Sunday 23 May 2010

2:05 Bath

A very restricted auction fillies' race over the extended 5f for juveniles with a median price of no more than £16,000.

A large field but probably not too much strength and the majority of the debutantes will struggle against the more proven two-year-olds.

Never Can Stop was well backed for her debut and although showing inexperience was pretty fit for the day. A small, attractive filly, she ran out an easy second place at Nottingham. The winner, Inagh River, had far too much speed for the opposition that day and had the race won by halfway. The only measure of the form is the proximity of the second to the winner, which isn't the easiest marker as the victor may have won by further if pressed. On balance, this daughter of Noverre should improve for the experience and may well appreciate this extra distance. Portman is a capable trainer and this filly should be progressing.

The most experience juvenile in the race, Bajan Bullet, has been quite busy and to her credit has shown enough ability to go close in a race like this. Evans' youngster has been consistent in each race and has a battling attitude, which sees this grey well. It is always a concern that a juvenile with a few races under its belt may be prone to regressing and there certainly isn't much of this filly - a wiry-looker and on the weak side to be fair. This firm ground may not be to her advantage as at Yarmouth she was rather unbalanced at times. As with all horses, you have to weigh up the pros and cons. In truth, if she cannot go close in this race her chance may have passed.

Of the rest, Blaze On By wouldn't have to be one of Hannon's better two-year-olds to feature here. Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds have owned some very good horses (they already have one potential star with Cape To Rio with this yard). Certainly one to be respected.

It is interesting that Allegrissimo was a short price on debut behind Never Can Stop. Cox is a decent trainer with his two-year-olds and does well at Bath. It could well be the case she disappointed on her racecourse bow and more may be expected. One to keep an eye on in the betting.

Of the debutantes, Tipsy Girl may go well at a price. Coakley is a wise trainer and his two-year-olds can often go well on debut.