chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden halfway, headway and hung right over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace
towards rear and outpaced, soon ridden, stayed on from over 1f out
chased leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, one pace
in touch, ridden halfway, soon outpaced, stayed on well to take 2nd towards finish
outpaced towards rear, ridden halfway, headway over 1f out, hung right and led entering final furlong, kept on well
prominent, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
As ever the betting market will be a good guide in the maiden, but Ballycroy Boy showed plenty of zest on his debut and is selected ahead of Eager Diva and Elijah Pepper. Scottish-trained hope, Primo Heights, is another that is speedily bred and is also worth bearing in mind - even though she appears to have the worst of the draw. Elijah Pepper is related to winners in the States and represents a shrewd yard. The market will be informative where he is concerned. Eager Diva, at $45,000, was the most expensive at the sales and makes appeal as a long-term prospect on pedigree. Her trainer, Kevin Ryan, looks to be hitting the ground running for the turf season and this daughter of More Than Ready is one to seriously bear in mind. However, Ballycroy Boy, who was well backed for his introduction, is likely to be a lot sharper with a run behind him. The son of Captain Rio (a champion juvenile) showed a likeable attitude at Southwell and is fancied to use that as a platform to launch himself to winning ways today.
Ballycroy Boy (IRE) 8-1 (8-9) Soon outpaced, switched right after 1f, headway approaching final furlong, stayed on, nearest finish, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Baytown Blaze (8-4) at Southwell 5f 2yo mdn auc (6) fbs.
Elijah Pepper (USA) Crafty Prospector colt, half-brother to winning milers One Dove & Too Brilliant.
Guertino (IRE) Choisir colt out of a lightly-raced mare.
Howards Way Bertolini gelding out of an unraced mare.
Limestone Lujain colt out of a moderate racemare.
Maracana Boy (IRE) Captain Rio colt, half-brother to numerous winners from 6f-7f & over hurdles.
Straight (IRE) King Charlemagne colt, half-brother to winning sprinter Sarasota & winning hurdler Sympatique.
Eager Diva (USA) More Than Ready filly, half-sister to 6f winner Organ Pipe.
Primo Heights Primo Valentino filly, half-sister to winners up to 1m and over hurdles.
Upstanding Acclamation filly, half-sister to 7f winner Up And Coming.