3 minute read
With the scratching of anticipated favourite Your Buy, the complexion of Thursday's Patrick Enright Memorial Maiden (1100m) changes with Bomber Bel shaping as the one to beat.
Your Buy was expected to line up in Thursday's Patrick Enright Memorial Maiden (1100m) as favourite following a strong first up showing when contesting the Crown Perth 3YO Sprint (1200m)
Sitting on the speed and just weakening late behind Royal Inferno, a 1.5 length defeat in a Saturday metropolitan race looked strong form dropping back to the provincials.
The scratching of Your Buy does come as a disappointment however just 1.5 lengths behind the Stephen Rowe-trained gelding was another runner in today's Patrick Enright Memorial Maiden (1100m), Bomber Bel.
Bomber Bel resumed in the sprint after a short but encouraging one start maiden preparation where he just missed out on the prize over 1000m at Bunbury.
The Ross and Clint Price-trained gelding actually started shorter than Your Buy in the Crown Perth 3YO Sprint however ran below market expectations, three lengths off the winner in eighth.
Bomber Bel will now likely take the mantle as race favourite in the opening event on the Northam program and should get the run of the race from barrier 1.
Expect apprentice Ben Paterson to position the Bel Esprit gelding up on the speed and with that additional race fitness second run back from a spell, should record a maiden win dropping back to provincial grade.
Bomber Bel possesses a master figure of 72.
The three-year-old would have had to show marked improvement on that rating if doing battle with Your Buy this afternoon however that may not be required now.
Improvement on his last start figure though is highly likely with that added fitness and race experience under his belt.
A market watch is advised on the resuming French Consul.
The Econsul gelding was put away after his close fourth on debut at Bunbury and could be capable of firing fresh following a 1000m Pinjarra trial earlier this month.
Vonlenska and Whirling Lass have struggled to shed their maiden tags despite ample opportunity although do possess minor claims on best.
The strength of Thursday's Patrick Enright Memorial Maiden (1100m) has tapered off with the scratching of Your Buy however an above average field for this sort of race is still being assembled.
Bomber Bel looks to have the most promise out of the group though and should deliver on that this afternoon.