There is very little for backers to go on here with only Top Bid of the six runners lining up to have raced previously and, on ground that he is not certain to suit, Tim Easterby's colt looks worth taking on with a chance taken on Whiffle, who is preferred to Orpen Prince. The selection is trained by Mark Johnston, who does not have many first time out two-year-old winners but, being by soft ground influence Red Ransom, there is every chance that she will handle today's conditions better than her rivals and she is marginally preferred to Orpen Prince. Kevin Ryan's juveniles have been in flying form this term so the son of Orpen, who should also handle the ground, has to be respected under Neil Callan. Kerrin McEvoy is an interesting booking for the John Jenkins-trained Billy Red, while Slipasearcher makes limited appeal on pedigree on this ground. That is not the case with Whiffle though and she gets the vote.
Billy Red Dr Fong colt out of 5f winner Liberty Bound.
Invincible Force (IRE) Invincible Spirit gelding, half-brother to winners up to 1m2f and over hurdles.
Orpen Prince (IRE) Orpen colt, half-brother to several winners up to 2m1f including the smart Lady Upstage.
Top Bid 12-1 (9-3) With leaders far side, not quicken over 1f out, 4th of 17, 4 1/2l behind Vital Equine (9-3) at Newcastle 6f 2yo mdn aut (6) gd.
Slipasearcher (IRE) Danetime filly out of 5f winner Imperialist.
Whiffle (USA) Red Ransom filly out of Whist, half-sister to winners up to 1m.
