3 minute read

Thomas Hodgson returns with two selections on Wednesday…

In the 1m ½f British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (14:15), New York Minute appeals as an alternative to the current favourite Archivist. Bought for 400,000 guineas as a yearling, the son of Wootton Bassett made a promising debut on St Leger day at Doncaster when sixth in the mile maiden. He was slowly away before being settled at the rear of the field and had any planned run interrupted with a furlong to go when carried left by favourite Scandinavia. He stayed on well to finish sixth, and it could be a race which eventually works out well in the form-book although, at this stage, only one of the top five placed horses has run again.

The ground (soft with further rain forecast on race day) is the obvious question mark, although it's unlikely that any at the head of the market will relish a stern test.

WIN – NEW YORK MINUTE – 7/2

In the fillies' equivalent, the 1m½f EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies' Stakes (14:45), it could pay to side with proven form on heavy ground. Marco Botti's Latona may not have the flashier profile of current favourite Miss Wong (a beautifully bred daughter of Study Of Man out of a Listed-winning mare), having been bought for 26,000 guineas as a yearling, but the filly did display a turn of foot on heavy ground at Leicester to pick up fourth on debut. The daughter of Holy Roman Emperor is entitled to come forward for the run and her experience in slower conditions could prove key, especially against unraced fillies.

WIN – LATONA – 8/1