'I think he's on a mark he can win off' - can former Sir Michael Stoute inmate make an instant impact for new stable?

They don’t come more blue-blooded than Crystal Mariner, who is by Sea The Stars out of a half-sister to top-class performers Crystal Ocean, Crystal Capella and Hillstar. Sir Michael Stoute trained them and had Crystal Mariner until September, but now Jamie Osborne trains.

Crystal Mariner was sold for 35,000gns out of the Stoute yard and has shown enough to suggest that there could be more to come for his stable judging on two starts.

He was beaten only three lengths into sixth at this course on his debut for Osborne in November, shaping better than the bare form after coming from the rear in a slowly run contest and finding trouble in running. He went on to build on that at Kempton last month.

Crystal Mariner was having his second start over this 1m4f trip and his first at the distance for this yard, so it was encouraging that he produced his third highest Racing Post Rating when beaten only a length and a half into second. The front two pulled three lengths clear.

He is only 1lb higher here and, in effect, 2lb lower with rider William Carver now able to claim his full 3lb allowance. It therefore won’t take much progress for him to go one better.

He isn’t the only one capable of improving, though, because Hebridean Nomad is having only his fourth start at the age of four for trainer Andrew Balding and is totally unexposed.

This will be his first start over this far and he has the scope to improve on his fourth over a mile and a quarter at this track last month. That was his first start after 433 days off the track.

He was beaten only three lengths that day and is down 1lb to a mark of 73, but it’s anyone’s guess whether that rating underestimates or overestimates his ability. We will find out here.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Michael Bell, trainer of True Courage
He's drawn wide and will drop in as normal. He's a multiple winner and Joe [Bradnam] got a tune out of him at Kempton a few runs back. He's not getting any younger but he looks well.

Jamie Osborne, trainer of Crystal Mariner
He looked like he was coming to win the race last time and just got beat by the winner. They were a little way clear of the pack and he's only gone up 1lb for that – I was fearing more. I think he's on a mark he can win off and the set-up of this race should suit him.

Ed Dunlop, trainer of Damascus Steel
He ran very well over two miles in the summer but last time over that trip in the final at Kempton, he didn't stay. He's done very well for us and loves the all-weather, and it will probably be his last run of the season. It's competitive enough, but he seems in good form.

Ian Williams, trainer of Gallant Lion
He's yet to show a similar level of form on the all-weather to what he's done on the turf. However, he does have a falling mark, which at some stage will become useful.
Reporting by Andrew Dietz

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