Pace & Draw Angles:
Likely an even-to-strong pace, with several unexposed fillies from forward-going families. Draw looks neutral at Newbury over 6f on quick ground, but low numbers often find a smoother run if pace develops centre-to-far side.
Strongest Contenders
Tarot (Roger Varian) – Proven / Progressive
- RPR 95 on debut, shaping well behind a smart type.
- Strong pedigree: dam related to Inspiral, plenty of depth.
- Will relish 6f again on fast ground, likely fitter for debut.
- Clear form pick.
Chicory (Ed Walker) – Promising
- Ran well (RPR 70) on debut at Windsor, weakening late.
- Family suggests improvement with experience.
- Yard’s juveniles usually step forward second run.
Stormy Music (Andrew Balding) – Promising
- Well-bred (dam Group 3-winning sprinter).
- By Night Of Thunder, progeny often improve with racing.
- Stable/jockey in hot form; debut effort expected.
Zen Diva (Ralph Beckett) – Promising on breeding
- 120,000gns yearling, half-sister to Shouldvebeenaring (Group 3).
- First run, but pedigree screams 6f class.
- Trainer has excellent record in juvenile maidens at Newbury.
Main Dangers
Back To Black (William Haggas) – Proven family, disappointing debut
- Big pedigree (full sister to Dr Zempf, RPR 116).
- Flopped on debut but clearly expected (SP 7/2).
- Haggas often improves them plenty second time out.
Splish Splash (Eve Johnson Houghton) – Pedigree angle
- By Wootton Bassett out of G1 Moyglare winner Skitter Scatter.
- No experience, but dam was a high-class juvenile.
- Market vibes important.
Others
- Kilkenny Warrior (Hughes/Buick) – RPR 48 on debut at Glorious Goodwood (soft/heavy), bred for better ground, but needs major step up.
- Mojito (Hannon) – Nice pedigree (Palace Pier filly), dam a sprinter, related to 100+ rated types. Watch market on debut.
- Crafty Blue (Hannon) – By Space Blues, from sprinting family. Needs experience but not ruled out.
- Bessie Wallis (Menuisier) – Nicely bred, first foal, dam was a useful sprinter; trainer’s 2yos often improve from debut.
- I’Mnotinlove (Cole) – Stamina-laden pedigree, looks more a 7f/1m project than a sharp 6f juvenile.
Runner Scores
- Tarot – 9/10 clear form horse, likely winner if repeating debut.
- Chicory – 7.5/10 strong second-run profile.
- Zen Diva – 7.5/10 big on breeding, unknown quantity.
- Stormy Music – 7/10 likely improver, strong yard/jockey combo.
- Back To Black – 7/10 could bounce back, pedigree huge.
- Splish Splash – 6.5/10 fascinating pedigree, first-time risk.
- Mojito – 6/10 potential but only breeding evidence.
- Crafty Blue – 6/10 could be above average, stable’s second string.
- Kilkenny Warrior – 5/10 excuses on debut, better ground may help.
- Bessie Wallis – 5/10 needs experience, not ruled out.
- I’Mnotinlove – 4/10 looks long-term.
Private Tissue (fair odds)
- Tarot 2/1
- Chicory 5/1
- Zen Diva 6/1
- Stormy Music 6/1
- Back To Black 7/1
- Splish Splash 8/1
- Mojito 12/1
- Crafty Blue 12/1
- Kilkenny Warrior 16/1
- Bessie Wallis 20/1
- I’Mnotinlove 33/1
Summary
This looks a well-above-average Newbury maiden with depth in pedigrees. Tarot sets the standard on form and should prove tough to beat. The dangers come from Chicory (likely improver) and the two very well-bred debutantes Zen Diva and Stormy Music. Back To Black is worth forgiving one poor debut. Market signals will be crucial for the unraced fillies.
Smart Play:
- Win bet – Tarot (solid debut, strong form, ideal setup).
- Each-way saver – Zen Diva (big pedigree, likely forward type from strong yard).
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