Wednesday 19 May 2010

2:00 Goodwood

A fillies' maiden over 6f

Richard Hannon is having an enviable season with his youngsters and many winning on debut. Memory, a daughter of Danehill Dancer and purchased for 72,000gns is certainly one to note. Her trainer has a fair win rate at the course and fancied in the betting. In recent years, Hannon has trained a number of two-year-olds for Highclere Thoroughbred Racing and many have improved for the experience. Clearly the shorter the the price the more likely this one will be fit and ready. However, it is worth noting this trend.

Elkmait comes from a stable that is in good form with its two-year-olds. Brittain had a debutant win the other evening at Windsor and should have a fair line to this filly. His general win rate on debut isn't that impressive although juveniles which are fancied in the betting on debut often have ability.

Another debutant worth noting is Apazine, trained by John Gosden. This daughter of Storm Cat cost $190,000 and must be respected. Gosden has a fair win and place statistics with his fancied juveniles but he can often be rather hit and miss early season with juveniles owned by H R H Princess Haya of Jordan. It is probably a good sign running at this course and there is no doubting the ability of this trainer to unearth very talented two-year-olds.

Vow Of Silence was one of three juveniles entered to run in this race by Mahmood Al Zarooni (all had Ajtebi booked to ride). As a first-season trainer, it is still early days to understand the workings of Zarooni. However, he will have his share of winners and already looks to have a nice prospect in Ahtoug. The betting is a good indicator of this ones chances.

Of those with experience it is worth keeping an eye on Sheila's Star. This filly missed the break terribly at Lingfield on debut when well backed and made up an impressive amount of ground in the final two furlongs. Moore's two-year-olds can improve a good deal for the experience and this step up to 6f will be to her advantage. This daughter of Hurricane Run has a fluent running style and she could make that initial experience count against those making their racecourse bow.