Thursday 11 June 2009

3:15 Sandown (12th June)

One of the first two-year-old races to be run over 7f, on softening ground.

Bikini Babe will be of interest here. This filly was well backed on debut at Newcastle and touched short odds in-running before stopping in her stride. You can only imagine she went too fast that day and paid the price with a disappointing effort. This step up to 7f will probably suit on breeding, however this will be a test of restraint rather than speed and that is something of an unknown. Johnston is a very talented trainer and he wouldn't have entered this juvenile for the Woodcote Listed race or the Moyglare Group 1 at the Curragh for the fun of it and a big run should be expected. If you can get decent odds early on the exchanges it is well worth having a bet, but at shorter odd, which is probably the case, it isn't so appealing. A lovely, strong filly with lots of scope for improvement.

Dubawi Phantom was a short price on debut but had a disasterous start and was always struggling thereafter. Simcock's charge may be better suited to this step up in distance, but has something to prove. Money for this juvenile would give added interest.

Of the unraced Mass Rally would be of interest if fancied in the betting. Gosden's juveniles are finally turning the corner and I can see this stable having a few two-year-old winner in the next few weeks.

This is all about Bikini Babe.

Race review: 'A striking performance from Bikini Babe who ran a much better race here. Always going well, she led from start to finish to win by a wide margin. This filly has a touch of class and will no doubt be going on to better things.'