An EBF Maiden over 5f for colts & fillies.
Chillie Billie was given a tall order on debut when competing at stakes level. What caught the attention that day was the glowing terms used by McEntee in describing the progress of this chestnut cold when talking on RUK. Far from shirking the challenge of racing previous winners, he was bullish about this youngsters chances. Chillie Billie was given a considerate introduction by Fallon (who had been to ride this son of Piccolo on the gallops) and he showed potential. Fallon didn't resort to using the whip at Newmarket and McEntee seemed convinced he had a winner waiting to happen. With that initial experience, Chillie Billie has strong claims.
David Evans has already had a fair number of juveniles race this season. He is probably surprised that Choice Of Remark is still a maiden after being fancied on both his starts. A relatively cheap colt at 13,000euros, this son of Choisir is not the biggest but a gutsy sort who doesn't lack for trying. Both starts have shown ability although it is still slightly difficult to assess this runner. Clearly being beaten last time out at stakes level in a photo finish should speak well in what, on class, should be an easier race. However, there is a concern this race may in fact be stronger. Choice Of Remark beat Triggerlo by a couple of lengths and then he went on to finish a creditable second in a restricted event. The winner was trained by one of David Evans two-year-olds. There is little doubt this colt has an element of ability - the task is trying to work out whether it is enough to win today's race. Evans representative must have fair place claims but may find one or two too good. However, this youngster doesn't look the type to go down without a fight.
Mick Channon has been sending out a few two-year-old winners - a few on debut. Gatepost is a 20,000 euro purchase for Dr Marwan Koukash. It should be noted that this colt has been given a stakes race entry, which is a sign of encouragement. There has been support for this youngster on the exchanges and Channon should have a line with Choice Of Remark. The starting price will be the best indicator of this colts chances and if heavily backed it would bring about more confidence. However, Channon features only a fair win rate with his juveniles priced 13/2 & less on debut and many improve with racing.
Of the others, Karuga is likely to be on many people's shortlist. Hannon has an impressive strike race on debut with his juveniles priced 11/4 & less. However, there is a slight concern about this juvenile. On the early declarations Richard Hughes was booked to ride, now Moore is in the saddle. It may be something and nothing but Hughes doesn't have any rides today and you have to consider if this daughter of Kyllachy was such a strong chance why he wouldn't take this ride. Time will tell. However, that point doesn't inspire confidence.
Two horses that may go well at a price are Night Angel and Samasana.
Night Angel was beaten a long way by Choice Of Remark on debut. On form this filly looks to have little chance but Millman is one of those trainers that you can never discount, especially juveniles on their second start. It wouldn't be a surprise to see a much improved performance today.
Samasana is another to note as Ian Woods has given this filly a stakes race entry. The downside is that the trainer has a poor win rate on debut, which suggests their horses improve with racing. They generally go well on their second start and that tempers enthusiasm.
HCE: ''Gatepost was very well backed - 7/1 was available on Betfair early - and this didn't relent as the money continued to backed to 15/8 second favourite at the off. Clearly connection were expecting something special and this attractive colt always looked to be going well. The second, Bayleyf, ran on well after being outpaced at the furlong pole. Best's juveniles often improve for the run and likely to go well on his next start. Choice Of Remark showed his experience if not going a touch too fast. He rallied at the finish and will find a small race as long as he doesn't regress. Karuga showed good speed until tiring in the final furlong while Chillie Billie was a touch keen and found trouble in running. He is worth a second chance because this seemed too bad to be true.''
