A maiden race over 7f for colts and fillies.
This doesn't look the most competitive of heats and not too many of interest.
Bonfire Knight ran well on debut when second to the easy winner Coloursoftheglen. That didn't look the best of races bar the winner and Motivational didn't achieve much when finishing third in a nursery next time. Quinn's two-year-old wasn't best suited by a drop back to 6f at Pontefract and ran on in the closing stages and clearly needs this extra furlong. A fair-looking colt by Red Ransom he will be running a decent race today although probably not much value at shortish odds.
Pleasant Day is the horse of interest simply because Meehan has an exceptional win rate on his second start with his juveniles. I had a good review of this juvenile at Newmarket and to be fair he didn't show much ability. Being second string and more than likely needing the run Meehan's two-year-old can be transformed from one run to the next. Being the only entry today for both trainer and jockey is a sign of encouragement and the fact that he goes to Catterick are all interesting pointers. I wouldn't imagine this is the greatest of horses and reason why they have come to the north, however, this runner is of interest if relatively short in the betting (13/2 & less).
Decimus Meridius cost 160,000eur and has decent breeding, and pretty short in the betting. Howard Johnson is capable of winning on debut although his general win rate is poor. The betting will indicate the chances of this one. If very well backed expect a big run.
Greyfriarschorista was a cheap purchase and like many of Johnston's juveniles on debut is difficult to assess. The majority of his juveniles win at 13/2 and less on their racecourse bow. This two-year-old has been entered to run in a stakes race which is encouraging and he has a good record at the course. I would rather watch this horse today.
A relatively weak race and two main contenders with Bonfire Knight and Pleasant Day. If Meehan's juvenile is relatively short in the betting (13/2 & less) I would expect a big run.
A watching race.
Race review: 'Probably no more than an average race and Bonfire Knight managed to gain his first win. William Arnold nearly caused a surprise with a great run at 250/1, to finish second and Decimus Meridius was clueless for most but ran on well to show promise. Pleasant Day was hopelessly outpaced and never looked likely to win anything.'