A couple of two-year-olds ran well Thursday - Bobby Wheeler held two entries on Group Horse and Clive Cox said today that they fancied him to go well on debut at Goodwood but the ground was a bit lively. Considering this son of Pivotal had been off course a couple of months I imagine he suffered sore shins. A lovely display at Salisbury although the race was nothing beyond ordinary being a Maiden Auction Stakes. He looks a good prospect who will be given pattern entries in the near future.
I went into town today and had a chat and tea with Eric of Eric Winner fame. I said to the sprint maestro that Group Horse is worth its weight in gold. Good to get out for a while although Gregg's is so noisy with screaming children, some nutter chatting on their phone on loud speaker and staff dropping crockery like it was going out of fashion, that I could hardly think. Moving on from there...
Tomorrow's cards. Ten two-year-old races. Too many. I will have a quick look to note any of interest.
2:20 Newbury - Justice Law ran well on debut in a valuable Ascot maiden. David Elsworth doesn't have many two-year-olds fancied in the betting when making their racecourse bow and on a statistical front has sound each way claims here. This grey colt was purchased at the Breeze-up sales by Elsworth for £100,000. A Mill Reef Stakes Group 2 entry and Racing Post Trophy Group 1 bring confidence. The Irish bred Tashweeq is held in some regard by connections and cost £150,000. 1st Justice Law 2/1
5:30 Newmarket - Michael Bell has been a touch quiet with his juveniles this season but Taurean Star made a promising introduction two weeks ago at Doncaster over this trip. This American bred son of Elnadin threatened to win that day before tiring in the closing stages. A good-looking bay, he is held in high regard at home and will be more professional on this second start. Bernie's Boy is a tough customer and Balding will fancy his chances to go one better after a couple of determined efforts. Probably a stronger field than your average Auction Maiden Stakes but this pair look lively contenders. I would back Taurean Star at each-way if odds are available. The pair may be worth a small f/c.
6:30 Newmarket - Culturati is a pretty classy colt and this is a stepping stone to pattern races. Should win.
A small ew treble: 1st, 2nd, 4th
2:20 Justice Law - each-way bet if prices allow 1st 2/1
5:30 taurean Star - each-way bet if prices allow 4th 3/1
May be worth a small ew yankee:
1:45 Newbury - Manson 2/1 NR
2:20 Newbury - Justice Law 3/1 1st
5:30 Newmarket - Taurean Star 7/2 4th [disappointing not placed]
6:30 Newmarket - Culturati 4/5 2nd