Sunday 5 April 2009

4:40 Wolverhampton (6th April)

This median auction maiden features a number of juveniles with form. None of these look the greatest performers with Alphacino and Vilnius showing an element of ability on debut. Kevin Ryan has done well with his juveniles and Zaskia wouldn't have to be the greatest to figure here. However, being a filly against the colts and running on a turning track on debut means she will need to be forward and hold a handy position from the start. The two most interesting horses for me are Bond Together and Eight Hours. They both ran in the Brocklesby with a nose separating the pair and neither had much luck that day. With the Brocklesby form holding up, these two colts are certainly capable of better than we have seen. Eight Hours had the disadvantage of a low draw and suffered interference on at least two occasions before running on well. Bond Together was very slow away, then made up an impressive amount of ground to challenge the lead against the far side group before being eased down when his chance had gone. Evans has done well with his juveniles this season and it wouldn't be a surprise to hear connections expected much better in the Brocklesby. From a low draw, this well balanced colt will probably try to make all.

A watching race.

Race review: The Brocklesby form continues to pinpoint winners with Eight Hours taking this auction maiden with a bit to spare. Bond Together seemed to run in snatches and then put down a bold challenge in the final furlong but couldn't catch the Fahey-trained colt, Eight Hours, who physically rather overshadowed the Evans charge. The two readily outpaced the third in what looks to be an average race. The winner should progress with racing and the runner-up may find a small race.'


2.20 Windsor

It's not too much of a surprise to see the betting tissue indicate this will be a three-horse race between Bell, Hannon & Hills. Red Jazz, trained by Hills, cost 95,000eur and owned by R. J. Arculli who has had many classy two-year-olds in his care, including Red Clubs. This juvenile was entered to run in the Brocklesby stakes which the stable sent out Swilly Ferry to finish third. In time, this Johannesburg colt may well appreciate further than the minimum trip. This comment could go for the Bell-trained colt Thomas Baines who's similarly sired. Connections will be hoping for a better run than Farmer Giles displayed on debut at Leicester when disappointing at short odds that day. Flap Jack, one off three fillies in the race, is a relatively cheap purchase at 10,000gbp by sweet-toothed owner Des Anderson (his string has consisted of juveniles named Cake, Doughnut & Victoria Sponge). Hannon does well at Windsor and this filly will no doubt have her supporters. Racing against the colts makes her task all the more difficult and Hughes always gives the juveniles a caring ride on debut.

A watching race.

Race review: An impressive win by Red Jazz. The opposition looked pretty thin on the ground with Bell's Thomas Baines proving very inexperienced and Hannon's Flap Jack drifting markedly in the betting and showing little ability today. Iver Bridge Lad made an encouraging debut although this looked a race where no one turned up. Time will tell whether that is true however it would be foolish to knock the performance of Red Jazz. This handsome colt has the potential to be a decent juvenile. He certainly enjoyed his day at Windsor winning in a manner which suggests he didn't realise he was in a race.'