An EBF Maiden Stakes over 1m 1y on standard going. Ten two-year-olds take part and a fascinating contest.
Hydroxide is a class horse trained by Hugo Palmer and by all accounts a winner without a penalty. Two narrow loses to talented rivals must give a bittersweet taste for connections V I Araci. This son of Lope De Vega cost 205,000G at the breeze-up sales. If this Irish-bred had won on debut, it is very likely we would have contested a pattern race by now and is likely to be heading in that direction. This odds-on shot has to take some beating although there are a few juveniles in opposition who may hold some claims, perhaps more at each-way selections in hope that the favourite comes second best once more.
Balashakh was fancied to go well on debut when finishing fourth at odds of 6/4. This bay colt is an American-bred son of Blame and cost 100,000G at the yearling sales. He will improve for that debut effort and from a statistical point of view has very good win and place claims. Beating the likes of Hydroxide seems a pretty stiff task but if touching each-way prices could well be abet to nothing and hope this colt is much better than seen or the favourite has a taste for second place. Interesting.
*Envisaging is another horse who may be capable of more. James Fanshawe is a talented trainer and the betting indicates this Irish bred son of Zoffany could have a fair level of ability. Ben MC Wong's two-year-old cost 110,000G at the yearling sales rising markedly from his price at foal [17,500E]. He was much too keen last time out at Goodwood. He wasn't helped by a small field and ten runners and a wide draw may force the hand of Queally to sit in behind and progress from there. A tongue tie is applied for the first time. At odds of 12/1, he isn't beyond going well and good have realistic each-way claims.
Bocelli is a home bred from Mrs P Good. It would take a huge effort to win this race on debut although Simon Crisford has been in imperious with his debutantes this season.
Conclusion: A race to enjoy. Hydroxide will start favourite and on form will take all the beating. He hasn't done anything wrong in defeat although there is always a worry when a horse is defeated that it will become the norm. If defeated, it will be due to a talented opponent rather than a balls up. Balashakh got going all too late on debut but I'd expect a marked improvement here and he could be a worthy each-way alternative. I would be surprised if this colt isn't placed at worst. Envisaging is another horse who didn't go himself justice at Goodwood. He was must too keen but traveled very for a long way. If drifting to huge odds on the exchanges is worth a small each-way bet. If the favourite drifted to even money I would be tempted to have a win on the jolly and half point each on Balashakh and Envisaging.
* NR [Envisaging]
An EBF Maiden Fillies Stakes race over 7f on a standard to slow going.
Seven two-year-olds take part. Snow Squaw has been fancied on both starts to date and far from disgraced when making her debut at Newmarket and then stepping up to seven furlongs when third in a competitive race at Ascot. This Irish-bred daughter of Excelebration is out of a three-time winning mare at Listed class and placed in Group 2. David Elsworth does well with his juveniles and I imagine connections were satisfied with her performance the last start although hoping for a win. This homebred must take the beating today.
Robert Eddery is a talented trainer who deserves more horses sent his way. Fire Palace is a daughter of Royal Applause and a bargain by when purchased by her present owner Edwin Phillips for just 1,800G. Interesting that connections sent this bay filly to Goodwood on debut and she showed promise to finish seventh at odds of 66/1. Eddery does very well with his juveniles when prominent in the betting on their second start and there has been money for this horse. I'd expected a bold show.
Every Nice Girl is trained by Marco Botti who has been a little quiet with his two-year-olds this season. This American-bred daughter of Mizzen Mast is a breeze-up purchase [bought at two, April] for 58,000G. Botti has fair win and place claims with his debutantes priced 10/1 & less.
David Simcock has been in cracking form with his two-year-olds this season and Vista Steppe made her debut at Doncaster, although not particularly fancied. The betting is key here. If priced 13/2 & less SP has claims but if weak in the market best watched.
The others are best watched.
Conclusion: This looks a fine chance for Snow Squaw to win. A couple of runs should have her primed and the main opponent looks to be Fire Palace. I expect Eddery's second starter to improve but needs to. It is a shame there aren't three places for each-way backers but, in fairness, his fancied juveniles either win or finish unplaced. Every Nice Girl & Vista Steppe may have claims if in their respective betting guides although I would be looking towards the top two in the betting. Snow Squaw gets the nod.
Just a quick note as I'm Mr Busy at present with one exciting venture and another.
Interesting race. Dragon Mall went to Kempton with a big reputation but little went right that day for David Simcock's $105,000 yearling buy.
He charged home as if his tail had been set on fire.
My only regret is that this American-bred son of Blame isn't an each-way price else I'd rob a bank and make a quick detour to Ladbrokes with my swag.
A fair bet if you can get 5/2 for a straight win and I'd be pretty much amazed if this bay colt doesn't run a supersized race.
Jamie Spencer won't need his zinc supplement if this goes in.
G'Day Aussie, Powderhorn & Zzoro may have each way claims at huge odds if you fancy a speculative bet.
Dragon Mall is the major hope and if drifting to each way odds it's a strong bet.
