Betfred Blue Riband Trial (Listed)

Off time: 14:47 | Winning time: 2m 8.75s

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Selected odds by:

(1)

Arabic Legend¹⁹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 100| BF

11/2

Dubawi colt who made a winning debut in a 7f novice on the July Course. Took a big step forward despite still looking green when second to a promising sort in a listed event at Salisbury. Too bad to be true in Autumn Stakes at Newmarket final start and has since left Andrew Balding.

Form: 126-

(6)

Bellum Justum²⁰⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 92

9/1

Sea The Stars colt who got off the mark at the fourth attempt in 17-runner Newmarket maiden. Type to make a better 3-y-o (will stay) but others have achieved more.

Form: 5241-

(3)

Bur Dubai¹²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: R Kingscote| T: K P De Foy| OR: 75

100/1

Just fair form in 3 AW maidens (trained by Alice Haynes first 2 starts) and this is a very difficult ask.

Form: 343-

(4)

Chief Little Rock¹⁹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 107

4/5

Confirmed debut promise when getting up close home in 1m maiden at Leopardstown and further progress when runner-up in Beresford Stakes at the Curragh (1m) and Autumn Stakes at Newmarket next 2 starts. Step up in trip will suit on return and sets the standard.

Form: 2122-

(5)

Defiance²⁰⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: James Doyle| T: R Varian| OR: 103

10/1

Camelot colt who was value for extra when making a successful debut in 9-runner maiden at Sandown. Unable to land a blow in the Royal Lodge at Newmarket next time but it was still a step up on form. Will stay.

Form: 16-

(2)

Feigning Madness¹⁸¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: H Crouch| T: R M Beckett| OR: 93

4/1

Overcame inexperience to make a winning debut at Newbury and showed useful form when defying a penalty in what is traditionally a strong novice at Newmarket in October, again getting up close home. Potentially a smart middle-distance prospect.

Form: 11-

Forecasts

Chief Little Rock (4/5), Feigning Madness (4/1), Arabic Legend (11/2), Bellum Justum (9/1), Defiance (10/1), Bur Dubai (100/1)

CHIEF LITTLE ROCK isn't entered for the Derby but he sets a high standard for this race having finished second in the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh and Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. Feigning Madness has the makings of a smart middle-distance performer so rates a big threat, while Arabic Legend is worth another chance for his new yard.