Monday 18 October 2010

Monday's Thoughts

2:00 Windsor
A restricted auction race over 5f. Not the most straightforward of affairs. Pantella ran well on debut at Beverley when a 25/1 shot. After a slow start - and a few lengths behind - this compact filly ran on under pressure, never quite challenging the capable Indieslad, but running well. Ryan has had a relatively quiet year with his two-year-olds considering he has a sizable string but this Jack Hanson owned daughter of Fasliyev seems a professional sort and with that experience on side should run a big race. Oh So Kool is a difficult gelding to assess after looking the winner at Newcastle on heavy ground. This son of Bertolini is not the biggest of juveniles but a sturdy type who gets on with things. In what looked a weak race, in stamina-sapping conditions, and by jockey bookings, the second string of Williams' runners, it could be the case this two-year-old was something of a surprise or flattered. However, it would could well be the case this youngster ran a creditable race and has every chance here. The betting is probably the best guide to his running. At her best, Magic Stella would have very strong claims to win. Jarvis' filly has run well on a number of occasions, however, it is difficult to assess whether she has regressed on her last two races and that is the quandary. A speedy type who will enjoy this fast ground, a trainer who has a good strike rate at the course, and the booking of Sanders who features a fair win percentage with the stable are all positives. Jarvis has given his two-year-old a few weeks rest and this drop in class is probably a decision to find a little race they can win. Glas Burn ran in a competitive maiden at Newbury, which is working out quite well. Portman's filly was very slow away from the stalls and lost many lengths before running on. Although she was priced at 100/1 Kingscote gave this two-year-old a hard race - as though connections fancied their chances - and by all accounts must have been fit and ready on debut. Clearly, her inexperience showed at the start - but in fairness that was a good effort. Portman often does well with his juveniles on their second start and if this drop to 5f suits could have place claims. A difficult race to be dogmatic about but Pantella and Magic Stella set the standard.

2:10 Pontefract
A big field for this nursery over a mile. Michael Dods' horses are running well after a poor start to the season. Not a confident selection by any means but Deep Applause looks the type to have been set out for a handicap and will appreciate this step up in distance.

2:40 Pontefract
The tougher of the two divisions for this nursery, as noted above. Tahaamah takes this rather than the Listed race on the same card and that must be a positive to this ones chances. One Lucky Lady has been running well and still handicapped on a mark she can win. If this was heavy ground I would really fancy her chances. This filly is very small and has done remarkably well. The softer the ground the better with her and one with place claims.

3:10 Pontefract
A weak race. If Boogie Shoes has ability it will probably be a case of trying to name the winning distance. Michael Jarvis has been in brilliant form with his debutantes this season and if fancied in the betting will take all the beating. Spin A Wish may be worth a few quid at a speculative price. Whitaker's two-year-olds have been in good form of late and this filly by Captain Rio was relatively fancied on debut. This youngster was entered to run in a Stakes race at one point, which may be a sign of encouragement. It has been a few weeks since she last run and could be a different horse today after a slow start on debut at Thirsk.


Today's races:
2:00 Windsor
2:10 Pontefract
2:40 Pontefract
3:00 Windsor
3:10 Pontefract
3:30 Windsor
4:10 Pontefract