Wednesday 29 July 2009

6:55 Sandown (29th July)

A maiden over 7f for a field of colts and one filly.

This looks a good opportunity for Azmeel to win on debut. This bay colt by Azamour has been entered for a number of Group races and a recent Stakes entry adds to the likelihood this two-year-old has ability. Gosden has had a rather indifferent year with his early-season juveniles with a number disappointing but he is a very capable trainer and it would be no surprise to hear this one has potential.

Mark Johnston is represented here by Cloud City a colt by Giant's Causway. This runner is quite short in the betting and it will be interesting to see what this runner can achieve on debut as the Spence-owned juveniles often need the run and figure more prominently on their second start.

Deauville Post has the form in the book with two promising efforts. Perhaps this two-year-old is something of a slow learner, or simply rather ponderous, as he has taken an age to get into both races and looks hard work. He may show a different side to his character with more experience under his belt and clearly has scope for improvement. It may pay to back this juvenile in-running as he could be significantly bigger odds if following the pattern of being outpaced and running on at the finish.

It is never easy giving away experience but over further distance talent usually prevails and I would give Azmeel the green light to take this.

A watching race.

Henry San (NR)
Race review: 'It didn't look likely for much of the way but Azmeel has started his career with a win. Slowly away, and given a considerate race, Gosden's classy-looking two-year-old done well to make up the deficit of many lengths and came from last to first to win a shade comfortably. There will be more to come and potentially this could be a decent juvenile.'