One For Brad Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

Off time: 19:46 | Winning time: 1m 39.73s

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(6)

Melfet¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-11| J: Benoit D L Sayette⁽³⁾| T: J & T Gosden| D

4/5

Overcame some signs of inexperience to impressively get off the mark despite a 9-month absence in 14-runner novice at Kempton (8f) a fortnight ago, quickening clear entering final 1f. In top hands, and is open to further progress.

Form: 5-1

(2)

Poker Face¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-11| J: Harry Burns⁽³⁾| T: S & E Crisford| D

5/2

95,000 gns yearling, Fastnet Rock gelding who knew what was required to make a winning start in 10-runner maiden at Pontefract (8f, good) on debut 15 days ago, leading over 1f out. Sure to have more to offer for a yard who have enjoyed an excellent September.

Form: 1

(4)

Alnilam^p1¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: D Tudhope| T: C Appleby

5/1

260,000 gns yearling, Sea The Stars gelding who is bred to be smart and showed ability when 7½ lengths third of 14 to Melfet in novice (9/2) at Kempton (8f) on debut a fortnight ago. Progress anticipated despite the cheekpieces being quickly reached for.

Form: 3

(1)

Topomania¹³⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: P J McDonald| T: James Horton| BF

9/1

Encouraging start when chasing home a more experienced rival at Newcastle in April and matched that form a fortnight later when second of 12 in maiden at Carlisle (6.9f, soft), clear of rest. Not seen since but remains an exciting prospect for his up-and-coming yard.

Form: 22

(5)

Capparis¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Cam Hardie| T: R A Fahey

200/1

Twice-raced maiden. Ran to a similar level as on debut after 13 months off when 11 lengths fifth of 10 to Poker Face in maiden at Pontefract (8f, good, 50/1) 15 days ago.

Form: 0-5

(3)

Zarabanda

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Jason Watson| T: D O'Meara

125/1

4,000 gns 3-y-o, Teofilo filly. Dam, 2-y-o 6f winner, half-sister to British/Irish 1000 Guineas winner (stayed 10.5f) Finsceal Beo. This a tough first assignment.

Form:

Forecasts

Melfet (4/5), Poker Face (5/2), Alnilam (5/1), Topomania (9/1), Zarabanda (125/1), Capparis (200/1)

Plenty of promise on show but the vote goes to MELFET, who looked a useful prospect when defying a 9-month absence at Kempton a fortnight ago and John & Thady Gosden's colt looks destined for bigger and better things. He can get the better of Poker Face, who knew what was required to make a winning start at Pontefract earlier this month and looks sure to have more to offer. The returning Topomania completes the shortlist.