A restricted maiden auction race and many cheap purchases.
Avonvalley is one of those juveniles that could be a very good bet or a very bad one. On debut at Bath she walked out of the stalls and took an age to get into her stride and then flew home in the last half furlong to look a shade unlucky. The form of that race is looking more unstable by the day and she needs to have looked every bit as impressive as she did at the finish to have a chance here. Perhaps it was inexperience that caused the problems that day and today will see a perfect start and a handy position. However, it is possible this filly by Avonbridge may find herself chasing the field after another tardy start and that would be a big concern.
French Connexion didn't have much go right at Lingfield earlier in the season. Stan Moore seemed to indicate that she was the better of his two and considering the other lost out in a photo this may be a sign of encouragement. Her chance was ruined by running extremely wide on the final bend and then running on towards the line. Two juveniles have subsequently run well from that race (Patteresa Girl & My Mandy) but both of these were very inexperienced on debut and the Lingfield race may be limited. In addition, French Connexion has been entered for a selling race which really doesn't bring about enthusiasm.
Of the many unraced Avon River has been entered for a stakes race, however, Moore was originally booked to ride Desert Auction at the five-day declaration stage. This may be a negative. Time Lord has also been entered to run in a stakes race although the jockey booking looks slightly unusual. Tom Dascombe has done well with the few two-year-olds he has run so far and must be respected. He is certainly capable of winning on debut and money would be significant.
This looks a tricky race and I wouldn't like to imagine who might win. Avonvalley will have her followers and may have a decent opportunity in a very limited race. Her success or failure will probably be decided by her start.
A watching race.
Dolly Will Do (NR)
Race review: 'Raine's Cross made an impressive debut for the Winkworth team. Travelling a few lengths off the lead, this handsome colt cruised to an easy win in the final furlong after receiving a couple of cracks of the whip by Jim Crowley. Backed from decent odds and vying for favouritism by the off, this may have not been the most competitive of races but he could do no more than win in style. Avonvalley knew her job today and started like a professional which, ironically, may have been her undoing. She wouldn't have beaten the winner whatever tactics today, however, being ridden with more restraint would help display a stronger finish next time. Saunders' filly should find an auction maiden in the near future. Of the rest, Toga Tiger ran adequately from a high draw although this wasn't a strong contest and many will struggle if they race outside this race type.'
