Interesting to see how Jame's Tate's Stylish Icon goes. This bay filly was fancied to go well at Goodwood on debut but a slow start didn't help and after showing pace dropped back to finish sixth. I'd expect this filly to show more in this banded race. Dropping back from 6f to 5f may be a positive although there is always a slight concern a horse may be outpaced. It is best to consider the trainer knows best as if they don't it doesn't give us mere mortals much hope. The major concern is a wide draw. It might not be a problem with experience on side but it is a stumbling block. From a statistical point of view, Stylish Icon has very good claims. However, these juveniles often either win or unplaced which suggests a straight win if betting. With odds about 4/1 it's a fair price if not overly generous. I'd be tempted to wait and see if this horse drifts at some point to get that little extra value.
6:20 Newcastle -
An interesting if not complicated race. Sea King steps up in distance. He's a battling type and ran a sterling race last time before paying the price for a 2f battle. An out and out galloper he may well appreciate this extended trip. I have an eye on Mark Johnston's Pons Aelius who did little on debut at Goodwood when making his debut at Class 2. It was a dire performance but I often say the worse a horse looks on debut the better they are. This colt is very well bred and may well bounce back. He was priced 9/2 on his debut and you can't imagine he was fancied in the betting for no reason. Added to that point, Johnston has given this horse a couple more Class 2 entries which suggests there is some ability. I think the betting will tell the score. If Pons Aelius has a real hope he is likely to be backed from bigger odds. I would say, if he is priced over 9/1 I would think it is a bad sign and leave well alone. Ideally, he will be substantially backed and fancied in the market. Time will tell. Unless you are betting on the exchanges I wouldn't take a punt. I will try to get double-figure odds (15) and hope the money comes. If not, I'd lay the bet and watch.
