'We have the right man on board' - expert analysis and trainers' views for wide-open juvenile event

The market hasn't placed much stock in trainer trends for this valuable sales race.

Aidan O’Brien is 0-6 with his runners in the last ten years, but his Camille Pissarro is still favourite. He is the highest-rated runner in the line-up but did finish behind Caburn when the pair met in the Gimcrack at York and Caburn is 4lb better off here. Caburn also raced more towards the stands’ side that time, while Camille Pissarro came up the far side, which was the place to be at York all week.

It’s hard to fancy Camille Pissarro to reverse the places on that evidence, but maybe he was below his best and will improve here. He had previously finished second in the Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh in July and a reproduction of that effort would give him a big chance, but this is a different sort of test.

William Haggas was successful with Mubtasim in 2016 and saddles Cairdeas. He has a different profile to Mubtasim, who had competed in the Gimcrack beforehand. Cairdeas has run only in novice events and needs to step up but in-form Haggas knows what is needed.

So does Richard Fahey, who won two of the first three runnings of this race in 2014 and 2015. Both of those winners were double-figure odds so, while this year's pair Moving Force and Yes I’m Mali are big prices, that suggests they aren't no-hopers.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Hugo Palmer, trainer of King Of Angels, Seagolazo, Popeye Doyle and Due To Dance
We've been paying to be in this race for so long that when you get in it you might as well have a crack. I expect the maidens Popeye Doyle and Due To Dance to step forward massively for their debuts. King Of Angels ran very well at York and he is where he is at the moment, although he has won at the track. Seagolazo has improved considerably since his gelding operation and his work in blinkers has surpassed anything he has done previously.

Jack Jones, trainer of Caburn
He's in good form. He's not long since running at York, but it was a career best and he's gone from being rated 94 to 100. We've just kept him ticking over since, but he's fairly straightforward to train and he loves his work. It's been the natural plan since York and fingers crossed he goes there with a good chance.

Oliver Cole, co-trainer of King Of Bears
He didn't have a good draw on the outside in the Richmond and he pulled too hard and he was only beaten three lengths. With a bit of cover he'd have been there or thereabouts. He showed his true colours at Newbury and we have the right man on board in Jamie Spencer. I think he'll run a big race.

Oisin Murphy, rider of Cuban Girl
She's had two starts and this is a tough field, but hopefully she can pick up some prize-money.

Richard Hannon, trainer of An Outlaw's Grace
We've always liked him, and I thought he stayed on nicely at York last time. The cheekpieces will help and the ground should be ideal. He brings some pretty strong form into the race and has a solid chance.

Ed Bethell, trainer of Intrusively
This has been the plan since the Richmond Stakes. It's very competitive but he goes there in good form and hopefully the draw's not too bad.
Reporting by Stuart Riley

Read the rest of our Thursday previews:

3.00 Doncaster: 'She could be a very good filly' - can Desert Flower extend her unbeaten run to three in the May Hill?

3.35 Doncaster: 'If she runs, she's in the form of her life' - but ground may leave last year's winner Sumo Sam vulnerable in open Park Hill

4.10 Doncaster: Well regarded and one-time 'possible Derby horse' given 'a fine opportunity' on his handicap debut