A large field for this restricted auction race over 7f(3y).
Bloodsweatandtears has a leading chance of making this a winning second start. William Knight holds this colt by Barathea in high regard illustrated by Champagne Stakes (Group 2) and Royal Lodge (Group 2) entries. Backed for a competitive maiden at Newmarket, this two-year-old has many positives and an attractive colt, too. He didn't have much luck in-running on debut - in a race that is working out very well - but showed enough to appeal for a race at auction level with hopes of progressing to pattern class if these lofty entries are realistic. Knight has a good record at this course with his juveniles and decent win and place claims with his fancied runners on their second start. Connections will be expecting a big run today. The only negative is that Bloodsweatandtears has to give a fair amount of weight away to a couple of the main protagonists today, however, he looks a potentially talented juvenile.
Alan Bailey has done well with his two-year-olds this season - the talented Amwell Pinot to name one - and Dazzling Valentine looks a determined filly. After needing the run on debut, this daughter of Oratorio had no luck at Chester from a wide draw but ran very well considering the problems she encountered that day. The most recent run at Kempton showed a willing attitude after running wide for much of that race. This compact filly, if not a little on the small side, will appreciate a handy weight, especially with Eaton claiming 7lb. Form lines suggest she has the beating of No Poppy and Zamina, through Danzigs Grandchild, although these two juveniles should be respected. It is difficult to equate how Dazzling Valentine compares to Bloodsweatandtears, who looks to be the class opposition. The weight difference with help and a determined attitude give each way claims.
No Poppy has been running respectable races, especially so with the blinkers which are removed today with stepping up to 7f for the first time. Easterby's filly is one of those horses that catches your eye as she always looks a shade unlucky, running on at the finish but never quite getting involved. This 7f should see her true running today and with a healthy weight concession she should have no excuses. The run at Catterick can be forgotten as the wide draw and running even wider throughout gave little hope that day. The performance at Redcar leaves me wondering if this scopey two-year-old will be a couple of lengths inferior to the likes of the above mentioned. Perhaps this extra furlong will bring about a transformation, as without the blinkers more holding up tactics may be employed and she could finish with some purpose.
Zamina, trained by Sylvester Kirk, is a difficult one to assess after a slow start at Newbury, when finishing just behind No Poppy. Whether this daughter of Hawk Wing was flattered that day is a matter of debate. On the other side of the coin, she made up a huge amount of ground and was running on well at the finish suggesting this extra furlong would suit. Kirk has a decent string of two-year-olds this season and should be respected although I would rather watch and learn a little more than bet at relatively short odds.
Piccarello, Titus Two and Algurayn have a similar level of form but need to improve. Piccarello's trainer - Mark Tompkins - does very well at Yarmouth and may sneak a place but others are preferred. At a price Algurayn has similar claims.
An interesting auction event and the winner will be a fair sort for this grade. Bloodsweatandtears will be the main focus of attention - an attractive colt and held in high regard by the stable. Dazzling Valentine is a battler and has a handy weight advantage so one to fear. At the odds on offer it could be best to take a watching brief.
Other races:
2:45 Yarmouth
3:30 Wolverhampton
5:00 Wolverhampton
6:10 Windsor
7:10 Windsor
