What does add some weight to expectations is the yard sending Tribe out. James Ferguson trains out of Newmarket, the heartland of British flat racing, and his operation has been in fine form — 28 winners already this season is a healthy tally that tells you this is not a struggling stable sending out hopefuls and hoping for the best. When Ferguson's two-year-olds debut, they tend to arrive having been properly prepared.
Debut races for young horses are always a leap into the unknown. Some take to it immediately; others need the experience before they find their feet. With no previous races to judge Tribe on, the breeding and the strength of the trainer's season are the only clues on offer. They are not bad clues to have.