Friday 22 May 2009

2:45 Beverley (23rd May)

A sizeable median action maiden for colts and fillies over 5f where the draw will play its part.

Three form horses will be fancied in the betting although all have less than ideal draws (if the best ground is on the far rail).

Pinnacle Lad has plenty of pace and may try to gain an early lead and gain a favourable position against a number of debutantes. I have slight reservations about this colt finishing his race and another problem is that the form of Ripon may be limited. I wasn't impressed how easily Novay Essjay was outpaced when stepping up to stakes race and 6f. I think Spearing's juvenile will get a lead and do well to hold on.

I quite like Orpen Arms and Rio Caribe. They both ran well on their last starts and the form of those two contests looks pretty decent for auction level. The former juvenile trained by Fahey will appreciate this stiffer test and no doubt be running on well at the finish. This remark goes for Rio Caribe who struggled to go the pace at Doncaster before running on very well after looking a lost cause for most of that race. Walford's gelding, as does Fahey's, has a poor draw in stall two and it is a difficult one to contemplate. I have no doubt that Rio Caribe will be outpaced by Spearing's juvenile. I am not keen on betting in-running but I can see this runner being a much bigger price mid-race and he will run on at the death. Whether he can beat the draw is another thing. Interesting.

Of the unraced, My One Weakness was entered to run in the Brian Yeardley but takes this easier option.

Mon Brav was entered in the Brocklesby and has taken all this time to appear on course after, presumably, having a problem. Carroll recently had a very easy winner although he rarely wins on debut.

The draw is a quandary. This should go to one of the form horses and I feel Spearing' Pinnacle Lad will try to make all and probably fail. I would go for the Fahey and Walford pair although the draw is far from ideal.

A watching race.

Race review: 'An average auction maiden won by a debutant, Mon Brav. Carroll (trainer) has a decent two-year-old in the stable with Whozthecat and this juvenile looks to have a chance of going on as it's not easy task to win at the first time of asking. Pinnacle Lad ran a decent race and has plenty of speed to burn. Over a quick 5f he should have a chance of winning a race. Orpen Arms wasn't helped by the draw but seemed to be held, although, in truth, there isn't much between the form horses. Rio Caribe was forced to run wide from his unfavourable draw and unlike Doncaster could never quite get into the race. Walford's two-year-old really is in need of a very fast run 5f or preferably 6f to be seen at best. The form horses have just enough ability to win an auction race. Midnight Martini was particularly unlucky as she was confronted by a wall of horses in the final furlong. A decent-looking filly, she could improve a good deal from this.'