5:15 Wolverhampton
The sole two-year-old race of the day - a restricted auction maiden over the extended 7f(32y). Not the strongest of races, which is no surprise for the nature of this event. Unex Goya has been well backed on the exchanges and will go off favourite. A recent purchase from the Haggis yard, this son of Medicean is an attractive colt and ran a promising race on debut at Yarmouth. It is difficult to assess that initial start although the form of the winners and second looks no more than average. Unex Goya showed signs of inexperience with a slow start, then outpaced, before running on with some enthusiasm all too late. This bay colt will certainly appreciate this step up to 7f although it should be noted that Hills gave this youngsters a few sturdy reminders throughout the race and I can imagine connections expected a big run and if anything were caught out by the insufficient distance. George Baker will have this two-year-old primed for the new connections (M Khan, who has a number of horses with Jim Boyle). Baker has a good strike race with his fancied runners on their second start and a leading candidate although at the price there may be little value to be gained. Phase Shift - trained by William Muir - drops two furlongs in distance since an encouraging 3rd at a similar level. Whether this 7f will be a hindrance is difficult to tell but Muir doesn't waste his time keeping his two-year-olds for an all-weather campaign and although a leggy sort she should be respected. Of the rest, Georgey Girl would be of interest in substantially backed for debut. And Crossword could be the most interesting contender at a speculative price. Marco Botti's colt was very well backed on debut but showed nothing. However, money for their juveniles is generally a good sign of ability and more may be forthcoming, especially if backed today. On balance, the application of the blinkers for the first time doesn't inspire confidence but money for this son of Cape Cross would be interesting.
Today's races:
5:15 Wolverhampton