12:20 Southwell
A maiden auction over 7f for yearlings bought for £20,000 and less. Whitecrest has shown moderate ability on a few occasions although more may have been expected last time at Kempton. Spearing's filly has some size and scope but may be vulnerable to a debutante or improver. A similar comment applies to Laugh Or Cry who isn't without hope in a race of this nature but will need the others to founder to some extent. The betting will be important in pinpointing the chances of Brown Panther and Gud Day. The former is trained by Tom Dascombe, who has a very good strike rate with his fancied juveniles on debut. The most interesting runner is Dictate. Mark Tompkins does well at the course and his two-year-olds improve for their racing. This is a drop in class and if fancied in the betting (13/2 & less) has strong place claims. A tricky race where the betting will tell the story for many of these.
2:20 Southwell
A very poor race. Dark Times may be worth a few quid at speculative odds. This drop to 6f will help and it is interesting that the Burke team continue to persevere with this two-year-old, which suggests they feel it can win a little race.
4:20 Wolverhampton
A very restricted auction race for yearlings with a median price of no more than £14,000. Unless there is a lot of money for one of the outsiders this looks out of a handful of horses. Indian Emperor looks the horse to beat. He has shown good speed in both starts over greater distances than today's 6f and this could be a move in the right direction. It is always a concern that this shorter distance will blunt that speed and it isn't beyond the possibility this gelding could be outpaced. On balance, this looks a good opportunity for this gelding to gain his first win although it pays to be careful at shortish odds. Elegent Muse is difficult to assess. Swinburn's filly is an attractive sort and was fancied last time after a substantial absence. Perhaps this daughter of Fraam needed the race or was a little too fresh for her own good and ruined her chance by pulling. The form of that Kempton running is fair but improvement will be needed to be a major threat. Probably best watched today but a threat at best. Fahey's What About You was fancied to run a big race on debut at York but ran no race at all. This colt is fancied in the betting on the exchanges and Fahey has a good strike rate with his juveniles on their second start. It would be no surprise to see this two-year-old go well today, especially if well supported in the betting.
Today's races:
12:20 Southwell
2:20 Southwell
4:20 Wolverhampton
6:20 Wolverhampton
