Sunday 6 June 2010

2:20 Southwell

An EBF maiden over 5f.

This looks a moderate contest.

Henrys Air was a shock 100/1 second at Wolverhampton last time when easily outpointed by Yarooh. Bridgewater's youngster had previously shown a glimmer of talent at Warwick, a race that has turned out to have some depth. This bay colt by Piccolo certainly showed good speed on his last start and similar tactics will probably be employed today. On balance, I don't think this two-year-old is particularly talented as the third - Black Moth - almost certainly improved from that debut performance to win on his next start. However, in such a poor-looking race it wouldn't be wise to consider this two-year-old will not have a leading chance although it is likely he will find one too good.

Most of the form horses don't make much appeal although they wouldn't have to find much improvement to have a chance. Waking Warrior is one to give a second chance after being quite fancied at Newcastle, a race that has found a couple of decent types in the first and second. Ryan's charge didn't achieve much of note on debut but any juvenile can struggle on their first start and if backed this runner could have more to offer. His trainer has fair statistics at the course and the jockey has featured a decent strike rate. If relatively fancied in the betting this is one to make the shortlist.

Of the debutantes, Robert Cowell's Silent Blessing is one of the more likelier types. A cheap purchase at 7,000gns, this son of Diktat is a full brother to Silent Wonder (trained by Cowell) who was quite a precocious youngster. If taking after his brother, this two-year-old could be fit and ready to run a big race on debut. Khalifa Dasmal has been a loyal owner to Cowell and they have been a successful partnership.