Saturday 13 June 2009

5:50 Lingfield (13th June)

A restricted auction race over a quick 5f where a high draw (may) be a big advantage.

With such a restricted event juveniles with respectable form are most likely to win. However, the main horses of interest, La Fortunata, Fenella Rose and Gwynedd are drawn one, two, three...which is something of a stumbling block. On soft ground it may be possible that this draw isn't such bad news; but if the high draw is favoured it could be a very difficult task.

I like the look of La Fortunata as the form of her Leicester maiden could well be decent. She is certainly a speedy type and from a better draw would be coasting along for much of this 5f. The fact of the matter is I couldn't bet with such a potential draw bias looming large. With this being the first race of the evening we don't get a chance to see what we are dealing with. Gwynedd falls into the same category. McMahon is a very good trainer on his second start and this filly ran well enough on debut. I don't like Fenella Rose. A beautiful-looking horse, but a very temperamental one from what I have seen.

I will be watching this race with interest and hoping the draw bias beats most of these because Jenkin's La Fortunata could be a good bet next time if the draw scuppers her chance today.

A watching race.

Race review: 'For a restricted race this was quite a competitive affair. The draw was the crux of the question for me but in truth the low numbers managed pretty well although they were certainly inconvenienced by being on the extreme. Gwynedd done well to win and just managed to nose ahead on the line. The second, Danny's Choice is a lovely-looking juvenile and very strong, especially for a filly. Beckett has a good place average with his juveniles on debut and this was a change of luck for this trainer who has been rather quiet this season. La Fortunata had the worst of the draw, drifted markedly on the exchanges, but ran very well considering he ploughed a lone furrow. I would have fancied the chances of this colt if higher drawn and he has very good speed. A good prospect over a quick 5f. For a restricted race there will be a few winners come from this race.'