Saturday 16 October 2010

Saturday's Thoughts

2:25 Newmarket
Dubai Dewhurst Stakes (Group1)
One of the most exciting two-year-old races to be seen in many a decade and a privilege to see such talents competing. Not a betting race - but a race for the purist. I respect the achievement of all these juveniles and it will be a pleasure to watch this superb race.

4:00 Catterick
A restricted auction over 7f. Not too many with live chances. Tasfeya sets the standard after two capable efforts and wasn't overly pressed last time at Wolverhampton in a race that has been franked. Johnston does well at Catterick with a good strike rate and from a fair draw (7) this son of Haafhd is likely to go from the front and could be hard to catch. Snow Ridge - owned by Cheveley Park Stud - is difficult to assess but ran much better at Wolverhampton behind the easy winner Opera Dancer. A strong-looking colt by Iceman, his performance that day could be marked up a length or two as he ran about four-horses wide for all of the race, and from a high draw, which initially caused the problem. Sanders was trying pretty hard, giving the impression connections expected a big run and Snow Ridge held every chance until being outpaced in the final two furlongs by talented juveniles for that level. The only horse Sir Mark Prescott has sent to the course - and his two-year-olds have been in fine form of late - this bay colt could have fair place claims. An out-and-out galloper rather than a speed merchant, he may struggle to keeps up with Tasfeya but an interesting contender. Candy's Girl seemed to be held in some regard by connections but hasn't lived up to expectations yet. One of two fillies in the line-up, she didn't look the most enthusiastic type at Epsom. Perhaps this extra furlong will bring about improvement. A juvenile with a few question marks and one I would rather watch than bet.

8:30 Wolverhampton
Tendy Lady should run a big race, stepping-up to 1m1f(103y). Sir Mark Prescott is in good form with his two-year-olds and this filly ran in quite a competitive race last time at Wolverhampton.


Today's races:
2:15 Catterick
2:25 Newmarket
4:00 Catterick
4:15 Newmarket
4:35 Catterick
8:30 Wolverhampton