The progressive Quay Item has come up against two very smart performers in each of his two outings to date, and acquitted himself very creditably against them. Making his debut at Ballindenisk, he finished the race out strongly to take the third position in the dying strides in a race that was won by the top-priced gelding from the point-to-point fields last season to be sold at public auction, with the £400,000 seller Minella Premier. He stepped forward from it on his return this season at Curraghmore, where he showed great battling qualities in what looked to be a strong maiden. Running right to the line, he came through to take the second position, and ensuring that he now looks to be close to a maiden success of his own right.