A number of two-year-old races today but most difficult to assess although a few of interest.
2:00 Beverley
One of the more interesting races although difficult to assess in ways with a few horses showing ability and others running well but as yet unproven.
King Of The Celts has proven ability and this extended 7f will suit. A horse who runs off the pace - to some extent on the verge of being outpaced - but a colt going the right way and a solid performer. A decent each-way chance although unlikely to get such a price.
Copper Canyan ran a fair race on debut although that looked a weak affair. Haynes is a capable trainer and should be respected but a difficult juvenile to assess at present.
Zamina will appreciate this more testing trip although a mile may be better. Interesting to see Hanagan booked to ride and off a handy weight should be in the frame.
Number Theory seemingly ran a great race at Leicester and could be the one to beat. Always up with the pace that day and battled on at the finish. The slight dilemma is trying to assess the level of form. With a number of big trainers (Gosden and Sir Michael Stoute) with juveniles in opposition that day it could be a fair race but as yet the form is still unproven and this factor always deserves respect. An interesting contender for Holt.
Another I cannot quite get to grips with Bonita Star. This filly has run in some decent races and will appreciate this slight drop in distance. Channon's two-year-old is on the small side and may struggle against the bigger colts and geldings but she may have enough ability to run a big race for this drop in class even from a low draw.
A interesting but complicated race in many ways. King Of The Celts is the most proven of these and has fair claims. Copper Canyon, Zamina, Number Theory and Bonita Star are all interesting juveniles and deserve respect.
2:35 Beverley
At best this looks a four-horse race.
The Shrew is a pretty short price and may struggle to win. I can see her being outpaced but running on at the finish and may be a bigger price in-running.
Cool Wind and Set To Music didn't have the best of races at Kempton. The former had a very slow start and the latter a wide draw which put them both at a huge disadvantage. In truth they both ran well at Kempton in what was a strong contest. It is difficult to appreciate which of these two is the better but they deserve respect here. Mahmood Al Zarooni has a good strike rate at Beverley and may just get the nod.
Mazagee hails from a yard that has a very impressive win rate at Beverley and Lanigan's two-year-old would have strong place claims if fancied in the betting (13/2 & less).
Once again, a few juveniles that are difficult to assess but have a fighting chance of upsetting favourite backers. The Shrew will struggle if any of these three have ability.
4:50 Beverley
Indieslad has the ability to run a big race here although there is a slight worry this little colt may regress at some point - but on form a strong contender. Prince Titus is an interesting horse. This bay gelding was originally an entrant for the Brocklesby Stakes but was off course until late July when a heavily backed joint favourite at Lingfield. Stubbs knows a decent juvenile when she sees one and it is encouraging to see this son of Titus Livius backed once again. This youngster hasn't shown a great deal of ability. But there seems to be some confidence and a big run can be expected today.
7:40 Kempton
This could well be a battle between Countrywide Flame and Rees Rascal. The former a front runner and the latter likely to be outpaced but running on at the line. These two opposed each other last time out and Rees Rascal is weighted to come out on top today. A intriguing race of the tortoise and the hare. Coutrywide Flame could well touch short prices in-running and an interesting bet to lay.
Today's races:
2:00 Beverley
2:10 Yarmouth
2:20 Sandown
2:35 Beverley
2:55 Sandown
3:10 Beverley
3:30 Sandown
4:50 Beverley
7:10 Kempton
7:40 Kempton
8:10 Kempton
