Sunday 7 June 2009

6:50 Pontefract (8th June)

A auction maiden for fillies over 6f.

Not too many of interest here but a good opportunity for Angelena Ballerina who hasn't done much wrong in all her races. Bailey is a clever trainer and there is little doubt he has dropped to this level to try to gain a first win. A good, consistent sort, this two-year-old will run her race and be a major player.

Sibhan ran well at Yarmouth on debut and like many of Brittain's juveniles is likely to be seen to her best on second start. This step up to 6f will be to her advantage.

Midnight Martini ran well at Beverley in quite a strong race for an auction event. It is interesting that this filly for Tim Easterby ran so well as this trainer has very poor statistics for juveniles making their debut, which suggests that they are often in need of the run. In addition, this filly had no luck in running and blocked by a wall of horses in the closing stages. Angelena ballerina will be plenty enough competition for all of these juveniles but Midnight Martini is certainly an interesting runner, especially at a price.

Of the rest, Wood Fair may be of interest if backed.

Angelena Ballerina will be hard to beat but Midnight Martini should be considered, too. Quite an interesting race.

A watching race.

Race review: 'A strange race in many ways. This looked an ideal opportunity for Angelena Ballerina to win and for much of the closing stages she seemed to be doing just that until the late charge of Bubbleas trained by John Quinn. This juvenile clearly appreciated the better ground and has a pronounced running action. Shibhan made most but struggled to hold her position in the final furlong. Midnight Martini flattered to deceive as she did to some extent at Beverley. Probably no more than an average race. Time will tell.'