A restricted auction race over 5f.
The majority of these look poor but this is an interesting race in its own way with a couple of debutantes worth noting.
A selection of form horses on show.
Kodiac Star is an attractive filly but limited. Osbourne has tried a variety of distances to find the key to this daughter of Kodiac but little has worked so far. She is probably best suited by this 5f, however, even at this lowly level doesn't inspire confidence.
Best Be Careful has speed to burn but founders in the final furlong. Usher's two-year-olds are in decent form and this track will suit. Her last effort at Nottingham illustrated an element of ability in what was a poor event but another to look vulnerable.
Of those with form Upark Flyer has a fighting chance and strong place claims. Patrick Morris is a capable trainer and often goes unnoticed. This filly by Piccolo has shown ability on her last two starts and should appreciate this 5f, being a compact sort. With Fahy in the saddle, claiming 5lb, and bottom weight, she has every advantage going and this looks a fine opportunity to win a race. A two-year-old of limited ability but a fair candidate for a auction race of this nature.
It is never easy to win on debut with everything happening so quickly but two juveniles making their race course bows are worth a mention.
Prince Titus, an 8,000gns brother to Miami Gator, comes from a stable which should always be respected, that of Linda Stubbs. A rare visitor to Lingfield, many of their two-year-olds need the run, which can muddy the waters a touch when trying to appreciate the likelihood of a decent performance on debut. However, in the last two years Stubbs has sent out a few winners at the first time of asking. The point of interest with Prince Titus is that he was originally entered to run in the Brocklesby Stakes, which seems a very long time ago now. Clearly there must have been a few problems along the way for this gelding by Titus Livius not to have run. In the past, Stubbs has entered a few decent prospects for the Brocklesby and it could be the case that this juvenile has ability. A difficult juvenile to assess but one worth noting especially if backed.
Alan Jarvis is a canny trainer and Smart Performance is an interesting runner in what looks to be a poor maiden. Owner Geoffrey Bishop has many horses with Jarvis and knows a good horse when he has one. It is encouraging to see that his bay colt by Acclamation has been given a Gimcrack (Group 2) entry. A cheap purchase at 3,500gns this colt could have ability. The dam, Green Eyes, was unraced but trained by Roger Charlton costing 230,000gns suggesting a decent breeding line. Jarvis features a poor win rate on debut suggesting that most of his two-year-olds come on for the run, however, Navajo Chief was a 50/1 winner on debut for this owner last year.
Both of these debutantes are difficult to assess but these entries are worth noting as they could be significant pointers.
Bet: 4:10 York - Squires Gate 1PTEW (5/1) 2nd
Comment: 'Always going well at the head of the field and looked to have every chance but beaten by Fahey's debutante in a fighting finish. Disappointing to suffer another narrow loss.'
Other races:
1:45 Newmarket
2:00 York
2:05 Ascot
2:25 Newcastle
2:40 Ascot
2:55 Newcastle
3:55 Newmarket
4:10 York
7:05 Salisbury
