2:10 Bath
A big field for this maiden over 1m(5y). Census - a 50,000gns purchase for Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - was fancied in the betting for his debut at Ffos Las but needed the experience. This bay colt improved on that performance to run a big race at Salisbury in very testing conditions. On form this two-year-old will take all the beating. It will be interesting to see how Ryan Moore rides as Census was on the verge of being outpaced at Salisbuy and if this is run at a fair pace this son of Cacique could be some way off the pace. (An interesting angle if betting in-running). It may be the case that was due to inexperience but it is worth considering. Census should finish well. Ru'oud has been off course since the end of August. A son of Pivotal, he looked the winner at Thirsk, but couldn't withhold the late challenge of Colour Vision, who has looked very disappointing since. Ru'oud was fit and ready for his debut and the form of that race seems to be weak. Saeed Bin Suroor's juveniles should be respected but this youngster will need to show more ability today.
2:40 Bath
A maiden over 5f(11y) but resembling an auction race. A difficult race to have any confidence about. Most of these two-year-olds are limited. Imogen Louise is one of the more likely candidates to run her race. Haydn Jones does well with his two-year-olds and this filly has shown enough ability to suggest she can just about win a maiden. This 5f should suit and this daughter of Verglas has a fluent action. Dane O'Neill was originally booked to ride but partners Henry Candy's Sluggsy Morant, which he is most probably retained. Imogen Louise has a fighting chance of a place and may sneak a win if everything falls right. At best, Barking would have a fair chance but a difficult horse to assess and may be regressing on viewing his last run in a competitive nursery over 5f at Newbury. Sluggsy Morant may be capable of better but needs to improve. The positives are that he went off favourite for his debut and showed speed over 6f at Salisbury. Candy has a good win rate at Bath with his two-year-olds and in such an open race has a fair chance of being backed late on. A tricky race to call.
Today's races:
2:10 Bath
2:40 Bath
4:10 Newcastle
