Summerghand's half-brother among newcomers in Nottingham maiden worth a watch

Nottingham maidens are invariably worth keeping a close eye on and the opening two-year-old heat on Tuesday looks no exception.

Eight have been declared for the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (1.10), six of whom are newcomers.

Neptune Legend makes his debut for the Hugo Palmer team, with champion jockey Oisin Murphy in the saddle.

Offered by breeder Airlie Stud at last year’s Goffs Orby yearling sale, the hammer came down at £350,000 in favour of Avenue Bloodstock.

The colt runs in the silks of KK Ho and is a son of Invincible Spirit out of Xaar mare Kate The Great. The dam has also produced the admirable Summerghand and fellow Group 3 winner Eastern Impact, and Neptune Legend will have his supporters.

So too will Top Exhibit, who debuts for the powerful Archie Watson yard, with Hollie Doyle in the saddle.

The colt was bred by Biddestone Stud and was snapped up by Blandford Bloodstock at last year’s Tattersalls October Book 1 sale for 130,000gns.

He will wear the colours of Salem Rashid bin Ghadayer at Nottingham and is a son of Showcasing out of Trade Fair mare Must Be Me, who is a half-sister to none other than Mohaather - by Showcasing himself - and also Prize Exhibit, a six-time winner, including at Grade 2 level at Santa Anita, and likewise by Showcasing.

Another making his debut is Night Of Thunder’s son Noisy Night, for owner Saeed Jaber, trainer Roger Charlton and jockey Jason Watson.

Out of Lycius mare Ya Hajar, he was bred by Rabbah Bloodstock and is a half-brother to no fewer than seven winners.

The two who have experience will be tough opponents for the newcomers. Highland Reel’s son Highland Premiere was a fair fourth on his debut at Ripon, while Starspangledbanner’s son Tyson was floored by just a neck on his second start at Doncaster.

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