Saturday 6 June 2009

2:20 Musselburgh (6th June)

This is a fascinating stakes race with substantial prize money to the winner.

Most of these juveniles will have a stiff task with the likes of Archers Road setting the bar pretty high for starters. Channon's colt is such a deserving juvenile and has been impressively consistent all season. As long as he is enjoying his racing he will be in the mix once more.

I have know doubt that Capercaillie is a talented filly. She met a decent juvenile at Musselburgh last time and beat two other juveniles by a long distance. This is a tougher race and Johnston will have her primed for this contest, as there will be no hiding place here. It will be interesting to see whether she has the class of Archers Road. I get the feeling she will run a big race and Royal Ascot will be on the cards.

Dispol Keasha is very fast and will undoubtedly try to make all. She had her limitations exposed at York but that was a very good race. However, she will have a stiff task beating Archers Road if his form line with Ventura Cove is to be believed.

Reignier won well at Musselburgh last time and has a very sturdy look about him. There is little doubt Burke's juvenile has to improve a good deal to match the performances of the leading contenders although it isn't beyond the possibilities that he can.

Archers Road sets the standard with Capercaillie a potential class filly and Reignier a dark horse.

A watching race.

Race review: 'A good contest and an exciting winner in Capercaillie. Mark Johnston has trained may a decent filly and you can't help but imagine this prospect is at the forefront of his mind. An impressive winner with high claims for Royal Ascot. Reignier ran a brave race in second and certainly proved he is a capable juvenile. Dancing Freddy deserves respect for this effort to take third. Archers Road was slightly hampered from the start and being drawn wide and with the weight penalty it was a step too far, but still a fair performance. He will probably have a well earned rest.'