A maiden for colts and fillies over 5f. (28th April)
Experience can count a lot around this turning track and those to have run have shown some promise.
Little Miss Take took time to understand what was needed on debut here but finished very well after a couple of reminders. The form of that race is difficult to assess and being a restricted auction it is wise to be careful at this time of year. The fact that Kingscote has been booked to ride Lenjawi Pride is certainly a pointer and if the more fancied of the two runners would indicate a lively hope. Dascombe has not sent out a decent two-year-old at present but it is only a matter of time before a talented youngster is seen. At a relatively short price, Dascombe has a very good win rate on debut.
Richard Hannon has to be respected with his two-year-olds although being in such spectacular early form a number of his runners have been under priced. Money is the key to many of theirs and a weakness in the betting can often detail a negative. Bahceli is well owned and cost £48,000.
Mark Johnston is starting to race a few of his youngsters and he is a very talented trainer with a great deal of depth in his string. He often takes a while to test the water with his early season juveniles. Jibaal a bay colt by Acclamation cost £62,000 and owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum. Johnston's horses are often fancied in the betting with just about half of all his representatives starting at 13/2 & less on debut. It often seems the case that he doesn't train many out-and-out 5f types and this colt may appreciate further. A difficult trainer to assess on debut - they either seem to win with ease or struggle a long way out.
Another trainer firing on all cylinders is Richard Fahey. Mr Optimistic could be ready to run a big race on debut and Fahey's juveniles have respectable place averages. Certainly one to consider with the stable in such good form.
Hortensia was well backed on debut and it is encouraging to see this filly has been entered to run in the Phoenix Stakes (Group1). She didn't deliver no more than a fair run on debut although Channon seems to struggle to get his juveniles to win at the first time of asking. His two-year-olds are much more likely to win on their second start and often improve a good deal for that initial experience. It wouldn't be a surprise to see this daughter of Holy Roman Emperor show more ability today.
Not the easiest races to assess with form lines open to question and a number of talented trainers with representatives. The betting will give a good indicator to the chances of Lenjawi Pride while Hortensia may be better than she looks.
A watching race.
Other races:
2:10 Ascot