A maiden auction event over 6f consisting of colts on soft ground.
Lucky Rave and Reeds Bay ran well on debut in two divisions of a Haydock maiden where the winning times where pretty much the same. It is encouraging the ground looked to be on the softer side that day and this is potentially a drop in class. I can see these juveniles running well. The main concern being the draw, especially if they split into two groups which is likely to happen.
Arabian Pride, trained by David Simcock, was a costly purchase at £110,000gns and Jamie Spencer has superb statistics when riding for this trainer. In addition, Simcock has a impressive win and place rate with juveniles priced 13/2 and less on debut. This colt by Cadeaux Genereux has breeding to appreciate these testing conditions. His trainer has given positive comments about this juvenile in Steve Taplin's Two-Year-Olds publication. There are certainly many signs indicating a decent run, however, it will be no easy task giving experience away unless this youngster has plenty of ability.
Gold Story has been entered to run in the Brian Yeardley stakes race at Beverley and this could be significant although Ellison isn't renowned for winning on debut.
Others to note are Count Bertoni and Kaptain Kirkup. Both of these trainers are capable of winning at big odds and seem to have the knack of winning on soft ground, especially Dods (Kaptain Kirkup).
A number of interesting juveniles contesting this race. The draw and soft ground make assessment all the more difficult.
A watching race.
Lucky Rave (NR)
Race review: 'A nice performance by Kaptain Kurkup who won with a bit in hand of these in what may turn out to be a fair auction event. Dods' winner has the scope to progress from this race - an encouraging start to his career. Count Bertoni is no slouch and Tate has the way of training good, battling types which don't give up without a fight. This colt will be winning. Arabian Pride was all the rage in the betting and may have been a shade unlucky. For one reason or another he was tardy from the stalls and looked to have too much to do before running on strongly in what seemed to be a winning challenge before tiring in the last 100m. Clearly this juvenile has ability and should do better on his next start. Hairs Vital showed up better today after contesting a stakes race on his racecourse bow. The first four went clear of Reeds Bay. McMahon two-year-old travelled well until being totally outpaced in the last two furlongs. It is difficult to know whether he disappointed or not. The time at Haydock suggested the ground was on the soft-side that day so it would pay to be cautious after this. Not the most attractive of juveniles - on the small side - time may tell that he was simply beaten by four above average horses. It is possible this Fretwell-owned juvenile will bounce back although he certainly didn't win many votes today.'