Dark Cloud Rising
- J: Daniel Tudhope
- T: David O'Meara
- F:
- Age
- 2
- Weight
- 9st 9lbs
- Or
- -
Shaped as if needing the run when eighth on debut at York in May (race worked out well) and different proposition himself when winning 10-runner maiden at Thirsk (6f) 20 days ago. Looks sure to go on to better things and he's respected.
- Age
- 2
- Weight
- 9st 2lbs
- Or
- -
Dark Angel colt who shaped promisingly when second of 13 in novice at Redcar (6f, good to firm) on debut 36 days ago, no match for winner but nicely clear of the rest. Looks sure to improve for his powerful stable.
Defence Minister
- J: James Doyle
- T: Hamad Al Jehani
- F:
- Age
- 2
- Weight
- 9st 9lbs
- Or
- -
€210,000 breeze-up acquisition who overcame inexperience to make a winning debut in 11-runner Newmarket novice (6f) 3 weeks ago, forced to switch twice before showing very good speed to lead final 50 yds. Useful prospect on that evidence and big shout here.
Maelstrom
- J: William Buick
- T: William Haggas
- F:
- Age
- 2
- Weight
- 9st 2lbs
- Or
- -
Foaled February 7. Night of Thunder colt. Dam, 2-y-o 6f winner, half-sister to very smart winner up to 1m Audience. Noteworthy newcomer for leading yard and it would look significant if the market spoke in his favour.
Timeform Verdict 
DEFENCE MINISTER overcame obvious signs of inexperience and showed highly encouraging speed in the process when making a winning debut at Newmarket 3 weeks ago. Marking himself down as a useful prospect on that evidence, he can defy a penalty and make it 2-2. Fellow last-time-out scorer Dark Cloud Rising is another of interest, along with Arabian Angel, in an intriguing small-field affair.
Betting Forecast
9/2 Dark Cloud Rising, 7/2 Arabian Angel (Ire), 6/4 Defence Minister, 8/1 Double Rush (Ire), 7/1 Maelstrom