An EBF Maiden Stakes over 7f 32y on standard going. Nine two-year-olds take part, predominantly colts against three fillies, most raced. A difficult race to assess with the majority of the field showing limited ability, or needing to put poor runs behind them, with the exception of one form horse who has struggled to win. Clever Miss, trained by Alan McCabe, is worth a second glance. This stable know the time of day and it was significant this daughter of Mount Nelson was backed on debut at Redcar over 6f. A relatively cheap yearling purchase at 12,000gns, it was telling the money came for her that day, especially considering it was a stiff contest for the race type. Speaking on RUK, McCabe stated they held this bay filly in some regard and expected a bold show. Inexperience saw her outpaced mid race but she ran on in determined style to finish fourth, on the tails of a couple of fair sorts in Augusta Ada and Spiceupyourlife. I've little doubt connections were disappointed by that performance, although that had as much to do with the quality of the opposition because most auction races would have gone their way. She was sent off favourite over the same distance at Pontefract but ran horrendously. That wasn't her true running but it was a strange race on many fronts. Without questions the leaders went much too fast and reason why the eventual winner - a fair sort - ran on well after being comprehensively outpaced. Such an indifferent performance brings question marks about this youngster and knocks the confidence to place a bet. The stallion enjoyed a trip and the mare won over 7f, so this extra furlong could well be a positive. The way this March foal ran at Redcar suggests this will appeal. However, the problem is trying to assess whether this filly has simply regressed. The key to answering this question is the betting. If weak in the market I would leave well alone. Being a pretty ordinary race, bar the two favourites, you would expect Clever Miss to have fair each way claims if that initial ability runs deep. On balance, even if backed, I would have reservations because that last disappointment is enough make the blood of an Eskimo run cold. Potentially a fair two-year-old, who may have claims if substantially backed. A watching brief.
A Maiden Auction Stakes over 7f 100y on good ground. Twelve two-year-olds take part in what looks to be a poor race. Atlantic Affair sets the standard on form although disappointed last time at Chester when racing over the minimum trip, which may have tempted connections to consider this hike up in distance. Breeding suggests this may be to her liking although being such a speedy juvenile it will be interesting to see if she can settle as so many horses pull hard, unused to their new requirement.
This post will take a closer look at Chamberlain, trained by Alan McCabe. This bay colt, a son of Indesatchel, is a good-looking juvenile and cheap yearling purchase at £8,000, although still top weight in this restricted race type. He ran a great race on debut but disappointed second start at Pontefract. A wide draw didn't help his cause that day but in truth he ran too bad to be believed and was surprisingly weak in the betting. McCabe is a consummate professional and most probably waiting for this trip. After showing limited ability on that last start there is a concern they will simply run down the field to guarantee a handy mark for up-and-coming nursery races. As with all speculative priced horses you have to take a leap of faith. If playing safe it may be wise to see if this colt is backed because this stable enjoy a gamble. Camberlain may be worth a small each way bet at speculative odds.
