Tuesday, 16 June 2009

4:20 Ascot (16th June)

The first Group race of the two-year-old season - the Coventry Stakes Group 2.

This is a race with a lot of history and a race many good horses have won along distinguished careers. With a first prize of over £56,000 there is much to gain.

You couldn't help but be impressed by the style of Canford Cliffs victory on debut. The second has proven to be a fair juvenile and the form of the race is holding up well. But is one easy win enough to take a race of this nature? Canford Cliffs is undoubtedly a talented juvenile and many supporters will be hoping he can prevail.

Red Jazz has done nothing wrong with two wins but I think his narrow victory over Archers Road needs improving on to take this race.

Raine's Cross will appreciate this 6f after being run off his feet at Sandown, then running on well. I can see Winkworth's colt finishing his race but he may struggle to keep with the pace in the early stages and still looks a little inexperienced.

Of the many once-raced winners No Hubris has a chance. Cole certainly knows what it takes to win this race and this two-year-old won well at York. Perhaps better suited by easier ground, this unusual-looking horse will hope to follow the fortunes of his trainer's past stars. He has potential but still something to prove like many of these.

I will be cheering home Canford Cliffs - but only watching as at such restricted odds there are much easier races to win.

A watching race.

Race review: 'One horse. One winner. Canford Cliffs. This was a spectacular performance and Hannon's gifted juvenile ran to a level that opens the doors to ultimate possibilities - classic prices being quoted left, right and centre. The sky could be the limit for this grand horse. Good luck to connection for the future.'