2:00 Newmarket
Musnad went into many people's notebooks after an encouraging debut at Doncaster - a race that is holding up very well. Barry Hills' colt by Mr Greeley was slow from the stalls but soon made up the deficit due to a slow early pace. Richard Hills gave this two-year-old an easy introduction and to be on the heels of a number of talented juveniles was a fine performance. Clearly connection must be hopeful of a decent run today (it is worth noting that this colt held an entry for the Gimcrack Group 2). With the going now described as 'soft' it may pay to be cautious betting at relatively short odds. However, this youngster has the hallmark of a talented juvenile. One of the main dangers could be Unex Renoir. This was a second string for Gosden coming from a Sandown race that looks strong. There is a slight chance this colt by Nayef was flattered that day although it gets the benefit of the doubt. The leaders clearly went a stride too fast and were tiring in the final furlong when this colt made up ground. The horse one place behind, Violet Ray, was undoubtedly flattered and struggled on his next start. On balance, Unex Renoir is likely to prove a fair horse, generally because he was second string on debut and given a hands and heels ride. Gosden has very good win and place statistics on fancied runners on their second start and one of the main contenders. Of the others, Academy should be respected from Sir Michael Stoutes stable, especially if priced 13/2 & less.
2:10 Warwick
Sahafh had no luck at Lingfield last time when rearing on leaving the stalls. This attractive filly should run a big race today.
2:45 Warwick
An interesting maiden and potentially a decent event. Fenella Fudge is a talented filly and deserves to win a race. Her trainer - John Givens - clearly holds her in high regard as seen by racing at Group level last time. On form she should take all the beating although whether she will cope with soft ground is an unknown. Sacred Shield is fancied in the betting and Henry Cecil has an impressive win rate at this course (albeit from a small sample 60% win rate from 5 runners in recent years). This filly by Beat Hollow will have to be a talented juvenile to lower the colours of Fenella Fudge by winning on debut. Mazagee showed improved form last time at Beverley and has a touch of ability. Lanigan is a talented trainer and this two-year-old has place claims although may be suited to 1m (these soft conditions will help with that regard).
3:55 Warwick
Cador has proven form on soft ground which is a positive start. Chapple-Hyam has given this colt by Hurricane Run a couple of Group entries and was very well backed at Yarmouth last time when narrowly losing out to a debutant from John Gosden's stable. That looked a fair performance although it is difficult to assess the level of that form which slightly tempers enthusiasm. The trainer has an good win rate at this course and one to respect. Labrinto has run two encouraging races and must have strong place claims today. A sturdy colt by Dansili, he is progressing with racing and the form of the Sandown race gives Sir Michael Stoute's youngster a fighting chance. Dressing Room may have place claims at a price. The form of his 4th at Ayr is decent and this expensive two-year-old (140,000gns) may be progressing with racing. Fanning didn't press this colt when his chance had gone that day and in typical Mark Johnston fashion it would be no surprise to see a bold front-running display from a low draw.
6:00 Kempton
One of the more interesting races of the day. Suddenly Susan is short in the betting after a fair debut at Newnarket. This extra furlong will suit and Noseda does well with his juveniles on their second start. Masonic Lady is fancied in the betting, however, even off a handy mark Haggis' filly doesn't appeal. Twice Bitten and Dubarshi are both dropped in class, and this auction level should see them go well. The former, trained by James Toller, improved a good deal from his debut run and on the Lingfield running has the beating of Dubarshi. Both of these juveniles have fair place claims.
Today's races:
2:00 Newmarket
2:10 Warwick
2:20 Ayr
2:35 Newmarket
2:45 Warwick
2:55 Ayr
3:20 Warwick
3:45 Newmarket
3:55 Warwick
6:00 Kempton
6:30 Kempton
7:30 Kempton
