Wednesday 17 June 2009

2:10 Ripon (18th June)

A maiden for colts and fillies over 6f.

A number of form horses competing here where many have something to prove after disappointing efforts on their last starts.

Saucy Girl ran a very encouraging race on debut here and then went off a leading fancy at Musselburgh to be beaten by two talented juveniles in Dispol Keasha and Ventura Cove. Many would have considered this to be a disappointing effort because that is what it looked at the time. However, Saucy Girl, the only filly in the race, may have run her race that day. On the plus side, this better ground will suit. A difficult juvenile to assess.

Il Forno is a strong-looking horse and he showed good speed after being slowly away at Haydock. The form of that race has given mixed signals and I would be cautious about the form.

Another to have disappointed last time was Danzoe. He seemingly ran a great race at Leicester and then trailed home a long way behind at Newcastle. I wander if there was a track bias that day as those over the far side rail seemed to be struggling compared to those running down the middle. Perhaps at decent odds it may be worth giving Donovan's juvenile another chance although I would be tempted to watch today.

Crushing was well backed on debut at Ripon and ran a fair race but more is needed. This step up to 6f may help.

Stan Moore's Great Intrigue is an interesting runner here because the race he contested at Newbury could well turn out to be very good. A breeze-up purchase for 50,000gns, this bay colt could well run a fair race at a price.

Mark Johnston's First Instance should be respected although it is never easy to win on debut.

Of the rest, My One Weakness was entered to run in the Brian Yeardly stakes race while Sam Jicaro has been entered to run in a selling/claiming race.

This looks a very confusing race and care should be taken betting here. I would want a price just to start.

A watching race.

Race review: 'Danzoe ran a much better race today after seeming to fail on the softer ground at Newcastle. The time here suggests that the ground is on the soft side so I still wonder if his poor running was to do with the draw bias that day. Time will tell, but I would keep an eye on those who looked disappointing at Newcastle that day as they may be better than they look. Not much else got into this: Crushing plugged on for second and My One Weakness rallied for third. Il Forno showed speed but looks weak and Saucy Girl has regressed to the extreme. An easy winner of a poor race.'