A Novices Auction Stakes over 5f on good to soft going. Not the most competitive of race types - which usually favour form horses. A field of eight two-year-olds, three with form, five debutantes.
This looks an ideal opportunity for Decadent Times, trained by Tom Dascombe, in the ownership of The Roaring Twenties. This bay colt tried to match strides with Sutter County on debut and paid the price in the closing stages when caught by the eventual second Stringybark Creek. He put up a bold display when battling with another fair juvenile in the shape of Stormy Clouds, who won with something in hand. To all purposes this is a drop in class and I'd expect Liam Jones to gain an easy lead and hope to hang on in the closing stages. This is a very good chance for this colt to taste victory for the first time.
The betting suggests Jollydee is the main danger. This bay filly, ran on in the closing stages of the Brocklesby Stakesto finish fourth. I would have slight concerns she was flattered, being huge odds that day, and many of the leaders tied up quite markedly, failing to finish the race with any verve.
Richard Fahey does well at this course and one of few trainers who makes it his business to win on debut. Melesina is a daughter of Dark Angel who cost 22,000gns at the yearling sales. may need the favourite to disappoint to be winning on this racecourse bow but a filly to respect in this class of race.
Tim Easterby doesn't have the best strike rate on debut although he can fire one up and they can show the way if fancied in the betting. Our Charlie Brown hails from the Ontoawinner syndicate and partners. This bay colt, a son of American Post is out of a once-race winning mare. She cost just £12,000 at the yearling sales, purchased by the trainer. Best watched unless backed to 13/2 & less sp.
Karl Burke's Lavender Sky showed little on debut but was unfancied that day. Looks to have a lot to do but would be a different proposition if seriously backed.
Brian Ellison is a canny trainer and a few of his two-year-olds have run well on debut at Beverley for noted owner Keith Brown. Orewa is a son of Helmet and cost 18,000eur at the yearling sales when purchased by his present owner. Interesting colt, mainly due to his appearance at this course.
The rest are best watched.
Conclusion: I'm not telling you much that Decadent Times has plenty of boxes ticked here. I can see a bold front-running show and that could well be enough to have most of these waving the white flag. Melesina is the most likely opponent simply because Fahey can ready a two-year-old debutante. However, this is a drop in grade for the favourite, which makes it difficult for the inexpensive juveniles to test. Most will struggle against a horse with experience and pace. Our Boy Charlie and Lavender Sky would be interesting if seriously backed, especially the latter. Orewa hails from a stable/owner combination who have done well at this course before. Favourite should win.
A Maiden Auction Stakes over 6f on good to soft going. Eight runners in this fairly restricted two-year-old contest weighted with regard to sales price - maximum £25,000. All colts/gelding bar one filly. Only a few pounds separate top to bottom weight. The majority lightly raced with a couple of debutantes.
Run To Rio was fancied on debut but was either outpaced or inexperienced. This son of Captain Rio was the lesser fancied of two juveniles for Dods, when showing improved form over an extra furlong at Newcastle, caught on the line by the well-backed favourite. The form of that race looks fair for this level and on breeding the going should suit.
Denton Hall field stablemate and debutante Dark Command. This gelding is a son of Kheleyf, purchased at the yearling sales by the trainer for 9,000GNS. Dods can do well with his debutantes and a good number are placed. This stable often go better on soft ground so it wouldn't be a surprise to see them go well. With Run To Rio showing such promise last start I would favour that individual.
Dessert Rule wasn't fancied on debut for Jedd O'Keeffe. This son of Kheleyf was slow away and ran on in the closing stages when Ode To Evening cruised to a nine-length victory. Highbeck Racing are loyal patrons of the stable and although their juveniles are likely to progress second start this bay colt is best watched.
Richard Fahey is a class trainer of two-year-olds and probably the best at priming juveniles to win on debut. Very few handlers come close statistically when comparing first to second start. Ingleby Valley was relatively fancied on debut at Carlisle over 5f. This chestnut son of Sahkee's Secret showed signs of inexperience in the paddock but ran well when playing second fiddle to Moondyne Joe. I don't think that was the strongest of heats, which isn't a surprise when it was similarly a maiden auction. The leaders looked to go a stride too fast and fell in a hole and the first three came from well off the pace. This home bred should like the going and appreciate the extra furlong.
Richard Guest often slips under the radar, especially with two-year-olds, but he is a talented trainer and gives a very honest review on his website. Lydia's Place has served him well this season with three tidy wins after needing the run on debut. I must admit Dark Confidant caught the eye first start when sent off a 33/1 shot in what looked to be a pretty hot contest. This good-looking gelding, a son of Royal Applause, traveled with great gusto when ridden by Joey Haynes and had most in trouble until tiring in the final furlong. The third has a level of ability and the winner won on debut for Sir Michael Stoute and will be racing at Group class before long. Guest drops this gelding back a furlong and this is a drop in grade. This shorter trip may take the edge off his natural pace but he should run to line and by all accounts run a big race.
Domineeno looks second string for Ingmanthorpe Stables.
Keith Dalgleish fields a couple of runners including the only filly Candy Hill. This bay daughter of Jeremy has been fancied on both starts but disappointed on debut. However, she ran with more credit second start when losing to Mr Chuckles, who was 25/1. In truth, that looked a pretty moderate race. She steps back up to 6f. I would prefer others.
Aussie Express cost £5,000 at the yearling sales. Equus Syndicate have done well with Glenrowen Rose, who won for the yard and far from disgraced when sixth in the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2). Probably best watched unless seriously backed.
Conclusion: This looks a fair race for the grade. Unless one of the two debutantes has ability [potentially both second string] this is most likely out of four horses. Candy Hill races against the boys and while she improved last start it was rather a motley affair. Possible. I'd rather watch. Ingleby Valley ran well enough on debut although the front runners went a stride too fast and the complexion of the race changed dramatically in the closing stages. This step up in distance should be a positive and the ground will suit. On statistics he holds respectable win and place claims. Run To Rio is a straightforward juvenile and put up a bold show last start when nabbed on the line. Must run well and hold every chance and a sound bet if each way odds are available. I was taken with Dark Confidant on debut. He looks a great buy at 4,000GNS. In some respects I would be more confident if running over 7f because he showed very good pace that day. You have to trust the trainer knows best and I do with Richard Guest. The testing ground should help and this bay gelding could well improve as the stable's two-year-old often do second start. If touching each way odds should go well.
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6:10 Beverley - White Bullet has run well on both starts. Very few two-year-olds start their career at Listed Class. This daughter of Exceed And Excel wandered under pressure at Newmarket when stepping up to 6f. Kevin Ryan's charge should have won if keeping straight and by all accounts is a pattern winner running in a maiden. Unless disaster strikes - she will win.
6:20 Windsor - Justice Lass is held in some regard by connections, racing in the familiar silks of Robert Ng. As noted on Group Horse, this daughter of Canford Cliffs held a Listed entry before making her debut at this course over the minimum distance. This bay filly ran on all too late, which was due to an insufficient trip and then ran in another hot contest when facing Ballydoyle, who was a narrow loser in the Chesham at Royal Ascot. David Elsworth must feel this 6f is the ideal for now after showing good pace last time out at Newmarket. There was no disgrace in finishing fourth. Little Voice is the major opponent but if making Justice Lass an each way bet - I'd take the challenge.
Couple ew trebles -
1:55 Ayr - Run To Rio or Dark Confidant 3rd (11/2)
6:10 Beverley - White Bullet 2nd (1/8) Unbelievable
6:20 Windsor - Justice Lass 1st 13/8
The Hilary Needler Conditions Stakes over 5f on soft ground (inspection at noon after 10mm of rain). A small field of six fillies: all raced, three winners - by all account a below average renewal. This contest has valuable win prize money of £16,185. Don't Tell Annie has an opportunity
A maiden stakes over 5f on heavy ground. Eleven two-year-olds declared: five colts, four geldings & two fillies, just over half raced. The showery weather conditions could play a part in whether a high or low draw is favoured.
Tim Easterby is a canny old trainer and already fielded a couple of juveniles worthy of note. In general, the betting tells the story to their chances but Mattmu bellied his 20/1 odds, when a narrow loser at Doncaster on debut. In fact, this Irish-bred son of Indesatchel would have won in a stride or two. This home bred is out of a hardy-sprinting mare, a good-looking colt who should progress from that race. After competing on testing ground on his racecourse bow, this surface shouldn't pose a problem unless the going becomes very testing. The form is difficult to assess and in many respects still has something to prove at short odds.
Bowson Fred has proven a fair level of ability, when making his debut at conditions class at Musselburgh. This bay colt by Monsieur Bond is out of a Listed-winning mare, who was placed in the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) for this stable and ownership. Make no mistake, this March foal ran in a competitive race first start and wasn't disgraced by more experienced/talented juveniles. The winner (Mukhmal) won the Lily Agnes stakes and is heading for Royal Ascot. The fifth, Casterbridge, was placed in the same race at Chester. Bowson Fred was pretty fit for debut and pressed at the two pole when looking to hold every chance but not bullied to finish less than two lengths behind Magical Florence, who showed plenty of dash when fourth in the Brocklesby. There is a lot to like about this colt and if coping with the soft ground has respectable each way claims. If improving a length or two would look to hold strong claims.
Others with form include Monsieur Jimmy who has been well backed on both starts to date but needs something of a transformation after struggling to match the pace of the leaders over course and distance and then tired in the closing stages.
Mountain Man is trained by Michael Easterby but could play second fiddle to Bowson Fred. This gelding started his career in the Brocklesby and wasn't too far behind Mattmu when running on again in the closing stages after being outpaced. This son of Hellvelyn is a sturdy horse with some size and scope but looks a plodder. He may enjoy a test of stamina and could muscle his way at the finish if this becomes a mud bath but not really a horse who looks to have the pace to win unless others are unsuited by underfoot conditions.
Celestial Dancer finished last when unfancied in the betting on debut. Probably best watched unless substantially backed.
Rocco's Delight threw away any chance when slowly away at Thirsk, then veering wildly to his left. This February foal is trained by John Wainwright, who doesn't have many juvenile runners these days. However, there was money for this son of Multiplex on debut and he is a fair-looking gelding. A high draw may appeal to connections to take the near-side rail and at huge odds could be worth a speculative each way punt.
The debutantes will need to be fit and well to make an impact on these testing conditions. Triggers Boom, hails from Richard Fahey's stable and few trainers come close to his first time out statistics. One of two fillies competing, this Irish daughter of Arcano will need to be a fair prospect to deny the boys. On the plus side, she is an early January foal and cost £50,000 at the yearling sales. The stable's two-year-olds hold fair win and placed claims when priced 13/2 & less on debut.
Miami Carousel is a February foal by first-season sire Zebedee. This bay colt is trained by John Quinn who is no stranger to a decent two-year-old. A £42,000 yearling, the stable usually put the money down if they have a fair sort and the betting is the best guide. Could go well if fancied.
Bryan Smart has been pretty quiet this early season and fields a home bred called Straightothepoint. This son of Kyllachy is out of a three-times winning mare [Choisette] who was similarly owned and trained. A high draw is probably a difficult pitch unless it favours running down that rail. The stable feature fair win and place claims when priced at 13/2 & less.
Northgate Lad hails from Brian Ellison's stable. Generally, their juveniles struggle to win on debut although it is worth noting this gelding has been given a stakes race entry. This could be a sign of confidence. I would take a watching brief.
Conclusion: The ground and draw bring plenty of question marks about this race. Whether it will be a positive or negative to have a high or low draw only time will tell. It is worth watching the first race on the card to come to some conclusion. Mattmu is a good-looking colt and a narrow loser on debut naturally brings this horse into consideration. However, the form of that race is difficult to assess. I would take a watching brief although respect this horse's chances. Bowson Fred ran well on debut in a tough race. If improving a length or two, must go well and could be a decent each way selection. Testing ground is always a concern and needs to be factored into the price. Looks to set the standard. The betting is the best guide for the debutantes and Triggers Boom, Miami Carousel & Straightothepoint have fair each way claims if priced 13/2 & less. I would give the latter a watching brief from a high draw. Rocco's Delight may be worth a hit and hope at fantastic odds. Wainwright has fielded a few two-year-old winners at this course in his time and could set sail against the rail and make a speculative each way punt. Bowson Fred looks a fair juvenile and of interest at decent odds but the soft ground does bring concerns and tempers enthusiasm.
A restricted maiden auction stakes over 5f on good to firm ground. Eleven two-year-olds take part, three raced. Form horses often hold an advantage in races of this nature.
Interesting to see Penalty Scorer has changed hands and now with Ontoawinner syndicate who I have known for some time. This daughter of Captain Gerrard is still in training with Richard Guest. She started in the Brocklesby when far from disgraced. This chestnut filly has quite good pace but limitations. She showed up well over course and distance but struggles to quite see out the distance. However, Penalty Scorer is likely to set the pace and could gain an uncontested lead. A horse who has a chance to hit the frame but probably struggle to win.
Reet Petite was only just beaten by the above mentioned filly when making her debut. Michael Dods' horses have been in fine form and this daughter of Fast Company should improve a good deal for that first start. This bay was outpaced for most but rallied in the closing stages. That may have been due to inexperience although she could be slightly tapped for toe in the first few furlongs and finish with zeal. Could be bigger odds in-running but must have each way claims.
The stable is represented by the debutnate Mecca's Mirage, a cheap yearling purchase at 6,500gns. The jockey booking suggests this is the second string, which slightly detracts, but a you can never rule out this stable and if touching speculative odds could be worth a punt.
Richard Fahey is an excellent horse trainer and especially so with his debutantes. Few handlers come close to his exploits. Bond's Girl was a cheap buy at 3,000gns but out of a talented Group-raced mare, who won on debut for Kevin Ryan. The stable have a very good win and place claims with juveniles priced 13/2 & less on their racecourse bow. Well drawn in stall two and a horse to respect.
Magic Time hails from Ann Duffield's stable, their first two-year-old runner of the season. Their juveniles are difficult to assess on debut being somewhat hit and miss but they are capable of going well. Money is often a good sign for this yard and they have a fair strike rate at this course. Probably best watched unless priced 13/2 & less.
Brian Ellison has a great association with Keith Brown and the classy Top Notch Tonto, who actually started his career at this course when trained by Ian McInnes. Make On Madam is a cheap yearling purchase at 5,500euros. A half-sister to Dangerous Age, this looks a fair buy. Ellison's debutantes usually need the run and best watched.
Mini Minstrel cost £11,000 at the yearling sales. Interesting that the owner, Ms Sara Hattersley, purchase this horse at the sales. This stable is all about money and if backed to 13/2 & less has strong win and place claims. If weak in the market - wait for another day.
Millar Rose is quite an interesting horse in this field, mainly because on racing silks, this filly is the first string for Ontoawinner syndicate, seemingly preferred to Penalty Scorer. It would take a brave person to guarantee that point with the Guest's juvenile having valuable race experience. Millar Rose was purchased by Karl Burke for 7,000euros. This stable is one of my favourites because they know what it takes to make a winner. If priced 10/1 & less this March foal has win and place claims.
Esk valley Lady, Astrea & Debt Free Dame are best watched.
Conclusion: The betting is important and will tell the story for most. Penalty Scorer & Reet Petite have vital race experience and in these low grade auction events form is often king. I can see Penalty Scorer making a bold bid from the front and could touch short odds in running. However, she does seem to struggle to finish her races and could well be prone to a finisher. Reet Petite looks to hold a big chance and sure to improve for that debut run. There is a slight concern she will be a little slow to find her stride, which would cause a problem. That may not be the case because that experience will liven up this strong filly. It is worth keeping in mind. I would be tempted to bet in running because if tardy over the first two furlong could touch bigger odds. I expect Michael Dods' runner to finish well but playing catch up can be a difficult game if too far behind. On balance I would give this horse the benefit of the doubt and fair win and place claims. Of the debutantes Mecca's Mirage is most probably second string but still could go well if speculative odds are available. Bond's Girl is certainly the most likely of those making her racecourse bow. If priced 13/2 & less has good win and place claims. Mini Minstrel should be noted in the betting. If priced 13/2 & less has very good claims and would be the bet. If weak in the betting - best watched. Millar Rose is one of the most interesting horses in this field and if priced 10/1 & less has good each way claims. In many respects I would stick with Reet Petite, but have slight concerns and would bet in running. Penalty Scorer looks a good back to lay. Bond's Girl, Millar Rose & Mini Minstrel have fair each way claims if in best betting guides.
A Maiden Auction Stakes over 5f on good ground. Twelve two-year-olds, all raced, bar a couple of debutantes. The majority of the field have something to prove, while Northern Water, a leading contender, has to show spirit to negate a wide draw. One filly who needs to put a poor effort behind her is Jacquotte Delahaye. This daughter of Kyllachy is out of the talented dam Mary Read who was Group-placed for the Smart team. This early, chestnut foal [February] was well backed on debut over course and distance when finishing strongly to a talented horse. Next start at Musselburgh saw an equally gutsy display when finishing in determined style at Stakes class behind a couple of horses which have since contended pattern races. Jacquotte Delahaye was fancied when stepping up to 6f for the first time at Ayr where she ran no race. She looked unsettled on that occasion and connections must have considered there was a problem [perhaps sustained an injury] which has seen her sidelined for almost two months. Clearly, it is a concern when horses run a disappointing race and this aspect does bring question marks. It will be interesting to see if Smart's youngster can sit handy because she has been tardy from the stalls. In ways an extra furlong would seem preferable. The betting will be important and I would have worries if this runner was weak in the market. In contrast, backers may be wise to look for much bigger odds in-running, if a tardy start happens once more. There is a fair chance that style will be congruent. This filly's strength is her finish and I would expect her to run on with spirit. By all account this horse has something to prove and for that reason a tentative selection. I'd be tempted to bet in-running at speculative odds [if available] and hope for a strong run to the line.
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.
Abandoned
Aunte Bessie's Yorkshire Pudding Novice Stakes over 5f on good ground.
Liber is a typical sprinter from Sir Mark Prescott. With each race this son of Ishiguru has progressed and although seventh in the Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed) at Royal Ascot, he lost little in defeat, just over one length behind Hototo. No stranger to pattern class, this bay colt ran a superb race at Epsom when third in the Woodcote, collared in the closing stages over that extra furlong. The advantage Libre holds over his opposition - beyond probably clear talent - is an abundance of pace. Luke Morris is likely to blast his mount from the stalls and within strides could have these struggling. Strong claims.
One juvenile which may cling to Liber's tail is Mary's Daughter. Richard Fahey's charge was outclassed at Royal Ascot when competing in the Albany Stakes (Group 3). However, this filly by Royal Applause didn't lack for speed winning at Leicester over the minimum trip. A 50/1 shot she may have been, but that was a fair performance. A number of those behind have since franked the form. This 40,000gns yearling may bustle-up the favourite for a while but doesn't look to be in the same class.
On form Shrimpton has to improve a few lengths to reverse the form with Mary's Daughter. I quite like this filly. However, you can almost guarantee Channon's representative will be outpaced by those with pace. Ideally 6f would suit, but the only chance this February foal has is if the leaders go a stride too fast and tire. As I stated, when she run at Windsor, I wouldn't lay this filly because she may look a hopeless case at halfway but could clamber home in the closing stages. If touching a huge prices in-running I would be tempted to have a few quid because she will run on with a flourish but whether able to catch the leaders only time will tell.
The Sixties is the other representative for Mick Channon, and has a similar profile to Shrimpton. After running over more testing trips (6/7f) this drop back to the minimum distance seems a strange idea. I cannot help but imagine this gelding of Sixties Icon will be hopelessly outpaced. If available at relatively short odds - a horse to lay.
I'm a big fan of Derek Shaw. He is a knowledgeable trainer who certainly makes the most of his horse's talents. Borough Boy was unfancied on debut at Wolverhampton over 6f. To be fair this son of Jeremy showed little ability finishing last of seven. This breeze-up purchase cost £35,000 at Doncaster after failing to make a bid at Goffs (Kempton). A good-looking colt, he showed good pace, if not a little too keen, then tired in the closing stages. Owner, Brian Johnson, has one fair juvenile in Top Boy, who is capable of winning a race, but disappointed at Royal Ascot. On balance, it would seem a tall order for this youngster to win against talented opponents. There could be improvement and he may show ability. One to watch.
Perhaps one of the most interesting juveniles is Bryan Smart's debutante, Different. This chestnut filly is a home bred from the Denniff family, a breeding line which has yielded some talented two-year-olds. Half-sister to Mary Read, half-brother to Jack Rackham & Exceedance to name a few. It is encouraging that Smart has taken this step to race at Stakes level. He has had such winners before. However, this is conflicting in the sense that although that gives hope - to win against such experienced talents makes for a very stiff task. A tardy start would be a disaster. Also, few trainers are willing to give their debutantes a tough race and it would take an outstanding performance to lower the colours of these primed to blitz. I would have to take a watching brief.
Conclusion: I can't get away from the merit of Liber who is determined, experienced & fast. Luke Morris will not be looking over his shoulder to see if the opposition are toiling in his wake, both he and horse will have their head down in catch-me-if-you-can style. The chances are they won't. Mary's Daughter is probably one of few with pace to burn but she will most probably struggle to keep tabs on the favourite. The others have their work cut out. Shrimpton will be outpaced. She shouldn't be laid. If touching huge odds in-running may even be worth a few quid - because she could finish with relish. If the leaders go a stride too quick she could rattle by tiring finishers. That's the gamble. The Sixties is likely to be outpaced full stop. Borough Boy may go well at a huge price but needs a leap of faith. On balance best watched. Different isn't without hope for Bryan Smart but over the minimum trip would need to be pretty smart and I would have to take a watching brief.
A Maiden Auction Stakes over 7f 100y on soft ground.
The majority of the field raced, a couple with placed efforts.
Throwing Roses has run creditably on all of her three starts. This daughter of Clodovil is small and not the most attractive of fillies although a battling type. Ollie Pears must be frustrated this bargain buy hasn't got her head in front, especially being caught in the last few strides on debut. In truth, the juveniles which have beaten her are all talented. It would be a surprise if a horse of their calibre makes its debut here today. A versatile bay, she has cope with running over the minimum trip, stepping up to a testing 6f at Pontefract and now the ultimate test this gruelling course. The mare, Mizooka, enjoyed a trip and Clodovil enjoyed the mud, so this could be to her liking. There is always a slight concern when horses step up in distance they may be a touch keen although she has been composed in all her race to date.
Yorkshire Icon is one of two horses fielded by Ann Duffield. This son of Sixties Icon was pretty fancied in the betting on debut at this course but showed little. He ran with much greater confidence over the minimum trip at Carlisle, when outpaced by the talented Libre. Finishing the race with real purpose indicated that further would bring more improvement. However, running at Newcastle on soft ground saw a rather indifferent performance. In the early stages this bay colt looked a little reluctant if not outpaced and then keen when rousted along by his jockey. In the closing stages he rallied and was progressing as if this trip would suit. The sire's crop seem to enjoy all distances but it would be a concern if he was keen on this testing ground. I can see Graham Lee sitting quietly, just finding a good, galloping stride, and then hope to finish the race with some purpose. Not the easiest horses to asses but one which could go well if everything falls into place.
Tiger Prince looks to be the second string for Middleham Park Racing. This gelding had a nice introduction at Musselburgh over 7f and wasn't hard pressed. Probably best watched today but may sneak a place.
Of the rest, debutante Arthur's Secret is quite interesting. Owned by E A Brookes, in the familiar red and white spotted silks, it is intriguing to see this youngster in training with John Quinn rather than Bill Turner (originally purchased by Quinn so perhaps not too much of a surprise!). What caught my attention is that this youngster has been entered to run in a Stakes race, which could be a significant pointer. The stable can ready a juvenile on its debut and they have found success at this course. If substantially backed, I would expect a big run. It is never easy to win on debut but this chestnut colt could be the dark horse of the race.
Conclusion: A tricky race in ways. Throwing Roses is a gritty customer but on the small side and at one time entered to run in a selling race, which doesn't inspire. This test of stamina may be a positive move but this is a test and a half. Yorkshire Icon has shown glimmers of ability which suggest he can win a race but what is most concerning is that he runs in snatches rather than a fluent gallop. Over this course and distance this could make life very difficult because if showing a tendency to pull he will not finish his race. The complexion of these races can change dramatically in the final furlong and the fractions need to be spot on. I can imagine Lee sitting off the pace and saving the horse's energy to run to the line but will Yorkshire Icon have different ideas? The stakes entry for Arthur's Secret caught my eye. John Quinn is a canny trainer and Brookes a lucky owner. It's never easy to win on debut but if substantially backed I can see this two-year-old going well.
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