Sunday 18 July 2010

2:10 Redcar

Only one two-year-old race today - an EBF maiden over 7f.

Not the easiest of races to measure the form of some of these juveniles.

Next Edition, from the Howard Johnson stable, has run well on both starts over 7f, racing over course and distance on debut. A bay gelding by Antonius Pius, he is quite a leggy sort and a touch on the weak side although a durable juvenile on his first two efforts. The form of the debut run is solid and a similar performance should be seen today.

Residence And Spa is an attractive gelding by Dubai Destination and a progressive horse. Easterby's representative ran well last time at Musselburgh and wasn't pressed when his chance of winning had gone. Polar Kite, who finished second, has since gone on to win. Being third in such a small field, it is difficult to know how true a run race that was at Musselburgh, although this youngster owned by Jim McGrath was fancied in the betting. Connections will no doubt by trying their best today and Residence And Spa has to be respected.

Mrs D J Sanderson has done well with her small string of two-year-olds and knows a winner when she sees one. Piccoluck ran a respectable debut at Newcastle when a clear second. It will be interesting to see whether this step up to 7f suits. Money for this stable is a significant sign and the general level of form is fair.

Ollon is an expensive breeze-up purchase at 75,000gns. An American-bred colt by Mr Greeley this distance should not pose a problem and it could be significant that this two-year-old has been well backed on the exchanges considering Fahey trained the third (Goldenveil) who finished on the heels of Next Edition, so they may have a form line with the likely favourite. Fahey has fair win and place claims on debut and his juveniles are usually fit and ready to run a big race. Owners, Keep Racing, formerly had runners with Karl Burke, also have the consistent Tepmokea with their new handler. Certainly one of the most interesting candidates, especially if starting favourite.