19:00 Chelmsford City

Thursday 9 January 2020

All16:0016:3017:0017:3018:0018:3019:00

Celebrate Birthdays And Anniversaries At CCR Novice Stakes

Off time: 19:02 | Winning time: 2m 6.18s

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Selected odds by:

(8)

Arabian Moon²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: R Kingscote| T: R M Beckett| OR: 77

11/4

Respectable form figures and sets the standard for the time being. He's bred to be effective over sprint distances but has shaped as if more of a test will suit. Vulnerable to an unexposed type but this lacks strength in depth; has to be considered.

Form: 32233-

(2)

Bobby The Great²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston

16/1

Well beaten in both previous starts and yet to live up to his 170,000 gns purchase price. The Frankel colt qualifies for a handicap mark after this and might do better in that sphere later on.

Form: 76-

(6)

Bright Melody

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: A Kirby| T: C Appleby

7/4

A Godolphin-owned half-brother to a couple of modest race winners in France but his dam is Group 1 Fillies Mile winner Lyric Of Light, so there's still a lot to like on pedigree. The yard is highly respected with its newcomers; one to bear in mind.

Form:

(4)

Great Fengshui³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: J P Fahy| T: R Hannon

33/1

Got stuck in the stalls on his intended second start and that is easy to forgive. But his completed starts were ordinary affairs and the gelding already has improvement to find. The step up in trip can help.

Form: 7R6-

(7)

Papa Power

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding

12/1

Cost 190,000 gns as a yearling; he's a half-brother to 6f-1m winner Rufus King; his dam was placed in Listed race in Germany but did manage a win over 1m on the AW when with Marco Botti; will learn from the run but well worth a betting check too.

Form:

(3)

Royal Castle

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: S W Kelly| T: C Appleby

6/1

Stablemate of Bright Melody, this colt is by Dubawi and out of a mare who was only placed over 5f/6f in a light career on the dirt in the USA; his dam is a half-sister to UAE 1,000 Guineas winner Folk and UAE Oaks winner Danuta. Betting can guide.

Form:

(1)

Sea Bright⁴⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: L Morris| T: M J Attwater

66/1

Bred to appreciate middle distances and pedigree suggests he'll get better with age. However, he needs to take a big step forward on his two starts as a juvenile and makes limited appeal for the time being.

Form: 00-

(5)

To Nathaniel³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden

9/2

Appeals on pedigree and not uncommon for the yard's juveniles to come on for a run when they are introduced at the back end of the year; as was the case with this fellow last month. Probably more to come but does need a big step forward.

Form: 0-

Forecasts

Bright Melody (7/4), Arabian Moon (11/4), To Nathaniel (9/2), Royal Castle (6/1), Papa Power (12/1), Bobby The Great (16/1), Great Fengshui (33/1), Sea Bright (66/1)

Arabian Moon sets a reasonable standard and while he might have the benefit of previous experience and could be tough to overhaul if he's allowed an easy lead, BRIGHT MELODY won't need to be anything out of the ordinary to make this a winning racecourse debut. He represents powerful connections and looks a more slightly attractive betting option than his stablemate Royal Castle at this stage. Papa Power was an expensive purchase and also merits scrutiny in the betting, while Bobby The Great needs to improve great on his previous runs and looks more of a long term prospect in spite of the fact that he also had a hefty price tag as a yearling.