Monday 20 July 2009

2:15 Yarmouth (21st July)

A restricted auction race for colts and fillies over 6f3y.

A fair number of form horses are competing here and many have a chance.

Poppy N' Penny has showed ability on both her starts. At the time her last performance looked a little disappointing but the winner and second have proven they are capable two-year-olds with a progressive profiles. However, she does have something to prove after that performance and even though Haggis' juvenile will appreciate this extra furlong I wonder if she has her limitations.

Farmers Wish is another with prospects. Her second to the easy winner Shamandar looks all the better for that juveniles running in the Super Sprint, when a narrow loser. Obviously Spearing juvenile isn't in that class but there is much to like about this filly by Val Royal, especially as she was rather slow away that day and run through the field in a taking manner. John Spearing is a talented trainer and very consistent when his juveniles are fancied to run a race. In addition, it is a plus to see Liam Jone taking this ride in favour of the Haggis juveniles, which one would presume he had the choice.

Baby Dottie done well at Lingfield on debut considering she had a wide draw, was slow away and run wide for most of the race. She isn't the biggest of fillies and seemed to tired in the final furlong when chased by the third. It is difficult to assess that form although she must have a glimmer of ability and this Phelan-trained juvenile could improve plenty for that initial start. Probably more of a watching brief for me today as she may be vulnerable to one or two. For a very cheap purchase, this two-year-old will not have to do much to pay her sales price (£500).

Tom Dascombe's Quaestor had showed speed on both his last starts and seemingly ran better last time. Beyond the front two it didn't look much of a race and you have to wonder what the winner attained that day although Florio Vincitore had run well on debut before being outclassed at Royal Ascot. It is a good sign that Kingscote is in the saddle and this is his level although he may be the sort to to be placed rather than win.

Of the unraced, Kings Bayonet must be respected from Henry Cecil's stable. He does well in auction races although his win rate on debut isn't as good as people imagine. The betting will be the best indicator. However, I wouldn't be tempted to back this juvenile as they are often under priced and have the knack of winning on their second start.

Brian Meehan's Butch And Sundance should be noted in the betting as the stable's gambles are extremely good. If this two-year-old is relatively short in the betting it will run well.

Not an easy race to appreciate with many form juvenile featuring a similar look. I can see Farmers Wish running a decent race although this could be a tricky affair.

A watching race.