An intriguing auction race for colts and fillies over 6f.
Geoff Oldroyd has been in fantastic form with his small string of two-year-olds and Lady Royale (and the recent highly rated Ladies Are Forever) has publicised the talents of this capable trainer and his link with Reg Bond. This chestnut filly by Monsieur Bond has progressed with racing after a promising debut at Doncaster. Her most recent effort, 2nd in the Hilary Needler Listed Stakes at Beverley, defied a 40/1 price and in many ways could be viewed as an unlucky loser. It is probably fair to say that this wasn't a vintage Hilary Needler and Lady Royale ran off the pace and care has to be taken that she wasn't slightly flattered by her finishing position. However, in contrast, her second to Galtymore Lad didn't look that impressive at the time but the winner, trained by Mick Channon, won a stakes race with ease afterwards so it could be a strong performance.
Clearly on her running with Stubb's Ice Trooper he has to find a good deal of improvement. In fairness, Stubb's colt may well have progressed from his debut and this extra furlong could be to his advantage but it would need a much-improved run to reverse the form. Lady Royale is one of the main contenders here but at restricted odds may be there to be shot at.
Another trainer flying high at present with his two-year-olds is Paul Cole. Tinkertown a grey colt (almost white) cost 55,000euros and will find this drop in class more to his liking after an indifferent run at York. Perhaps this youngster needed the race on debut but he was readily outpaced mid-race before threading his way through the field to finish 6th. Cole features good statistics with his juveniles on their second start when fancied in the betting and being the only ride for Spencer and sole representative for Cole at Redcar will not be lost on many a punter. Clearly this son of Verglas is one of the more interesting runners here and improvement could be on the cards but Mrs Fitri Hay's youngster will need to run much better than on debut. Stastically this colt has a big chance but a slight concern about that initial run although horses can improve beyond recognition from first to second start and blog Paul Cole Racing state that: 'Tinkertown should run nicely at Redcar. He has come on from his last race and going well at home'.
The Mick Channon and Jaber Abdullah combination has reaped rewards over the years (especially with talented fillies) and there was much to like about Local Singer on debut at Goodwood. This colt by Elusive City is a lovely looking two-year-old and was given a nice introduction that day without being knocked about and can progress with that experience. Many of Jaber Abdullah's youngsters improve a good deal for their debut runs and that was a creditable 4th. The form of those behind has suffered a few disappointments since but this juvenile should travel well and must have place claims at least.
Of the rest, Bay Of Fires ran a fine race on debut for Hetherton at Haydock in what looks to be quite a strong auction event. The second has since run well and although this filly would be better off in the weights for an auction event she is one of a few here with some ability. This daughter of Iffraaj was definitely trying on debut and it would probably be unwise to imagine huge improvement will be found beyond normal experience. Hetherton is a talented trainer and this youngster should win a race at some point.
Another Wise Kid ran well on debut is a Stakes race at Thirsk that has found a number of winners. A relatively cheap purchase at 4,500gns, this son of Whipper is quite an attractive sort but has a pronounced running action and may benefit from better ground. Midgley's string has been out of sorts and this may account for being away from the track for such a long period. Not the easiest of candidates to assess but it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see this two-year-old run well at a speculative price.
Other races:
2:15 Salisbury