Verdict

It was soft ground when FIRST CONNECTION won a maiden race over 1m2f at Bath. This longer trip should not be a problem for Charlie Fellowes’ colt now handicapping and he makes more appeal than Gustav Holst. The latter has placed over 1m4f in novice company while Sonning is another upped in trip after finishing third on fast going at Leicester. In The Breeze never threatened when also placing at Leicester while Eagle Springs has yet to threaten.

Formwatch

Gustav Holst (IRE) 11-8fav (8-9) Bit keen, led until halfway, tracked leaders, renewed effort out wide pushed along over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 4th of 9, 4 3/4l behind Mr Curiosity (10-0) at Bath 1m 4f stks (4) gd in May.

First Connection (FR) 3-1 (9-5) Led, virtually made all, travelled smoothly over 2f out, niggled along over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, eased towards finish, won at Bath 1m 2f mdn stks (5) sft in May beating Mojazaffah (9-0) by 1 3/4l, 11 ran.

Sonning (IRE) 6-5fav (9-9) Chased leaders on inside, ridden to lead 1f out, headed and not pace of winner final 100 yards, lost 2nd final strides, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Classy Dame (8-11) at Leicester 1m 2f hcp (5) gf in Jun.

In The Breeze (IRE) 11-1 (9-7) Slowly into stride, soon held up in mid-division, effort over 2f out, went 3rd entering final furlong, no impression, kept on, 3rd of 12, 7l behind Chalk Stream (9-3) at Leicester 1m 2f hcp (5) gs in May.

Eagle Springs (IRE) 12-1 (9-7) Prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 14 1/2l behind Olympic Theatre (9-7) at Windsor 1m 3f hcp (5) sft in May.