A compact field of eight juvenile fillies lines up for this Listed contest, and while it may not be one of the strongest renewals in recent years, it looks an informative race with several progressive types taking their first serious step into Pattern company.

Aperoll sets the standard

Richard Hannon’s Aperoll deserves favouritism on established form after finishing a close third in a Royal Ascot Listed race over 7f. She made much of the running that day, was only headed inside the final furlong and was beaten less than a length. That is comfortably the strongest piece of form in the field and gives her a deserved edge on current achievements.

Her Newbury maiden success beforehand was straightforward rather than spectacular, but the Ascot performance suggests she has already reached a level that many of these still have to prove.

Bayside View looks the danger

The biggest threat could come from Bayside View, whose profile is built more on potential than proven Pattern form.

After finishing an unlucky second on debut at Doncaster, she dominated a strong Newbury novice from the front, making all and pulling five lengths clear without coming off the bridle. The visual impression was excellent and there is every reason to believe she has more improvement to come.

If she is allowed to dictate matters again, she could prove very difficult to pass.

Tall Trees appeals as the value

Among the remainder, Tall Trees makes the most appeal. She has improved with every run, shaped with credit in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot before finishing a close second in a competitive Class 2 maiden at Newmarket.

She remains a maiden, but her recent form gives her a solid platform and she looks capable of picking up black type.

Others have questions to answer

Celestia arrives after winning a Carlisle maiden and remains open to improvement, although she still needs to find several pounds with the principals.

War Banner is the unknown quantity. She showed plenty of determination to win on debut at Newmarket and could take a sizeable step forward, but the form of that race is difficult to assess.

Lady Caroline Lamb and Grey Tamam are both progressive fillies who should appreciate this trip, but each requires a significant leap in form to become serious contenders.

Guadalevin has been consistent in novice company without suggesting she is ready for Listed level.

Verdict

This looks a race likely to revolve around Aperoll and Bayside View. Aperoll has the strongest established form and deserves favouritism, but Bayside View produced the most visually impressive novice performance in the field and may still have the greater upside.

Tall Trees rates as the best each-way alternative if the race develops into a true test.

Private performance ratings

Horse| Rating
Aperoll| 101
Bayside View| 99
Tall Trees| 92
Celestia| 91
War Banner| 88
Lady Caroline Lamb| 88
Grey Tamam| 85
Guadalevin| 83

Prediction

1. Bayside View
2. Aperoll
3. Tall Trees
4. Celestia