Wednesday 29 May 2019

Investec Woodcote EBF Stakes (Conditions Race) (Plus 10 Race) (Class 2) (2yo)


A quick preview to the Investec Woodcote EBF Stakes

2:00 Epsom. Going: Good. Just seven two-year-olds (2yo) taking part for this Class 2 race with win prize money £37,350. 

Interesting history to the Woodcote Stakes. Run over a distance of 6f 3 yards, it is open to two-year-old thoroughbred racehorses. Originally named the Woodcot Stakes, it was first to run in 1794. Although, in those days, it was run over four furlongs. 

In this modern era, winners since 1988 detail a number of very talented juveniles. 

Readers of a certain age may remember the likes of Champagne Gold (1989) who won for trainer Denys Smith, ridden by Willie Carson. 

In 1991, Showbrook ran a sparkling time of 1:07.85, for Richard Hannon's stable, ridden by Bruce Raymond in the familiar silks of Tony Budge (known as ''King Coal'').  Showbrook went on to win the July Stakes and Mill Reef Stakes.  

Other popular winners of this race include Ron Boss, Clive Britain, Richard Hannon (Snr), Ian Balding, Paul Cole, Mick Channon, Mark Johnston, Alan Jarvis, Peter Chapple-Hyam, Neville Callaghan, Rod Millman, Kevin Ryan, William Jarvis, Karl Burke, Richard Hannon (Jnr) & even Irish-raider Tommy Stack (2010) with High Award. 

Last year saw Richard Fahey's Cosmic Law run out an easy six-length winner for owner John Dance, ridden by Partick McDonald. 

Click this link to see the result on the Racing Post. 

2019 Investec Woodcote Stakes 

This year sees a small field of just seven contenders (the same as last year). 

Pinatubo (Charlie Appleby) Price: 11/4

This bay colt is a son of Shamardal, a homebred from Godolphin.  He ran out a tidy winner when racing at Wolverhampton on debut. The second horse, Platinum Star, has since franked the form. Charlie Appleby has a number of two-year-olds who could have gone for this race. 

Misty Grey (Mark Johnston) Price: 4/1

This chestnut (looks grey) disappointed on debut but improved significantly second start at Ripon leading all the way and winning by seven lengths. There was a lot to like about that victory.

Oh Purple Reign (Richard Hannon) Price: 11/2

This son of Sir Prancealot wasn't overly fancied when winning on debut at Nottingham. However, the 12/1 starting price didn't stop this bay colt from battling for victory. 

Rayong (Karl Burke) Price: 8/1

Karl Burke has a fantastic strike rate at Carlisle and Rayong ran a sterling race to win by three-quarters of a length. I get the feeling that was a fair race. This step up to 6f should be positive. In the ownership of King Power Racing Ltd, this two-year-old needs to improve but could well fight to the line.  

Dancinginthewoods (Dean Ivory) Price: 11/1

Dean Ivory isn't known for his debut winners and that may explain why this son of Garswood won at odds of 50/1. Victory looked unlikely right up to the last stride, winning by a nose. Not the easiest horse to assess and this is a step up in class. 

Dragon Command (George Scott) Price: 14/1 

This attractive son of War Command ran well on debut at Doncaster. He was a little short of room and finished with spirit giving the impression better would be seen on his second start. Owners, The Black Dragon, must have thought they had a favourites chance next start at Carlisle. However, they couldn't beat Rayong, who held a small advantage. On the form, looks held by Karl Burke's charge. 

Barry Magoo (Adam West) Price: 100/1 

This bay gelding has been a big price on both starts to date and not shown a great deal. Not been seen for over a month, needs vast improvement. 

Conclusion: I wouldn't look beyond Pinatubo and Misty Grey. 


2019 Woodcote Stakes Winner Pinatubo