Menzies Meander EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (Bands B-D) (EBF Restricted Qual') (GBB/IRE Incentive)

70,000euros yearling; second foal; closely related to 6f 2yo winner French Affair (RPR 78); dam a modest four-race maiden (64); stable has very modest strike-rate with first-time-out 2yos.

Well-bred colt who was close third of four in slowly run contest at Haydock (7f, good to soft; 11-10f) a fortnight ago; that form is tricky to evaluate but, if his pedigree is a guide, a stronger pace over this trip ought to show him in a better light.

Second of five on last month's debut at Bath (5.7f, firm) and not beaten far when last of four (just behind Time For The Moon) in another slowly run contest at Haydock (7f, good to soft) a fortnight ago; no surprise if he's on the premises again here.

Half-brother to fair middle-distance handicapper Lethal Touch and dual 1m winner Vondelpark; dam unraced half-sister to three useful winners; already gelded; stable not known for 2yo winners.

Soundly beaten over 5f on first two starts but her recent sixth at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) was much more encouraging; further progress will almost certainly be required here, though.