The unexposed Mairise will relish the step up in trip in the 5.00 at York today and rates a max bet at 11/4.
Sir Michael Stoute’s charge is from the same family as the top class Notnowcato showed signs of ability in three quick maidens runs at the end of last year, most notably when a keeping on fifth to the now 104-rated Western Hymn over a mile at Kempton.
He chased the leaders that day until being caught flat flooted when the pace quickend two from home before keeping on again to be beaten 8 lengths.
The son of Athorised was then gelded over the winter and was a massive eye-catcher when finishing fourth of 11 to Thurayaat on his handicap debut over 1m 2f at Yarmouth last month.
After being held-up in touch, Mairise found himself in a poor position three from home and trapped in a pocket at the leaders kicked for home.
Ryan Moore had to sit and suffer and after deciding against going for a run between horses, pulled out Mairise to make a challenge down the outside.
The three-year-old then stayed on strongly to be beaten just 1 1/4 lengths, but depsite gaining hand over first at the line was never going to get there.
There is no doubt in my mind that he was by far the best horse in the race and should have won granted better luck in running, and it was an effort which suggested he was ahead of his mark and a winner waiting to happen.
Although he has been put up 2lb for that run to a mark of 72, that should be more than exploitable – especially now upped to 1m 4f.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 10pts win Mairise (11/4 Coral – BOG)