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Overview

A recognised Epsom trial, this Listed contest has previously launched Derby runners and winners, with Aidan O’Brien saddling three of the last ten winners. Run over 1m3½f on a sharp, turning track, the race can test tactical speed as much as stamina. This year’s field of seven includes a typically well-bred set of unexposed colts, and the race could hinge on how the early pace unfolds, with a weak pace forecast likely favouring the handier runners.

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Leading Contenders

PUPPET MASTER (113p) – Aidan O’Brien | J: Ryan Moore
Progressive last year, winning a maiden at Galway by 4 lengths. He shaped well in the Ballysax on reappearance, finishing fourth when short of room in the straight. His Timeform rating is the highest in the field (113p), and he remains open to significant improvement over this trip. Ryan Moore keeps the ride, and O’Brien has won this race three times since 2015. With his proven Listed-level form and excuses last time, he’s the one to beat.

STAY TRUE (107p) – Aidan O’Brien | J: Richard Kingscote
Made a striking debut when winning a Leopardstown maiden comfortably, shaping like a colt with above-average ability. He’s bred to stay middle distances (by Galileo out of a 6f winner), and the visual impression on debut was strong. Given O’Brien’s past success in this race, he commands respect despite inexperience. TFR of 107p suggests he could easily improve past most of these.

PRINCE OF THE SEAS (105p) – Ralph Beckett | J: Hector Crouch
Built on his 2yo maiden win with a respectable fifth in the Listed Blue Riband Trial at Epsom on seasonal return, shaping better than the bare result. He’s a Sea The Stars colt with stamina and scope. Still learning, and his 105p Timeform rating suggests he’s not far behind the principals on raw ability. Ground and trip should suit.

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Main Dangers

RAHIEBB (103p) – Roger Varian | J: Silvestre De Sousa
Improving steadily, going close last time when just caught late over 1m2f at Haydock. A son of Frankel out of a 10f winner from a strong staying family, he’ll stay this trip and could have more to come. Still needs to prove himself in this class, but the profile is upwardly mobile.

NIGHTIME DANCER (99p) – Richard Hannon | J: Sean Levey
Took a significant step forward from his debut when winning over 1m3f at Southwell last time. That was on Tapeta, but the form has worked out well enough. He’s by Ghaiyyath and should stay 1½m. Lacks the flashy pedigree of some rivals but has shown determination and scope.

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Interesting Outsiders

OUR ‘ENERY (98) – Andrew Balding | J: Jason Watson
Won a Wolverhampton novice but was put in his place by Nightime Dancer last time. Pedigree is strong, being a half-brother to smart middle-distance types, and he could yet step forward with experience. Market vibes may be informative given 34-day layoff.

ROGUE IMPACT (96) – James Owen | J: Daniel Muscutt
Only just off the mark in a Lingfield maiden last month, but did it well. Was returning from 9 months off, so open to progress. However, needs a big step up in class now and the Timeform rating leaves him with work to do.

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Trends and Trainer Notes

• Aidan O’Brien has trained three winners of this race in the last ten years, most recently United Nations (2022).
• Timeform top-rated runner has won 4 of the last 6 editions.
• Debutant maiden winners have often run well here, particularly when coming from Ballydoyle or major southern stables.
• Horses that raced prominently or sat handy have historically had an edge at this venue, especially when the pace is weak, as is forecast here.

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Conclusion

Puppet Master is clear on adjusted Timeform figures and should be sharper for his Ballysax run. If he handles the track, he sets a strong standard. Stablemate Stay True could be anything after an impressive debut and is the obvious threat. Prince of the Seas is the best of the rest on known form, while Rahiebb is a solid yardstick who could nick a place if others underperform. Keep an eye on market support for any of the longer-priced runners, particularly Rogue Impact, who shaped well after a layoff and could improve again.