Friday 17 April 2009

1:35 Newbury

Bar Pullyourfingerout, a field of juveniles making their debut at this grade one course. You always have to take note of two-year-old events at Newbury because it's a place where many a decent horse starts its career. Clan Piper, is the paper favourite and few trainers are more capable than John Gosden. This 100,000gns colt by Exceed And Excell is one of four horses in Gosden's care to have been entered for the Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) in Ireland. His trainer has a very good place rate with his juveniles on debut. It is wort noting that one or two of Gosden's early two-year-olds have needed their first run and certainly won't be given a hard race. With a number of large training establishments taking part this is a watching brief for me.

A watching race.

Race review: 'Tom Dascombe has another two-year-old winner and this looked a decent performer. A tall, leggy colt by Footstepsinthesand, Walkingonthemoon boldly made one small step towards what could be a glittering future. Time will tell what he may or may not achieve but he could do no more than win in confident style. Dascombe suggested a stakes race at Ascot is on the agenda. It wouldn't be the biggest surprise to hear that Royal Ascot is on the cards.'