she wasn't a cheap purchase and she has the pedigree to be useful, but having not been seen on a racecourse until now, it rather suggests she's needed plenty of time. As such, HERCULEAN looks the one to beat. He has only had the one outing himself this year but sets a decent standard on it, and looks sure to win more. Recordman looks a potential improver and should be involved for the places.