Pure Mint (15:40 Ascot — Juddmonte EBF Restricted Novice Stakes, Class 2, 6f)
A two-year-old bay colt by Minzaal, trained by Simon and Ed Crisford and partnered today by James Doyle — a significant upgrade from the jockey who won on him at Ripon. Pure Mint made an immediate and striking impression on debut at Ripon on 27 July, winning a Class 4 novice by 4½ lengths at 11/10 with sectional times that earned an A++ rating — the best available mark. He showed a real turn of foot and won with plenty in reserve.
He steps up to Class 2 at Ascot today under a penalty, but connections have already entered him in the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury later this month — they clearly believe they have a colt well above this level. The draw in stall 7 is the widest in the field but at Ascot over 6f where HIGH draw advantage applies, that’s actually the best berth in the race. Good to firm conditions suit and 6f is his trip.
Verdict: Back to win — dominant debut performance, top jockey upgrade, Group 2 entries tell the story, and the draw works in his favour at Ascot. 🏇
