David Evans has made a sparkling start with his juveniles this season. Zermintrudee may have been second string on debut but showed promise. Patience Alexander was sent off odds on favourite for that race slamming the field. Zermintrudee, a daughter of first season sire Zebedee and cheap yearling purchase at 4,000euros, was outpaced on debut but looks a progressive juvenile. It could be the case this bay filly was inexperienced, didn't enjoy the kick-back, or may even appreciate a stiffer trip. The mare raced over sprint distances at two, so it was mostly likely inexperience, indicated by her 33/1 starting odds. She ran on well to finish runner-up, only finding her stride late on. The stable have fair win and place claims with their juveniles when fancied on their second start. I would imagine this April foal will be brighter from the stalls although their is always a concern she may be outpaced and playing catch up.
Sparbrook ran in the same race, finishing third, beaten three-quarters of a length. This daughter of Kodiac cost 11,000euros. George Baker's youngster showed more pace than the above mentioned but was only battling for minor honours against the easy winner. The stable usually have their two-year-olds primed for a big race second start, which adds interest, although in some respects she needs to improve. The betting is key with this filly and if fancied would give hope. For horse trainer quotes visit Horse Trainer Directory - 100% Free Trainer Quotes.
That debut was a full maiden, while by race type this is a weaker contest. However, it is difficult to assess the merit of that debut form, as they looked a bit of a motley crew. With the winner trouncing the opposition it could limited those in behind or perhaps the winner is a star. That is the problem with early-season form and until you have a benchmark you are always taking a risk. Zermintrudee & Sparbrook hold claims as long as they are fancied in the market.
David Evans is represented by another raced juvenile - Low Cut Affair. She finished fourth behind the impressive Tiggy Wiggy. The second, Charlie's Star, ran a storming race next start, while the sixth showed little. The betting is the best guide to the Evans respective chances.
Of the debutantes, the betting will be the best starting point. While a handful of trainers can go well with horses on their racecourse bow others are likely to need the run.
Polar Vortex is owned by Alan Craddock, who is no stranger to a talented horse (Lethal Force) purchased by trainer Clive Cox for £26,000. She is a full sister to Electric Qatar. This chestnut filly isn't two until later this month. If priced 13/2 & less this horse has fair win and place claims. A relatively wide draw is a negative.
Michael Bell has his first two-year-old runner. Arousal is a cheap £8,000 daughter of Stimulation out of a winning Irish mare. Bell can send out debut winners although those which prove victorious are usually talents. In general, I would rather take a watching brief.
Another trainer who is worth noting on debut is Eve Johnson Houghton. Karluk is a daughter of Kodiac cost 13,500euros. In truth the stable do not feature the best strike rate on debut unless exceptionally well backed.
The rest of the debutantes are likely to need the run.
No One Knows is a home bred owned by Gary and Linnet Woodward. John Hills knows this family John Hills well. The mare won at two - a capable type in the same ownership. A wide draw isn't ideal and the stable's youngsters often improve with racing.
June's Moon hails from John Portman's stable. His two-year-olds do spring the odd surprise on debut but best watched.
Frozen Princess has a wide draw which is often be problematic and the stable are better second start.
Similarly the better drawn Mylaporyours & Magical Daze are best watched unless strongly backed.
Itsindebag & Kidmeforever are both cheap buys, trained by Stan Moore. This stable can have the odd debut winner at speculative odds and the latter's owners had Kidmenot, who wasn't a bad horse last year. Best watched.
Conclusion: Race experience often gives a winning edge in these restricted auction races. In addition, a low draw is an advantage, especially with those who have a run under their belt. A high draw is a negative and if tardy from the stalls it will take a fair sort to win. Zermintrudee & Sparbrook look to hold an advantage. The former will need to be sharper and it isn't beyond the realms she is slightly tapped for toe. David Evans doesn't let the grass grow under his horse's hooves and she could well be primed for the day and looks the type to finish her race which is always a strength. Sparbrook shouldn't be ignored and if strongly fancied in the betting could well make a fight of this. If weak in the betting I would consider Zermintrudee holds the aces. Of the debutantes, Polar Vortex has claims if priced 13/2 & less. A wide draw is a negative although Cox is a talented trainer. The others are best watched unless strongly backed.