Tuesday 7 April 2009

2:00 Nottingham (8th April)

Only one race today - a novice stakes event.

Star Rover will be trying to make it two out of two but has to defy a seven pound penalty for his easy Kempton win. This stocky colt by Camacho won well on debut and must run a big race at prohibitive odds. Evans was victorious with She's A Shaw Thing last season; but that filly disappointed thereafter. Black Daddy and Red Avalanche were behind Star Rover on debut and need to make giant strides to narrow such margin of defeat. The latter, trained by P.Cole, was clueless that day. This colt by Verglas will improve with racing but may appreciate further than this minimum trip. Black Daddy has ground to make up with the favourite but this colt is a lovely stamp of a horse and simply didn't handle the turning course of Kempton. It wouldn't be a surprise to see this colt run a much better race today. In addition, it is intriguing to see horses from Burke, Channon & Ryan taking part in a stakes race on debut. Clearly these juveniles have much to prove however this may be a reflection of better things to come.

Star Rover will take some beating but stakes races are rarely straightforward affairs.

A watching race.

Race review: 'Star Rover did well to defy the penalty for winning on debut and this was a nice performance. Evans reported that the Lily Agnes, at Chester, may be his next stop. Red Avalanche ran a much better race today: fast away, always challenging for the lead and looking for a stride or two that he may go on to win. This grey is tall and needs time to fill such a big frame but that certainly didn't hinder his performance today. Gillburg, trained by K.Ryan, ran on well toward the line and this was a promising run on debut. Corporal Maddox was very well backed from 9/1 (Betfair) returning 11/4 sp. After a slow start this good, strong colt ran on giving some encouragement.'