A median auction maiden over 5f on heavy ground. (8th April)
These conditions are likely to make this a test and juveniles will certainly need to have plenty of stamina. A mix of colts and fillies from a number of trainers, half a dozen with form.
David Evans has started the season in a positive fashion and is represented with three juveniles. The Best Mode is an interesting runner and it may be a mistake to conclude this juvenile is second string. This grey colt by Camacho ran in the Brocklesby and although his finishing position looks somewhat disappointing he was there abouts for a number of furlongs before tiring. It is worth noting that of the three juveniles he entered for the Brocklesby two have already won and as The Best Mode was relatively fancied in the betting for his debut there may be more to come on this second start.
Molly Mylenis is presently the more fancied of the two runners on tissue prices and betting exchanges. In addition, this filly by Needwood Blade has been entered for a Stakes race which may be a positive. Clearly the fact she ran on heavy ground at Folkestone is a plus although it is difficult to assess the form. After being very slow away from the stalls she ran on with some spirit to finish upsides Calormen. It is never straightforward to assess early juvenile form, however, that didn't look the strongest of contests and it may well pay to tread carefully until the form settles.
Calormen is a difficult horse to assess as his entries give mixed signals - being entered to run in a Selling and Stakes race respectively. Perhaps the Selling entry is something of a red herring but it would concern me that his two-year-old may soon be entered at a similar level, which doesn't inspire confidence.
Sky Diamond ran in the Brocklesby Stakes, finishing a few places ahead of The Best Mode. Such an entry gives hope as the general standard of form is often quite high compared to many of these run-of-the-mill maidens. I find Given a difficult trainer to judge and his second time out statistics for juveniles at relatively short prices are moderate. I would much prefer watching this juvenile today and learn a little more.
Karl Ryan had a poor season last year and his youngsters are often relatively short priced on debut. Unknown Rebel was completely run of his feet at Kempton and didn't make any impression thereafter. It is interesting that this colt by Night Shift was entered to run in the Brocklesby as entrants from previous years have shown ability. On the face of it, this two-year-old looks poor but it wouldn't be wise to completely disregard this runner. If this colt is backed to a relatively short price it could well be significant sign. In addition, Ryan has done well with his juveniles at Leicester so there is an element of encouragement.
An intriguing race with a number of Brocklesby entrants/runners taking part in this contest. It may be wise to tread careful with Calormen and Molly Mylenis as the Folkestone race didn't look the strongest of contests although it is difficult to be conclusive at this time. It wouldn't surprise me to see The Best Mode and Unknown Rebel progress with racing and they are worth noting for betting moves. The heavy ground is an added dilemma and this is a difficult race to appreciate but interesting in its own right.