Smarkets EBF Novice Stakes

Off time: 18:57 | Winning time: 1m 22.64s

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(5)

Keep It Country Tv⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Paddy Bradley⁽⁵⁾| T: P Phelan

66/1

Archipenko half-brother to 2-y-o 6f winner Nikozia, but picked up very cheaply, and well held in a couple of novices at Lingfield on AW/turf. No appeal here.

Form: 96

(1)

Majestic Mac¹⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: P Cosgrave| T: H Morrison

14/1

Cape Cross colt who cost 40,000gns as a yearling. Some speed on the dam's side, but he looked one for the longer term when down the field on debut at Windsor.

Form: 9

(3)

Mendoza¹⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: S De Sousa| T: B J Meehan| OR: 80| BF

1/2

Third on all three starts to date, including in Woodcote Stakes at Epsom. Beaten favourite at Ascot tackling 7f last time, but showed improved form in defeat, and should go very close in a race lacking depth.

Form: 333

(4)

Royal Big Night¹³

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 78

11/4

Stepped up on earlier efforts when second of 7 to Loch Ness Monster in maiden at Nottingham last time, and pulled 5L ahead of the third. Holds every chance on that form, and may yet do better.

Form: 442

(6)

Time Trialist³⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: Charlie Bennett⁽³⁾| T: P Phelan

66/1

Footstepsinthesand gelding from a yard not known for success with juveniles. Well held after a tardy start at Windsor on debut, and still likely to need the experience here. Hood he wore there left off now.

Form: 0

(2)

Bella Vita

Age: 2| Weight: 8-11| J: Charles Bishop| T: Eve Johnson Houghton

8/1

Full-sister to 1¼m-1½m winner Champagne Rules from an excellent family. Worth a market check on debut, although would need to be well above average to make a winning debut.

Form:

Forecasts

Mendoza (1/2), Royal Big Night (11/4), Bella Vita (8/1), Majestic Mac (14/1), Keep It Country Tv (66/1), Time Trialist (66/1)

Newcomer Bella Vita hails from a fine family, and merits a market check on debut, bit it would be no surprise if this boiled down to a match between Mendoza and ROYAL BIG NIGHT, with the latter perhaps open to a little more improvement given the pattern of his performances to date.