1:55 Ayr
Fenella Fudge sets the standard for this maiden race and deserves a win after competiting at a higher level. Givens never seems the luckiest of trainers but this daughter of Rock Hard Ten should give her opponents something to think about today. This step up to a mile should be okay on breeding although it is a slight concern and 7f may be more suitable. A clear favourite's chance. Mark Johnston's colt, Patriotic, by Pivotal, is fancied in the betting and should be respected. The stable's two-year-olds are difficult to assess on debut and this season's juveniles have been pretty poor. Newby Lodge was well beaten on debut, but looked to be Andrew Tinkler's second string so may be capable of better, although needs to find huge improvement. If backed to 13/2 & less, this 60,000gns buy would have fair each-way claims.
2:45 Doncaster
A larger field for this maiden over 7f at Newbury. Sirius Prospect is an exciting two-year-old for the Ivory team and one of the most expensive they have trained at 115,000gns as a breeze-up purchase. This American-bred colt was backed at huge odds on debut and ran well to finish second. The form of that maiden is working out well and this runner must have strong place claims at least. It is interesting to see Robinson booked to ride (as he was on debut) and he has a good strike rate for the stable. Red Lover finished third that day and in many ways Ed Dunlop's colt would seem to have his work cut out reversing the form. A good-looking sort, this colt travelled very well at the furlong pole and is likely to be on the bridle until the latter stages. Today's better draw may give followers hope of beating the favourite (Sirius Prospect) as from a low draw last time Red Lover was a few lengths off the pace. If he can sit handy, it may bring about further improvement. A juvenile with fair win and place claims at a price. Bridgefield ran well on debut, although a long way behind the winner Loving Spirit. Levitate - trained by Sir Michael Stoute - is improving with racing, however, this 7f doesn't look ideal after being comprehensively outpaced over a mile last time. Perhaps that was more to do with inexperience, than natural speed, but it would be a concern. Jane Chapple-Hyam sends out Calaf for his second run after finishing second on debut at Yarmouth. A rather small colt, but athletic and a lively sort he looked fit and ready, running on with some purpose at the finish. This extra furlong will help and should be respected.
6:15 Wolverhampton
Not too many in this with a chance. Khaleeji and Blowing Bubbles are closely matched on form although I have my suspicions that was a weak race. The former trained by John Hills is an attractive colt with size and scope, travelling well last time over course and distance. The latter, a small filly trained by Brian Meehan, doesn't look very straightforward and one to be careful with. Silver Ocean must have fair place claims and could be the one to beat. A good-looking gelding by Silver Train, this 6f will be to his advantage and a capable two-year-old at this level. Crimson Cloud, a sturdy filly with plenty of speed. She could well have many of these struggling to keep tabs on her, however, whether this extra furlong will suit is a matter of opinion.
6:45 Wolverhampton
A competitive nursery over this extended 1m(141y). Claret 'N' Blue may have a chance at a price. Meehan has given this two-year-old a number of impressive entries throughout the season and is clearly thought capable of winning a race. Although a bunch finish over course and distance here last time may not look too impressive, it could well be the case that was a decent race.
Today's races:
1:55 Ayr
2:15 Doncaster
2:25 Ayr
2:45 Doncaster
3:20 Doncaster
6:15 Wolverhampton
6:45 Wolverhampton
