Saturday 16 May 2009

2:10 Ripon (17th May)

A large field of colts and fillies for this maiden race over 6f on GD-SFT going.

Not too much form on offer and the most interesting of these juveniles being Kylladdie, Sharp Eclipse and Fibs And Flannel.

Tom Tate's Kylladdie looked fit and ready to run on debut at Haydock and to be fair that form could be decent. The fifth horse in that race, trained by Barry Hills, had shown an element of ability and Tate is a very capable trainer and he certainly knows how to train a winning two-year-old. This isn't the biggest of colts but the experience will be a big advantage here. Probably the most difficult aspect of this juveniles chances rests upon the draw. From stall 15 he is almost certain to have to run on the far side of the course and whether this is likely to be a plus or minus, on this ground, is a matter of debate. Being the first race doesn't help matters and at a shortish price it may be best to watch rather than bet.

Sharp Eclipse has been progressing with racing and will improve for the step up to 6f. I don't think the form is great, more auction standard in ways, but in a race that doesn't look that strong this colt has got as good chance as any. His low draw in stall 1 may turn out to be very good (or very bad).

Fibs And Flannel was a long way behind Sharp Eclipse last time but it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see this juvenile improve. A betting move would give added encouragement.

Of the rest, Venture Girl, Dispol Antonio and Yeadon look second string.

Fairys In A Storm didn't show any ability when an outsider at Beverley but has recently been entered to run in a stakes race which may indicate some hope. In addition, Mighty Clarets is worth a mention and should be noted if fancied in the betting as Fahey has impressive statistics with his juveniles on debut when relatively short priced.

An open race, with a few form horses with a touch of ability and a number of unraced from less fashionable yards. The key point with this race is how the draw will effect their chances and caution should be taken with regard to this point.

A watching race.

Three Sons (NR)
Fibs And Flannel (NR)

Race review: 'Disappointing that the draw was so up in the air, which makes it difficult at times. Kylladdie wasn't inconvenienced by the high draw and had a healthy leading at the line. Yeadon done better of the Fahey pair (not second string after all) and a nice-looking horse. We'Ll Deal Again flew home in the final furlong at huge odds and it certainly worth keeping on the right side. You have to consider that Sharp Eclipse didn't run his race and may have been unsuited by the softer going (difficult to say). The form of the Newcastle race has suffered a few disappointments of late but this was a very poor effort.'