Saturday 13 November 2010

Saturday's Thoughts

6:20 Wolverhampton
A maiden fillies' race over the extended 7f(32y). With the betting exchanges quiet it is difficult to gain much insight regarding strength or weakness of individuals. Beso will improve a good deal from her debut over 6f at Kempton. A combination of inexperience and a too short trip saw her outpaced but there will be more to come over this 7f. A good-looking daughter of Medicean - with plenty of size and scope - she finished a real eye catcher and although difficult to assess is likely to go well. A couple of outsiders worth a second glance are Midas Moment and Jane's Legacy. The former is trained by William Muir whose juveniles often improve for their debut. This filly showed speed before tiring rapidly in the final furlong and may have needed the race. It is a positive that she once held an entry for the Fillies' Mile (Group 1) and it would be no surprise to see a decent run today. The latter trained by Reg Hollinshead was been given a Stakes entry, which indicated some promise, from a trainer who can win at big prices. It would be a sign of confidence if this home bred was backed.

6:50 Wolverhampton
The second division of the maiden. Mantatisi has strong claims in this race after a promising debut at Doncaster. Fanshawe's two-year-olds generally improve with racing - often substantially - and he has a very good strike rate with his fancied juveniles on their second start. It is a surprise to see Certral so short in the betting on the exchanges at the moment after finishing 9th on debut at Bath over 5f. Owned by the Sangster family, money often talks and Baker has a good strike rate with his fancied juveniles on their second start (13/2 & less). Whether this daughter of Iffraaj will be so strong in the market nearer the race is another thing - but if she is, it may be wise to consider connections expect a big run over this 7f. There is a query over this filly simply because I am pretty sure she was entered to run in a claiming race earlier in the season, which wouldn't on balance be the most positive reflection of ability. The market will be the best indicator to this ones chances and should be respected. Of the rest, Fairy Familiar would have place claims if backed to single-figure odds.

8:50 Wolverhampton
Halfsin is a talented colt and sets the standard for these to attain. Marco Botti must be scratching his head wondering how this son of Haafhd has not won a maiden as he clearly doesn't lack in ability. If this was a mile I would be very confident and there is nothing to say this bay colt will not appreciate this extended distance of 1m1f(103y), but it is an unknown, which is never good with a horse at short odds and for that reason it is a watching brief.

Today's races:
3:30 Lingfield
6:20 Wolverhampton
6:50 Wolverhampton
8:50 Wolverhampton