A restricted median auction race for fillies over 5f on soft ground.
The majority of these have shown little ability or debutantes from unfashionable yards.
Placed at 40/1 on debut in a Windsor maiden fillies' race, Kokojo ran with promise that day. Powell has run a limited number of two-year-olds over the last few seasons with moderate success and his juveniles feature poor win and place statistics. The form of the Windsor race has taken a couple of knocks with the 2nd and 5th both failing on their next starts. In such a poor race it would not take the greatest of achievements to win but a juvenile I would rather watch than back today.
The Thrill Is Gone must have strong claims here, after bouncing back from an indifferent run at Sandown - a competitive race - to show more sparkle with a staying-on second at Kempton behind the talented Excello. It was a fair performance to beat Button Moon and this contest could well be the opportunity to get her head in front. There may be a slight concern over the draw and ground, which is always a difficult assess. In such a weak race, connections will be disappointed if this filly by Bahamian Bounty doesn't go close.
Never Can Stop never really got started at Bath last time. After finishing 2nd to Inagh River on debut at Nottingham, this bay filly by Noverre was sent off favourite for her second start but Portman's youngster failed to deliver after leading, weakening rapidly to finish down the field. With hindsight, that was a strong heat with the first and second showing a touch of class. Perhaps the firm ground went against this small filly, but it is concerning what little she showed that day. The form of her debut run looks on the weak side, however, it isn't beyond the realms that she simply had an off day on her second start and she may build on that initial promise.
It is good to see Jamie Osbourne having success with his two-year-olds this campaign after a horrendous 2009. Kodiac Star is an interesting filly. This daughter of Kodiac, a 6,000gns purchase, is progressing with racing. This attractive, deep-chested filly has run in a couple of decent races and there could be more to come. A speedy type, this 5f should allow that nature ability to come to the fore. Related to a number of sprint winners, Osbourne will have Kodiac Star primed to run her best race yet.
Tips:
2:45 Bath
Delira 1PTEW (4/1) 2nd
Comment: 'Ran a fair race but never pressured the easy winner.'
5:50 Lingfield
Kodiac Star 1PTEW (4/1) 7th
Comment: 'This didn't look the strongest of maidens and hopeful of an improved run but pretty hopeless really and clearly got this one wrong. A disappointing selection.'
Other races:
2:15 Bath
2:45 Bath
4:20 York
5:30 Leicester
