Make no mistake Princess Pheeny will take a hell of a lot of beating. Richard Fahey took a good few runners before hitting the winner's mark but his juveniles have been in flying form these last few day. An impressive Stakes success from Eastern Impact and another stylish victory from Peniaphobia at Pontefract [Wednesday]. This daughter of Tagula looks a superb purchase at £6,000. She ran well on debut when finishing second at Newcastle. This February foal was rallying at the line and may well have got back up with another hundred yards. The form of that race has been franked by Lexington Rose [second colours for Middleham Park Racing] won well at Ripon. The fourth wasn't disgraced on her latest run at Doncaster. It is worth noting that Princess Pheeny had been entered to run at Ascot [Wednesday] for a competitive Stakes race. However, connections have their brain switched on and this looks easy pickings by comparison. She is likely to be a big odds on but if a shade of odds against is available on the exchange early doors it should be taken.
Of the others with experience, Sullivan Park needs to improve on her debut run at Beverley. Horses can improve dramatically from their initial start and it didn't help that she bolted to the start. Ian McInnes is a talented trainer but I would take a watching brief.
Lady Montenegro was second string when racing at Ripon, less than a week ago. She needs to do much more and another who doesn't really appeal.
Mrs Karl Burke is one of my favourite two-year-old trainers as this stable know when to strike. Baltic Fire was relatively fancied at Ripon and a prime draw but was hopelessly outpaced. That first start didn't inspire but horses should always be given a second chance and can be transformed. However, the key to this colt's chance is the betting. If priced 13/2 & less he has strong place claims. If weak in the market, I would wait for another day.
Kristen Stubbs has taken over from her mother [Linda] but you can guarantee she will be working hard behind the scenes. Idamante showed good pace on debut before tiring when finish down the field. This bay gelding was a big price that day and could well have needed the race. Stubbs' juveniles are always worthy of respect on their second start even if they look next to hopeless on debut. They have a very good place rate on second start and this one could hit the frame.
Kevin Ryan hasn't started this new season with his customary verve, with most juveniles in need of the run or limited. Lady Captain wasn't fancied in the betting on debut and hampered at the start. This daughter of Captain Rio is a good-looking chestnut and she simply had no luck on her racecourse bow. However, there was promise shown in the way she finished. Connections will be expecting a better performance and it would be a mistake to note she was beaten over sixteen lengths so naturally she has no hope. It wouldn't surprise me to see a bold show although there are question marks which would make me treat careful at relatively short odds. I would take a watching brief but one to fear.
The two debutantes hail from talented trainers. Money could be a significant indicator to both.
Kirtling Belle is a home bred but related to a few decent horses including Beat Seven who was highly campaigned by Gay Kelleway. Keith Dagleish has a good marker in Robynelle who finished a length or so behind Princess Pheeny on debut. It is a slight negative she is a home bred because they can be a little ring rusty on their racecourse bow. The best indicator would be if this youngster was substantially backed.
David O'Meara fields Innocently. The stable don't have the best strike rate on debut and I would rather watch and learn.
Conclusion: Princess Pheeny is the horse to beat and the restrictive nature of this race magnifies her chances. The form of that first start looks solid and the fact connections considered the Ascot Stakes race gives evidence they hold her in some regard and that winning a maiden shouldn't pose a problem. I can see this filly being big odds on by the start of the race. If even money is available at any time it could prove value. Lady Captain is a good-looking juvenile and will improve markedly on that first start. However, she will need to be pretty good to beat the favourite. Idamante could sneak a place and if drifting to decent odds may be of interest. The betting is key for Baltic Fire. If priced 13/2 & less I would expect a transformation. If weak in the betting I would leave alone. Kirtling Belle would have claims if substantially backed. Princess Pheeny would be my selection.
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