A restricted auction race over 6f.
A mixed bag with a number of juveniles with form and others making their debut. Of those with experience Colorado Gold and West Leak Bridge set the standard.
Colorado Gold was quite fancied on debut but ran no race that day. He made amends next time at Bath when beaten by a talented two-year-old Fifth Ave, trained by Jamie Osbourne. Cole's youngster is a lovely looking colt, big and strong, and will overshadow many of these in the paddock. The stable has been in good form and it would be a disappointment if this chest colt by Dubawi couldn't go close today.
This is potentially a drop in class for West Leak Bridge, who ran with encouragement in a decent maiden at Ascot. This colt by Avonbridge was given a nice introduction to racing and should appreciate this extra furlong. Barry Hills has an impressive strike rate here with his juveniles over the last five years (29%) and a big run can be expected.
Of the others, Roman Dancer may show improvement. Gallagher's charge showed good speed at Doncaster over 5f before fading out of contention in the last furlong. A good-looking son of Antonius Pius, and brother to Ailsa Carmel, there could be more to come as this trainer's two-year-olds often progress with racing.
It is never a good idea to discount any of Hannon's two-year-olds and Speed Gene may be blessed with ability. A cheap purchase at 3,000 euros she has it to prove against a few fair form horses.
Other races:
2:20 Haydock
5:50 Sandown
6:00 Salisbury
Today's bet:
13:50 Haydock - Colorado Gold 1PTW (3/1) 5th
Comment: 'A very disappointing effort from Cole's juvenile and will have to review the race in more detail to come to any conclusions. Not sure if there was a slight track bias as stated by the press. However, Cole's would have still been beaten.'
14:20 Haydock - Master Macho 0.5PTEW (12/1) 2nd
Comment: 'Ran a great race and looked to have the edge but couldn't hold the late charge of Fahey's winner.'
5:50 Sandown - Good Morning Dubai 1PTEW (5/1) 5th
Comment: 'A strange race in many ways but a very strong heat. Meehan's filly looked to be going very well but tired rapidly in the last 100m to finish fifth. There is little doubt Good Morning Dubai has plenty enough ability to win a race and going a stride too fast with Hannon's juvenile didn't help her cause with a fast finishing, and talented field chasing. A very good race.'
