Sunday 4 July 2010

2:10 Ayr

A restricted auction race over the extended 7f (50y).

Not the most straightforward of races.

Next Edition showed promise on debut when running on well behind Tinkertown at Redcar. With the third, Local Singer, winning since, Howard Johnson's two-year-old clearly has enough ability to win a race and could improve from that first start.

Diamond Geezah has ability as proven by a decent run in the Brocklesby and then a narrow loss at Nottingham on his second start. Hills usually hits the high notes at Chester but this bay colt disappointed to some extent after getting a handy position from a poor draw, such exertions took their toll and Diamond Geezah faded in the final furlong. Having run in the Windsor Castle Listed race at Royal Ascot last time this will be an easier task, however, the step up to 7f may be something of a shock to the system and he will need to settle. A capable horse, certainly up to winning a maiden, but difficult to assess over this distance. You have to consider that the trainer knows best and if not inconvenienced by this trip should run well.

Richard Fahey continues in a rich vein of form and Cotton Spirit probably run above expectation when second at big odds last time at Carlisle over 6f. This chestnut colt by Araafa ran on well and should appreciate this 7f. The Carlisle race is difficult to assess as there isn't too much form to measure that effort.

Little Miss Take is another juvenile to have improved for the step up in distance. Quite a small filly, she was run off her feet at Chester and finished with a flourish. That didn't look the most competitive of heats although an interesting juvenile for the Dascombe stable.

Arctic Cat may go well at a price. Swinbank has a fair win rate at this course and his two-year-olds can improve a good deal for their first run.

A difficult race to assess with a mix of juveniles of varying distances and form.

Other races:
2:30 Brighton