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Acomb Stakes preview

The juveniles get an early run on the Knavesmire, under rather odd conditions, not having won a race before July 10. Not sure why they should get a group race for that...?

Anyway, it's time to hand over to the juvenile expert, @twoyearoldtips, to line up the form. This preview was originally published here.

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Tattersalls Acomb Stakes
£85k Group 3
7f for 2yo which had not won a race before July 10
1430 local 2330 AEST


Adventurous- Useful Colt who brings the highest official rating into this, having finished fourth behind the impressive Shalaa in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. Looks sure to appreciate the extra furlong today and his trainer has been sensational in the Juvenile department this year. For all that it would rate as disappointing were he to prove good enough against some exciting unexposed rivals.

Bing Bang Bong- Unlucky not to be unbeaten, having met all kinds of trouble of debut at Pontefract before making no mistake in a weak maiden auction event at Newmarket on his second start. The bare form doesn't amount too much, but it is interesting that his shrewd trainer is willing to sacrifice a mark of 85 to run here [the 50k Nursery later in the card was an attractive alternative] Could offer a bit of value and not ruled out.

Cymric- Expensive son of Kittens Joy who made his debut in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. He predictably found that too tough a task before striking on his second start at Sandown. He was perhaps fortunate to win that day [the runner up was wildly unlucky] and will need another step forward if he is to take this.

Dream Mover- Expensive breeze up purchase who took a Nottingham maiden on his second start in taking fashion under today's jockey. The owners don't often swim in waters too deep and his entries in the Mill Reef and the Dewhurst need noting. Looks overs in the market and could be capable of running into the frame.

Humphrey Bogart- Improved for the step up the seven furlongs when winning a Doncaster maiden last time. That form has been let down since and he is likely to need a mile plus sooner rather than later. Makes minimal appeal in such a deep event.

Jaadu- Beat a useful rival in a deep Goodwood Nursery last time, but that was off a mark of 71 and he looks to be flying too high here.

Kentuckyconnection- Was very well backed on debut and duly made no mistake when easing to a near three length victory at Redcar. Knew his job that day [was a 60k breeze up purchase] and was found a weak maiden in which to land a touch. A seventh furlong should be in his favour, but he needs a big leap in performance from first to second start if he is to contend here.

Lieutenant General- Aidan O'Brien raider who is disputing for market supremacy. He took four attempts to break the maiden and doesn't appear to be one of Coolmores leading lights. That is why he heads here and he needs to be taken on at the prices against a strong home challenge.

Mohab- Exciting son of Sir Percy who was well touted on debut over course and distance when finishing third as a short-priced favourite. Was a bit green that day but looked far more professional when waltzing in by eight lengths on his 2nd start at Catterick. His trainer often targets this race with his better juveniles and nominated this as the target straight after that facile win. He looks a colt full of potential and should be bang there at the finish.

Recorder- Bred in the purple and announced himself as a colt with a future with a debut full of promise at Newbury. He finished hard on the steel that day and with a better run would have almost certainly prevailed. He was much more streetwise on his second run when taking a useful Newmarket maiden in soft ground. The booking of Frankie Dettori is eye-catching and everything points to a big run.

Verdict- An intriguing renewal in which no less than nine of the ten participants arrive here on the back of a victory. The two to concentrate on appear to be Recorder and Mohab, with slight preference for the latter who appeals a fraction more for the here and now. He was well found on the market on debut and made no mistake second up when bolting up by a wide margin at Catterick. His trainer is not adverse to running his top juveniles here and everything is geared to a big display. Recorder is well respected under Dettori and he appeals as the one to take out of the race going forward. Of the rest Big Bang Bong makes some appeal, with his shrewd trainer willing to sacrifice a favourable handicap mark by pointing here. Dream Mover is another to consider

1 Mohab
2 Recorder
3 Dream Mover

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