Timeform View: 20:49 Juvenile

Timeform Race Comments / Timeform / 06 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

A different calibre of American juveniles from the earlier turf event and they should have the edge over the Europeans, with undefeated Lookin At Lucky the centre of attention, but his form possibly isn't so strong as that of D'funnybone, who's also the better drawn. Among a host of potential improvers, Aikenite appeals to sneak into the placings.

Alfred Nobel: Can look awkward but completed hat-trick at home in Ireland culminating in the Group 1 Phoenix, but development has stalled since, albeit first home on his side in the Tattersalls Timeform Million at Newmarket latest. Trip and surface are unknown issues.

Piscitelli : Sole success came in a mere maiden and shortcomings exposed in better company, fifth behind Noble's Promise at Keeneland last time. Out of depth.

Beethoven: Regularly tried and failed at the top level until first-time headgear transformed him in the Dewhurst. Tricky customer, unsure to take to the different scenario, and visor may not work so well a second time either.

Noble's Promise: Cheaply bought but hasn't looked back since debut and hat-trick secured in the Grade 1 Futurity at Keeneland, hanging on to beat Aikenite. Tough, handy sort, able to race prominently, but may lack the class of some.

D'funnybone : Form has really taken off since joining current stable and looked something special with back-to-back Grade 2 wins by combined total of 15 lengths. Bred to stay this extra distance, fairly drawn for an attacking ride and the one to beat, provided he's as effective on the pro-ride as dirt.

Pulsion : Improvement on his part when second but no match for Lookin At Lucky in Grade 1 over this course/distance last month, and no envisaging a turnaround here.

Vale Of York: Several pounds shy of the best British-trained juveniles, and beaten into second when seeking an easier Group 1 opportunity in Italy 4 weeks ago, but, looking for positives, there is some American blood in his pedigree, so he may respond to the artificial surface.

Eskendereya: Relatively untried and untested but full of potential, as highlighted by his runaway success at Belmont (non-graded event). Could be anything, but this is a big ask for one so inexperienced.

Aikenite : Closely matched with Noble's Promise (strong-finishing second to him at Keeneland), and arguably has the more potential after just the 3 starts, improving in leaps each time. Better case for him on paper than stable-companion Eskendereya.

Aspire: Ahead of Aikenite when the pair were placed in Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga but no progress from him since, albeit hampered briefly when third last time. Again dependent on luck from stall 10 and bit to find on form, anyway.

Radiohead: Won 5f Norfolk at Royal Ascot and belatedly back on track when runner-up in Group 1 Middle Park (6f) at Newmarket last month, but looks all speed and no chance of lasting this trip.

William's Kitten: Late-closer who has come up short in graded company in between low-level wins.

Lookin At Lucky: Leading West Coast two-year-old, unbeaten in 3 starts including 2 Grade 1s, latest over this course/distance (beat Pulsion) when he had more up his sleeve, idling in front. Looks top class, but will need to be to win this from the widest draw.