Wetherby - Monday 2nd June 2025
VLAD shaped with promise to fill the runner-up spot at Newmarket on debut last month and he would have learned a great deal from that experience. He could have any amount of improvement to come and will prove hard to beat. His main threat might be Magic Stone, who changed hands for 30,000 pounds and is a brother to Stone Of Destiny. Daizen is another to keep an eye on.
COTAI BELLE took a sizeable step forward from her first to second start when only beaten a length into second at Thirsk last month, and she could have plenty more to offer. Mehmas Air Force occupied the runner-up berth at Bath last month and would be foolish to dismiss, while any market confidence behind newcomer Game Striker would be interesting.
LADY MARIKO produced the best effort of her career when finishing second at Nottingham in April and has since changed hands for 25,000gns. The daughter of Kameko makes her first start for the in-form Dylan Cunha stable and can gain her first career triumph. Clasina finished a fair third over this distance at Ayr on her latest outing and needs considering, while Sixteen One is another to watch out for.
It could be worth forgiving HOMELAND's latest run where he trailed home after stumbling early on, and might be better judged on his Redcar second the time before. Upped in trip here, he could surprise them all if he returns to his best. Three On Thursday showed improved form when third at Lingfield and she might go well on her handicap debut, while Coverbridge is noted going back up in trip.
Golden Rainbow was only beaten half a length off 1lb lower last month and, with Kaiya Fraser claiming 3lb in the saddle, he could get involved. OPAL STORM got up to win by a short head at Carlisle despite a slow start and trouble in running, and an added 3lb from the handicapper may not be enough to stop her from following up. Papa Don't Preach is another for the shortlist.
HAMLET'S NIGHT just failed to catch the winner at Lingfield last time. That form looks stronger in hindsight, given the third has subsequently won, and the son of Invincible Spirit looks worthy of another chance. Bodorgan is another to consider arriving on the back of a promising third at Hamilton on his reappearance and first start for his new yard, while Candonomore is respected over this longer trip.
NOVAMAY returned to action with a respectable second at Ripon and that run is entitled to have brought her on. She failed to trouble the winner, who went on to land a double, but Michael Dods' charge looks on a workable mark and gets the vote. A winner at Bath last month, Hidden Verse remains in fine form and can feature again with Danny Tudhope taking over the reins, while Monticristo Boy is next best.
VLAD sets a good standard here and looks likely to improve for his promising debut. He'll be hard to beat. Expensive Rogue Supremacy is an interesting debutant and a market move for him would be significant. It isn't wise to overlook a William Haggas runner in a sm all race like this in the North and Magic Stone is clearly one to consider.
The Richard Fahey yard won the equivalent race to this last year and have a likely type in COTAI BELLE here. She progressed plenty for her debut and sets a decent standard on the form of her near miss last time. Mehmas Air Force is a big threat having been well backed when beaten last time still looking in need of the experience. Kevin Ryan's Washington Times might be the pick of the newcomers. The yard can ready them first time and the market will indicate if they have.
LADY MARIKO came in for support when beaten 1/2l at Nottingham last time. She looks well treated again at the weights and should go very close. Sixteen One is a major player with similar claims having been beaten a head in a handicap last time. Consistent, she should go well. Emily Post ran terribly when well backed last time, but had been in good form on the all-weather and lost a shoe leaving the stalls. She may bounce back.
Generally speaking handicap form is much more valuable and less flattering than down the field maiden form and QUIRKE ON PAROLE's close-up fourth in a handicap at Doncaster is persuasive here against the majority boasting hard to assess maiden and novice runs. Homeland also ran well in a handicap at Redcar on his penultimate start and could out-run his odds after disappointing last time. Finally, Himself ran well off a mark of 55 on the all-weather last time and could have a shout.
This is very tight. Papa Don't Preach went close last time at Nottingham and may gain compensation here, but preference is for OPAL STORM who quickened takingly after waiting for a gap last time and may be capable of improving. Golden Rainbow is a bit in-and-out, but travelled well when beaten 1/2l last time and if repeating that is going to go close.
There's plenty to like here about BODORGAN. Well backed when narrowly beaten on his seasonal debut he is on a fair mark and entitled to come on for that run. Hamlet's Night is on an upward curve and rates a danger. Pol Roger might also go well at a decent price. He's been in good form since a break and the conditions will suit.
A competitive handicap to close the card. It may go to Novamay who ran well on her seasonal debut and is entitled to come on a bit for that, but HIDDEN VERSE presents a more compelling case having run bang to form in his last two starts and despite a rising mark will be tough to beat. Monticristo Boy seems to have lost the plot in his last two starts for no obvious reason and could easily bounce back and go well off a good official mark.
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