Tuesday 2 August 2011

2:00 Catterick (2nd August) - Result

A Maiden Stakes for colts and fillies over 7f on good to firm ground.

Code Cracker should open her account today. This beautifully bred daughter of Medicean is out of Confidential Lady who finished second in the 1,000 Guineas and winner of the French Oaks. Like mother like daughter, Sir Mark Prescott trained both and knows the family. The trainer has debutant winners but the majority attain success on their second start. She was relatively fancied in the betting on debut and that is generally a measure of  a successful juvenile career. The horse to beat.

Joshua The First has been hammering on the door with such enthusiasm that I have come to the conclusion the owner is deaf. Keith Dalgleish's youngster has done little wrong: a determined sort who deserves a win and it may happen at some point. The problem - each time - is that one horse is eternally too good. Code Cracker is likely to be that horse. On balance, this son of Kheleyf may be more suited to 6f as he doesn't have much left in the tank at the finish over this more testing trip. Hanagan takes the ride which is a positive. Expect a bold show but he remains vulnerable and there is the fear at some point he may regress.

Flambard House has been contesting a variety of distances. Howard Johnson's two-year-old will not have any problems sitting handy but the question is whether this extra furlong will bring about further improvement or simply be a step too far. His form has been quite mixed. The last two races over 6f showed more promise but he is another who has limitations and prone to an improving juvenile. At respectable odds Flambard House could have fair place claims but may need the favourite to disappoints to sneak a win.

Eraada looks held by Joshua The First and would need to have disappointed that day to figure here, which looks unlikely.

Dorry K may have win and place claims if priced 13/2 & less.

Conclusion: Code Cracker should take the beating. On breeding alone, she stands apart from the opposition and if taking after her mother will progress with racing. Joshua The First & Flambard House have each way claims but to hit the jackpot may need the favourite to disappoint.

HCE: ''A disappointing effort from Code Breaker who may need a little more time but will pick up a race before the end of the season. Eraada must have disappointed last time as she showed much more ability and good pace. A fair-looking juvenile there could be better to come. Flambarb House plugged on to take second after - surprisingly - being outpaced.''