Monday 7 June 2010

6:45 Pontefract

An auction maiden for fillies over 6f.

Quite a competitive heat with three form horses showing ability.

Mick Channon has been in decent form with his two-year-olds and Sonning Rose ran well on debut at Goodwood. This bay filly by Hawk Wing took a while to get into her stride that day and found herself a long way off the lead. However, in the last couple of furlongs she made steady progress, clawing back many lengths, to go close and may have even won with a fraction further. A cheap purchase at 11,000gns, although quite an attractive sort, the betting didn't suggest a run of such promise. On breeding, this filly may appreciate further and perhaps the stiff Pontefract finish will suit. With running from so far off the pace that day, she could have been slightly flattered although it didn't look that way to be fair. An interesting juvenile and one that could have ability and today's performance will be a test to see how true that initial run should be taken.

Abibhabidubai has course experience after running a respectable race here on debut. Quinn does well with the few youngsters he trains and already saddled a winner in Snow Bear. This filly is likely to appreciate this extra furlong. The form of the Pontefract race is difficult to asses in ways as the winner won quite easily and looks to have progressed with racing. The third has been beaten since. On balance, it was probably no more than a fair effort. Quinn doesn't feature the highest win and place statistics with fancied youngsters on their second start, although one of the more likely types here. It is a concern that this daughter of Dubai Destination has been off course for such a long time.

From the same race as Abibhabidubai, Sapphire Girl went off favourite but failed to show that day. She may have disappointed to some extent and the betting is likely to detail her chances today. It is a negative that she has been entered to run at plating class.

Pam Sly doesn't have the biggest string of two-year-olds but she is a capable trainer and Whisper Louise was certainly fancied to run a big race on debut at Beverley where she displayed much promise. Originally owned by Sly, this bay filly by Chevalier was sold before her second start and found herself in a very stiff auction race. In many ways that looked a disappointing effort and perhaps she ran a fraction below form but that may have been due to being off the course for a period of time. The Newbury race is holding up well and this course is likely to suit and perhaps better ground with the forecast of more rain.

Other races:
6:30 Windsor