Juvenile Watch: Winners in waiting plus a tip for Sandown on Friday

The Curragh played host to a pair of Group races on Saturday, but I’d be suspicious of both as form lines as we move forward into the season. 

The Group Three Jebel Ali Racecourse And Stables Anglesey Stakes was dominated by Robson Aguiar, and his lesser fancied contender, Ballinea Star, grittily repelled the persistent challenge of the more fancied Immortal Guard.

The big disappointment of the race was odds-on favourite Confucius; he’d finished sixth in the Coventry and failed to build on that here. I’ll oppose any and all of these in Group races until the end of the season. 

Later on the card, the Group Two Airlie Stud Stakes was won by odds-on favourite Sun Goddess in a style that I’ve seen described by many as ‘cosy’. I’m not so sure, and the fast-finishing Green Empress, who had finished five lengths behind Sun Goddess last time out, was closing in taking style to be beaten just half-a length. I think there is every chance she could reverse this form if they were to meet for a third time, particularly if facing an extra furlong. 

The best performance of the week came on Sunday at the Curragh in the opening GAIN Equine Nutrition Irish EBF Fillies Maiden. ALPHA had shaped well on her debut at Leopardstown when a slow start left her with lots to do, and she duly took a sizeable step forward here. Breaking smartly, she was able to control the tempo of the race under Ryan Moore and on a sounder surface, she showed a smart turn of foot to readily draw clear of her rivals. 

A daughter of Sea The Stars out of Irish 1000 Guineas winner Alpha Centauri, she’s got a pedigree that strongly suggests she’ll improve with time, and even a bit more distance. The Debutante and the Moyglare - both at this track - are obvious targets, and I’d be loathed to oppose her in either. 

Mysterious Times (Charlie Appleby) 

Endured a luckless passage when making his second start at Newmarket. He jumped and travelled sweetly for the first furlong before some minor scrimmaging seemingly lit him up, meaning he over-raced, just as he had done on his debut. He then lacked racing room at a crucial time and was forced to switch twice, meaning the post came just a stride too soon. He’s progressing and should have no trouble landing a novice event next time. 

Sexy Chick (Richard Spencer) 

Showed immaturity when pulling too hard through the early stages of her debut at Newmarket before then taking a while to hit top gear when asked. This debut came in a small -ield affair and, granted a bigger field plus a more honest gallop, she should be able to go one better next time. 

The unbeaten Adonius demands plenty of respect here, given his talented trainer chose to bypass Royal Ascot in order to arrive here fresh. However, his three wins have been centred on raw pace, and this track will demand a slightly different skill set. 

My preference would be for SOCIAL SYMBOL. He was one of my eye-catchers of the week when finding himself disadvantaged in the Norfolk Stakes before running home strongly into fourth. If enjoying more luck in running, he might have too much for Adonius in the closing stages.