Verdict

VENUTIUS is only a tentative recommendation in this affair with Hold Me and Perceptive others that are likely to be noted in the market. Ed McMahon's runner was far from disgraced in an above average Chepstow maiden and if any of the newcomers are not up to scratch, he can make race sharpness count. Hold Me is related to a number of American winners that include sprinters as well as middle-distance performers. Henry Cecil's record with fillies speaks for itself. Perceptive is a half-sister to useful middle distance filly, Phillipina. This race is a massive drop in class from the Newmarket maiden where she made her debut. Sejanus has spurned easier opportunities than this and seems fated to find at least one too good. Albacocca is a half-sister to Coat Of Honour so a mile will be very much on the short side if breeding is any guide. Reve De Mardi cost just 800 guineas at the sales despite being a sister to Hoh Majestic. The remainder have been beaten at large odds in the past and a similar scenario appears likely here. Venutius has plenty to like about him in relation to the others and can give a good account.

Formwatch

Masterful Act (USA) 50-1 (9-3) Soon pushed along in rear, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 7, 14l behind Pleasant Day (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Aug.

Reve De Mardi Cyrano De Bergerac gelding out of Dreams Forgotten.

Sejanus 9-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, not much room briefly on inside over 2f out, soon ridden and beaten, 9th of 12, 12l behind Whippers Love (9-0) at Beverley 7f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Aug.

Venutius 9-4 (8-9) Held up towards rear, keen early, pushed along briefly 6f out, headway over 3f out, soon pushed along again, hanging left 1f out, stayed on same pace to take 3rd well inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 5l behind Layline (8-9) at Chepstow 1m 2yo mdn aut (6) gs.

Winston's Lad 66-1 (8-9) In touch, pushed along over 2f out, soon lost place, 13th of 14, 12l behind Palisades Park (8-13) at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf in Jun.

Albacocca With Approval filly out of Ballymac Girl.

Ellies Image 100-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, outpaced halfway, soon behind, 10th of 15, 14l behind Siyaadah (9-0) at Redcar 7f 2yo stks (5) gf in Aug.

Gracelightening 50-1 (8-12) Mid-division, outpaced over 3f out, switched right and headway over 2f out, ridden and stayed on to go 3rd over 1f out, no impression with leading pair, 3rd of 10, 5l behind Jibrrya (9-3) at Thirsk 1m 2yo mdn (4) gd in Aug.

Hold Me Hold That Tiger filly out of Sultry Lass.

Perceptive 22-1 (8-12) Always in rear, last of 16, 22l behind Destination Aim (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn aut (4) gd in Aug.