2:45 Leicester
A median auction over 5f 2y.
With many of these juveniles cheap purchase this will probably be a limited raced. Of those with experience, Triggerlo has shown ability. This son of Piccolo has been campaigned at stakes class so far running in the Brocklesby and Nottingham. To all purposes, this is a drop in class and I can imagine Channon will be hoping for a big run. Triggerlo is an attractive colt and should be able to win in his two-year-old career. The Nottingham race is not the easiest to assess and although finishing 3rd was a fair result it was slightly disappointing in ways. He seemed to change his stride many times and it just may be the case better ground would suit. However, it is best to assess this youngster on what he achieved that day. He probably has his limitations but it would be disappointing if he couldn't run a big race with fitness and experience on side.
Highclere Thoroughbreds Racing should always be respected and Apostle slips into this race quite nicely considering he cost 60,000gns. I have heard that this son of Dark Angel is an attractive juvenile and Bell has done well with these connections in previous years. Although he has only a moderate win rate at the course, I can remember a number of his talented juveniles going well and I get the feeling he has successfully targeted this race before. Bell has been quoted as saying his horses are forward this year and his early-season juveniles generally attain a winning level of ability. Clearly, inexperience is always a worry and it is never easy to win on debut. However, this grey has claims and a leading chance.
Of the others, Thorpe Bay showed an element of ability on debut but more will be needed today. That looked a very moderate race and of such a restricted nature it was on a par with plating class.
En Ete is interesting simply for the reason that jockey Jake Payne takes the ride rather than Launch On Line at Ripon. There may be a simply explanation for this as Kieran Fox who was originally booked to ride has gone to Newbury. However, it may be the case that he had the choice of the Bill Turner juveniles and this could either spell a negative for the Launch On Line or a positive for this two year old.
HCE: ''Not the strongest of races, especially with Apostle slow to get into his running and then completely outpaced. There may be better to come. Cockney Fire was a little off the pace but ran on with great enthusiasm and won a shade cosily. Triggerlo looked to have a huge chance with the favourite on the ropes after the start and may have been unlucky to bump into a decent juvenile. However, this was a restricted race and while Channon's two year old has ability he is also limited to some extent. A good-looking colt, he will win at this level. Summathisnthat managed to get a place for Des Donovan.''
4:10 Ripon
A restricted auction maiden for fillies over 5f .
At first glance Launch On Line looks to hold every chance after showing promise on debut behind the talented Miss Work Of Art. In fact, the form of that Lingfield race had been franked. This daughter of Majestic Missile is a speedy type and could travel well in this race. However, there may be a few concerns. Fillies come in all shapes and sizes but it should be noted that this two year old is small and not the most attractive. On looks, she has the appearance of a plater. That said, it doesn't pay to be too dogmatic about looks as that was a fair run on debut. It is also a concern why Joe Fanning is riding. As noted above, Jack Payne was originally booked to ride but now goes to Leicester. He could do the weight on this filly so there is a slight concern he had the choice of rides. There might be a straightforward answer for this but it is still something to consider. Turner's general statistics for his fancied runners on their second start suggest this filly has fair win and place claims. There is no getting away from the promise she showed on debut and she may well run a big race but her look and jockey booking are points of contention.
Paul Green is represented by Beau Mistral who ran with credit in the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes. This cheap purchase was short of room in the final two furlongs before running on quite well. This daughter of Windsor Knot gets in this race on a handy weight, especially with her jockey's allowance. It would be no surprise to see her go well although in recent years Green has had a handful of juveniles start at relatively short odds on their second start and all have disappointed.
Of the others, Arcticality has claims simply for being trained by Richard Fahey. He has a fair win and place rate with his fancied debutantes and has claims.
HCE: ''Tim Easterby does it again at Ripon - another two-year-old debutante winner. Ponty Acclaim won well and could be a fair sort. Beau Mistral come out of the Brocklesby in good order and ran well. Sweet Chilli finished 3rd. Launch On Line wasn't helped by the wide draw but showed speed until the furlong pole but tired after. She was weak in the betting and looks a short runner.''
5:10 Doncaster
Lilbourne Lad has been backed into favourite on the exchanges. The Hannon team are starting to hit the mark with their two year olds so money is always a sign of encouragement.
One Kool Dude - trained by Richard Fahey - has done nothing wrong on both his starts, narrowly defeated at Dundalk and Beverley. With experience, fitness & Hanagan in the saddle it will be a fair juvenile to beat him.
Kevin Ryan's £30,000 colt is fancied in the betting. Pea Shooter would be interesting if substantially backed. However, many of the trainer's juveniles are fancied on debut and they can be rather hit and miss.
Of the others, J J Leary could go well at a price. Nicholls' features quite a good place rate with his debutantes and owned by Dr Marwah Koukash is a positive.
HCE: ''Lilbourne Lad was very well backed and connections must have been pretty sure a big run was on the cards. An attractive colt, he is likely to progress with racing. Pea Shooter ran well to take second quite easily after leading, while One Kool Dude was always slightly on the back foot but plugged on to take third on the line.''
