1 minute Barry Hill has another NAP of the day, from Lingfield.
4.20 GOODWOOD
British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (IRE Incentive Race) (Colts & Geldings)
NAVAL LIGHT (NAP) - 6/5
Two-year-old NAVAL LIGHT, trained by Karl Burke, has caught the eye in just two starts. He went close at Beverley in May, beaten only a length and a half, and then ran better than the result suggests in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, closing late after a sluggish start to finish midfield under James Doyle.
He's still raw, but both of those efforts over five furlongs hint that six could be the making of him. He was a 360,000-guinea breeze-up purchase and carries serious potential for the Wathnan-Burke team, who are building a strong reputation with high-class juveniles.
On pedigree, he screams speed and class. Havana Grey is one of the leading sprint sires around, and with Dandy Manalso in the mix on the dam's side, it's no surprise he's looked pacey despite his slow starts. The way he finishes his races strongly suggests he's crying out for an extra furlong.
Drawn in stall ten, Doyle will have options tactically, and if Naval Light breaks more cleanly and settles early, he could be the one finishing best. He’s hinted at a lot more ability than he’s been able to show so far. The price might be short enough, but this colt could be a cut above. Today might just be his coming-out party.
