Monday 5 July 2010

7:10 Windsor

An EBF maiden stakes for colts and geldings over 6f where a high draw can be advantageous.

Byronic ran well on debut at Bath when failing to land the spoils after losing in a photo finish. This son of Byron, a 29,000gns purchase, looked fit and ready that day and took a good while to chase down the early leaders who went off at a pace. That experience will not be lost today although from a low draw it wouldn't be the greatest surprise to see this runner slightly outpaced but running on well at the finish. Beating Diamond Charlie at Bath sets a fair standard and this attractive colt has place claims.

Spokesperson, trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni, is presently favourite on the exchanges. This American-bred colt cost $125,000 and was Godolphin second string when third at Goodwood. The form of that race, bar the winner, doesn't seem to be holding up and this two-year-old will need to improve to win this. He did look to be carrying some condition so it is possible there is more to come. As this is Mahmood Al Zarooni's first season it is difficult to consider trainer trends although a number of his youngster have run much-improved races on the second start and if strongly fancied in the betting would be a sign of encouragement.

Of the other raced juveniles, Robber Stone may be capable of better. This grey colt was well backed on his second start and that is often a good sign for Channon's two-year-olds. It wouldn't be a surprise to hear this colt disappointed last time and would be interesting if backed today.

From a number of debutantes Lord Of Persia has claims. Beckett's two-year-olds have fair win and place statistics on first start and Maura Gittens does very well with her juveniles. Connections already have one talent in the stable with the highly regarded Lord Of The Stars, and this is one of the more likely types.

Mirradores may go well at a price as Muir does well at Windsor and Dwyer could have ridden Velvet Underground.

In addition, Royal Approval, trained by Morrison, is certainly worth watching today and could have ability. Moore was booked early to ride this colt which was originally sold for 800gns and later fetched 100,000gns as a breeze-up purchase. This trainer features poor statistics on debut but has been known to send out a talented debutante - as seen with the classy Stimulation - and an entry to run at Ascot and the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) could be significant. If backed, I can see this juvenile running a big race.

Other races:
2:30 Bath
7:20 Windsor