2:00 Wolverhampton Racing Tips (22nd Dec) 32RED CASINO MEDIAN AUCTION MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) (2yo)

A Median Auction Maiden Stakes over 5f 20y on standard going. A restricted race type which, in theory, shouldn't take too much winning. 

Seven two-year-olds take part: all raced bar one debutante for Mark Brisbourne which is priced a 50/1 outsider. 

Most of these two-year-olds have been given plenty of chances to win and a number have been placed if not runner-up. Connections will be hopeful. We can guarantee someone will be leaving a wintry racecourse with a seasonal Christmas glow. 

The main focus of attention will be afforded to The Daley Express, trained by Ed McMahon and ridden by Dale Swift. This bay son of Elzaam is well bred out of a durable mare, Seraphina, who went close to winning a number of top-class races. It's interesting to note that McMahon recently purchased this colt for just £1,500. Considering this was a £30,000 yearling purchase it is slightly strange.

However, the price tag wasn't an issue on his first or second start which showed promise. The Daley Express has run over the minimum trip on each of his three starts to date. An outsider on debut at Leicester. He hinted ability. 

To be fair, he was a very unlikely loser next start when backed at this course. Touching 1.01 on the exchanges in-running it took a flying finish from Rozy Boys, who was trailing at the back of the field until Pegasus came into view. 

Racing over course and distance last time out, he was made 11/8f. In many ways, that looked a disappointing effort but time may tell he was beaten by two better horses. The winner, Cajmare, was very well backed for Tom Dascombe's stable, while the second, Her Terms, was an expensive yearling purchase [330,000G] who hasn't achieved what the price tag presumed. 

However, that was a maiden race which varies considerably to these lesser race types which often get branded as maidens but in actual fact are often similar to plating class. This race isn't a seller in disguise although a number of horses here have official ratings less than 70 which suggests they are pretty moderate. 

The Daley Express didn't have much luck last time out being hampered and then found trouble in running. 

This race is a drop in class. From a low draw, I expect Swift [jockey] to take the race by the scruff of the neck and try to lead all the way. 

If you are lucky, you may get even money. It isn't beyond the realms he will drift in the betting but, conversely, it wouldn't be a surprise to see an odds-on shot. 

Definity the horse to beat. Whether you want to take a short price is a matter for debate.  

2:15 Newcastle (26th August) Free Horse Racing Tips

An EBF Maiden Stakes over 7f on good to soft ground. A field of ten two-year-olds take part most lightly race bar two debutantes one of which - Coin Broker - has been backed to favouritism. Ed McMahon has had a relatively quiet season with his youngsters but they are always worth taking note on their second start. Archibald Thorburn was fancied to run well at Haydock on debut but looked in need of the experience when making ground all to late but finished a promising third. This brown colt cost 75,000euros as a yearling and quite an early foal [February]. An Irish bred out of  winning mare, he should enjoy this ground and likely to be much fitter and wiser for that initial start. In a race that looks quite limited he has fair win and place claims. The betting is important for this yard and would need to be priced 7/1 & less sp to give greatest confidence. If very weak in the betting I would take a watching brief.

2:30 Ayr (15th July ) Free Horse Racing Tips

A Median Auction Maiden Stakes over 6f on good to firm ground.  Just four runners: three raced, one debutante. Quite an interesting contest with a couple of fair sorts for this restricted race type. 

Broadcaster showed limited ability on debut when running over 7f at Haydock, finishing second from last. By all accounts that was a strong race with the winner placed at Group 2 level next start, while the second and fourth have both proven victorious. This son of Jeremy could well have disappointed on his first start because he showed big improvement when dropping down a furlong at Newcastle. This youngster was purchased and owned by John Fretwell for £39,000. His trainer, Ed McMahon, is a talent whose juveniles often slip under the radar. Few pundits appreciate his outstanding win and place statistics on their seconds start and that was certainly the case with this April foal. The betting indicated connections fancied their chances and from leaving the stalls it was clear he would be a major player. I was struck by this handsome bay colt who I didn't really notice [physically] when making his race course bow. It will be a surprise if he isn't the best looking in this field. In many ways Sean Levey [jockey] may have sent his charge to the front a little early because he power clear - touching short odds in-running - only to be collared in the closing stages. In fairness, the winner, Lily Rules, is a strong finisher and a decent juvenile for that grade so he may have been on a hiding to nothing whatever tactic he employed. However, Levey has been replaced by Graham Gibbons, which may suggest Mr Fretwell wasn't best pleased. This horse sets a fair standard and will take the beating. 

Another of my favourite trainers - a stable which have won me a lot of money in my time - is that of Mrs K Burke (Karl is set to regain his licence in the next few weeks). Ticking Katie is owned by Ontoawinner who are a great syndicate and a name we have promoted for a number of years. This daughter of Baltic King needed the run when making her debut at Haydock. It is important to always watch the betting of their two-year-olds on their second start because when the money flows a big run is usually forthcoming. There was a substantial gambler on this filly [a superb yearling buy at 4,000gns] and there were a few sad faces when Karen Tutty hammered their wallets to the wall with her first two-year-old winner. There was nothing wrong with that performance and another day of the week we would have seen a comfortable win. Ticking Katie has a fighting chance against the colts.

I must admit that I often look at Alan Berry's few two-year-old debutantes and quickly come to the conclusion: ''You can't win''. In truth, his general standard of horse is poor and they are often left trailing by the time the opposition have covered a furlong. However, I was shocked by Straight Gin when he made his debut in a big-money Selling Stakes at Musselburgh. I don't mind saying I laid this horse quite early on the exchanges for a large sun of money and then noticed this son of Major Cadeaux had been well backed. Considering I had bet thinking he would drift I learned a valuable lesson to be respectful of each horse and trainer. This bay gelding ruined his chance with a tardy start but make no mistake he has ability. Don't be fooled into thinking he must be poor to run at plating class [surprisingly some two-year-olds have started in this grade and competed at Group class!]. The winner is a good, solid horse. The second is a speedster who lost in a photo finish in a nursery next start. While the third horse will be winning soon. Alan Berry's charge ran on well at the line and with that initial experience on side, stepping up in distance, expect marked improvement. If touching big odds on the exchanges I would be tempted to back this gelding. 

To add to the melee we have a debutante from Richard Fahey who is one of the best trainers of two-year-olds on their first start. Our data analysis has revealed that he is something of an anomaly. His first and second time out statistics with fancied two-year-olds is pretty much the same. This may not sound anything out of the ordinary but you couldn't be further from the truth. I can name only one or two trainer who fit such a criteria which details this stable pay great attention to their debutante's education and fitness. Malraaj is a home bred son of Iffraaj owned by the The Cosmic Cases who have fielded a number of talents [Cosmic Sun and Mister Hardy will bring fond memories for many readers]. The betting is the best guide to this youngster's chances. If priced 13/2 & less sp he could well bring something to the table.

Conclusion: This may be a small field but in its own way a fascinating race. It is a competitive little heat which puts me off betting because there seems little value with the favourites. Broadcaster is a good-looking colt for this grade. Connections will probably sit off the pace and hope to use that power to finish the race. The horse to beat. Ticking Katie is a winner waiting to happen and determined filly. Alan Berry doesn't get many plaudits but he can do the business with a talented juvenile. Straight Gin will be winning this season and time may tell that selling race was a full of winners. Expect a big run and if touching fancy odds on the exchanges I would be tempted to have a small bet. The betting is the best guide to Malraaj although he will need to be pretty smart to win this first start. A difficult race to be dogmatic and from a professional stand point a watching brief.

3:50 Chester (9th May) Free Horse Racing Tips

Liverpool One EBF Maiden Stakes  over 5f 16y on good to firm ground. Eleven juveniles take part, predominantly colts, over half with form. A couple of these look fair types and set a respectable standard for the debutantes to achieve. After yesterday's Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes, it proves a low draw and abundance of pace cannot be ignored.

Tom Dascombe has a fine record with his two-year-olds & Quatuor's stylish victory on the first day of this meeting will have connections feeling bullish about the chance of Fine 'n Dandy. This chestnut son of Dandy Man cost £30,000 at the yearling sales and out of a winning mare. This youngster made his debut in a four-runner race and was strongly fancied to take the spoils. He had one major opponent [Limegrove] who was just too streetwise. However, I'm pretty sure connections expected to win that race but didn't want to press this February foal settling for second best. Most two-year-olds are primed to run a big race second start and from a low draw he should go well. There is a fair chance he will get to the rail and you should expect a bold show.

*Sartori sets a fair level of form. Mick Channon's representative needed the run on debut at Bath although time may tell that was a better contest than it first looked. A number of the Box 41 horses improve with their racing and this son of Elnadim showed marked improvement at Pontefract. I'm sure the form will hold up. The third, Meritocracy, has since won and there will be more winners to come. Channon had this colt entered for a Stakes race which suggests they have plans. A wide draw isn't a good starting point although this juvenile didn't lack for pace at Pontefract when rousted along to secure a favourable position. With a handful of debutantes in the line up experience should dictate that he holds an advantage over many of those horses. It could be the case the draw puts a few doubts in punter's minds and if drifting to speculative odds could be a worthy each way bet. 

From a statistical point of view Inciting Incident should hold strong place claims. Ed McMahon is one of my favourite trainers and exceptional at placing his juveniles, especially on their second start. This son of Camacho is a good-looking juvenile who was relatively fancied on debut at Beverely. He looked like a winner only to be denied by a 40/1 outsider. The form of that race has taken a knock with the third disappointing next start and those in behind haven't excelled. However, this trainer's juveniles often improve for their second start and progress should be expected. Ed McMahon has a fantastic strike rate at this course and if priced 7/1 & less should be placed at worst.

Jive is trained by Richard Hannon. She was fancied on debut at Windsor when behind Quatuor who went on to a decisive win in the Lily Agnes. The second horse has proven a fair sort and third is held in some regard. This filly looks the type to improve and respect.

Of the others, Gin Time is likely to be outpaced and outclassed. 

Countess Lupus doesn't appeal. 

The betting is the best guide to the debutantes. Anytimeatall, Quincel, Salford Red Devil& Brave Imp all have claims if priced 13/2 & less. A number of these stables have debut winners and although they will need to be primed it isn't beyond the realms. Substantial money for Anytimeatall would be noteworthy.

Red Forever is best watched.

Conclusion: A fascinating race. The debutantes will need to be pretty smart to win against a few fair sorts. Unless they are priced 13/2 & less I would take a watching brief. The form horses make most appeal. Fine 'n Dandy ran well on debut and looks sure to improve for that first start. He showed good pace that day and could well race against the rail. This youngster is held in some regard by the stable but at the odds he may not be the greatest value.  Inciting Incident needs to improve on his first start but could go well. The stable have a superb record at this course and particularly on their second start when fancied in the betting. They have very good place claims and fighting chance of a win. Sartori may just be forgotten with a wide draw. It is a concern because if a few of the low drawn ping from the stalls they could be difficult to peg back. However, this colt ran in a decent race at Pontefract and a fair type. The stable clearly feel a maiden is there for the taking. If a big drifter on the exchanges, it could be tempting to go for a small each way bet. If one or two of the debutantes are relatively short priced I would be extra careful. Jive is difficult to assess but could hit the frame if priced 13/2 & less. I would be tempted to back Inciting Incident for a place and Sartori as an each way punt if big prices are offered on the exchanges. 


*NR

5:00 Bath (19th April) Free Horse Racing Tips

A Median Auction Maiden Stakes over 5f 11y on good to soft ground. Sixteen two-year-olds take part - a mix of colts & fillies - predominantly debutantes with a handful of horses with experience.  Beau Nash sets the standard of those to have raced. This bay colt, a son of Dandy Man, is a good-looking horse and £25,000 yearling buy. He was ridden with confidence, after being held up off the pace, and looked to put down a winning challenge only to be outstayed by Master Carpenter, who could well be a fair type. The form has been franked with the third, fifth & seventh winning on their next start. The major contender although one or two debutantes are of interest. 

Ed McMahon is a superb trainer and his early two-year-olds often prove to be some of his best horses. This is especially true of those owned by John Fretwell. He bought Capitulate ,this son of Avonbridge, for £18,000 at the yearling sales. The stable went close with their first juvenile at Beverley and they have a good strike rate here. In fact, this owner's debutantes feature a 40% place rate at any price, which raises significantly when priced 8/1 & less SP. A number of their juveniles at this course have been substantially backed. If priced at fancy odds on the exchanges it could pay to bet and hope a gamble ensues. 

Another trainer who comes into his own at this course is Clive Cox. Beldale Memory is a daughter of Camacho and a cheap purchase at £8,000. The betting is key. If priced 10/1 & less the stable have an outstanding place rate at this course with their debutantes.


El Duque looked to be going the right way for Bill Turner after running well on debut. However, he disappointed next start at Southwell. The fibresand surface doesn't suit all horses and it could be the case he simply didn't enjoy that day at the races. There is one thing we can be sure, he needs an excuse and improvement to come. If weak in the betting I would take a watching brief.

Mick Channon does well at this track and his horses can win on their racecourse bow. Sartori has fair win and place claims if priced 13/2 & less. Very few of their horses win if weak in the betting.

Rush, a home bred filly trained but Paul Cole, is another who is best judged by the betting. If priced 8/1 and less this horse have win and place claims.

It is interesting to follow the changing fortunes of trainers big and small, especially those on the rise. That is very much the case for Ron Harris' two-year-olds this season which have been in sparkling form. Fantasy Justifier was bought by the trainer for 20,000euros and fancied on the exchanges [Thursday, evening]. With a couple of talented juveniles in his string he should have a guide to where this youngster stands and if backed it would bring added confidence.

Money for Caledonia Laird could be significant.

Conclusion: Experience has proven the key to so many two-year-old winners this season and Beau Nash hails from a stable who know how to win. This good-looking colt is likely to lead many of these a merry dance and take some beating. Ed McMahon is a superb trainer and that added to the ownership of John Fretwell makes me take note of Capitulate. The stable have a good place rate with all debut runners irrespective of price. Early season horses are often their best and if backed it would be a sign of confidence. He could hit the frame. The betting is key to the chances of Sartori, Rush & Beldale Memory. All have claims if priced 8/1 & less. Money for Fantasy Justifier would be a sign of confidence with the stable youngsters going well.

Other 2yo races:

3:40 Newbury