Juvenile Watch: Ross Millar has a tip for the Woodcote at Epsom

Compared to last week there was less competition for the title this time around.

High King delivered a performance worthy of mention at Fairyhouse. He travelled nicely in behind the leaders on the rail and had enough tactical speed to move forward when the leader hung away from the rail on the home turn.

He moved to the front with ease and drew away for a comfortable success. He did though, swish his tail a couple of times when asked for more so this, and the fact it was his second start means the accolade this week goes elsewhere.

Wathnan Racing habitually have a strong team of juveniles and this season is no exception. ALTA REGINA, a daughter of Sioux Nation, added her name to that list with a striking debut performance over five furlongs at Lingfield on Saturday evening.

She broke smartly from a wide draw and, despite not having cover, settled well, while moving powerfully. She travelled much the best into the race before showing signs of immaturity when briefly floundering when asked to go and win her race, but under hands and heels riding, jockey Jamie Spencer got her organised and she finished exceptionally strongly to register a four-length win.

Royal Ascot is surely next. The way she ran through the line coupled with her impressive stride length – RaceiQ data had her with an 8.18m maximum stride – and her jockeys post race comment that “six furlongs won’t be a problem down the line” suggest that the six-furlong trip of the Albany might well bring out further improvement.

However, the quandary for those wanting to have an ante-post play for Royal Ascot is that the same sentiments apply to team-mate Wild Blossom, a winner over five furlongs at Carlisle on her debut.

Both will be high on my shortlist wherever they run next, but for now, the sensible play is to wait patiently until connections clarify who heads where.

SYDNEY CARTON (James Owen)

A colt with an exceptionally stout pedigree, by Ulysses out of Madame Defarge, a daughter of Motivator who has already produced two individual winners at two miles. 

He was given a patient ride on his debut at Beverley and didn’t enjoy the clearest of runs when trying to mount a challenge, before finishing well to run into third place. He’ll improve with time and distance but does look a ready-made winner over this trip of seven and a half furlongs.

COSMIC MYSTERY (Archie Watson)

Represents both a trainer and owner that are synonymous with high-class juvenile performers, yet was noticeably weak in the market ahead of her debut in the Hilary Needler at Beverley on Saturday (her yard are struggling for form at 6% for the last fourteen days).

A slow start meant the benefit of an inside stall was lost and she didn’t get the clearest passage through the contest, however once afforded some room, she did some nice late work.

She can progress from this, particularly when her yard hit their usual strong form with juveniles.

WHISPERING MOON (Richard and Peter Fahey)

Another with a stout pedigree, by Sea The Moon out of an Alderflug mare. He was given an educational ride by Oisin Orr at Thirsk on his debut. Dropped in from a wide draw over the seven-furlong trip, he was green through the turn before staying on resolutely up the home straight without ever coming under full-pressure.

There was lots to like about this performance and he’s capable of winning next time. Though with his pedigree he’s certain to improve with time and distance, and should cope with slower ground, so he may be seen to very best effect towards the end of the season.

2.05 Epsom - Oddschecker British EBF Woodcote Stakes

Possesive was a comfortable winner on his debut at York, though he did flash his tail when driven in the closing stages. If that was a sign of attitude it could well be that the unique topography of this track, in such stark contrast to York, is not to his liking.

If taking his chance in this I’ll be siding with HICKORY LAD at what I hope will be an each-way price (6-1 or bigger would appeal).

He arrives with plenty of experience and has shown good form every time, finishing strongly over five furlongs on each occasion for form figures of 212. The step up to six furlongs can bring more improvement, while his natural early speed should suit this fast test.