Hey Ben could give veteran trainer Ron Thompson a much-needed boost in the seven-runner Maiden Stakes over six furlongs of Lingfield polytrack today, under no circumstances can the likely, long-priced, outsider be discounted.
This twice-raced Sakhee’s Secret was beaten more than twenty lengths on fibresand but more than halved that deficit when dropped back to seven furlongs of Wolverhampton Tapeta, against quality rivals. On the time-handicap Hey Ben improved 19lbs!
Obviously Hey Ben, ridden both times by 5lbs apprentice, Jordan Nason, is going the right way and off what is certain to be a strongly-run race I’m hoping to witness a late surge; opposition is moderate.
Doubtless forecast-favourite KKhameela and Daydream (absent for 103 days!) will be fit, fancied and well-backed; the only newcomer comes from an unfashionable yard and so in the knowledge that ‘faint heart never wins fair lady’ I’m all set for a punt.
Have more on big price fancies, they can keep the ship floating for months and, don’t forget, all form interpretation is subjective. Thompson has endured a tough, tragic, career, he recently ‘lost’ subsequent winner Murdanova and nothing would give me more pleasure than to see the Stainforth-based veteran ‘back in the game!
Stars At Night shouldn’t be extended never mind beaten in the ‘aged’ Maiden Stakes over ten furlongs; John Gosden’s charge is clear ‘best-in’ and that before a 5lbs fillies’ allowance is considered. Pointless discussing others, third time lucky will surely be a formality.
‘Big John’ will also be expecting to land an ‘aged’ Maiden Stakes over twelve furlongs of Southwell fibresand but stamina could be at issue which is why we’re chancing ‘un-raced’ Rosette, fourth in a competitive ‘bumper’ at Ayr nine weeks ago; Alan Swinbank has booked Joe Fanning!
SELECTIONS
8.00 Hey Ben
9.00 Stars
9.10 Rosette