Havana Gold Maiden Stakes (Plus 10) over 5f on good going.
Seven two-year-olds take part: two with racecourse experience.
Hugo Palmer has started this two-year-old season in earnest and Barend Boy ran a cracking race on debut at Leicester. To be fair, this British-bred son of Oasis Dream didn't look like he was going to trouble the leaders when made 9/4f. However, this bay colt really found his stride in the closing furlong and could well have beaten Marie's Diamond if inexperience hadn't proved costly. Palmer has given this youngster an entry for the Lily Agnes but this option looks to have taken preference. With that valuable experience onside, I can see Barend Boy taking some stopping. Should enjoy this stiff finish.
Mark Johnston has been in pretty good form this early season if not quite achieving the dizzy heights of former seasons. Smile A Mile was made an odds-on shot for his debut at Newcastle but failed to shine. This chestnut son of Slade Power must have been expected to do better. A recent entry for the Lily Agnes Stakes adds to those thoughts. A horse on a recovery mission but one that is likely to show more today.
Fly The Nest is trained by Charlie Appleby. This March foal cost 200,000 euros at the yearling sales. The stable won this race last year with a debutante so worthy of respect. Godolphin juveniles often make their presence felt at this course.
A selection of top-class trainers and interesting debutantes.
William Haggas has not had the best start to proceedings with a handful of two-year-olds seen out so far. He managed to find a winner at Yarmouth but a few other prospects have disappointed. He often unleashes a talent at Newmarket although can be a touch unpredictable with debutantes. Fanaar is owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum. This son of Dark Angel cost £240,000 at the yearling sales. Interesting.
Clive Cox is a smart trainer who knows his horses. He can most certainly ready a debutant. He's had a couple of two-year-olds run this season - a winner and runner-up. Conchek is a black son of Lethal Force. He is an 85,000G yearling purchase. The mare, Soar, was a smart horse who raced up to Group 1. She won on debut and finished runner-up on her second start when contesting the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot, going on to win her next two starts at Group 3 and Group 2, respectively. If priced 13/2 & less SP has sound each-way claims.
Andrew Balding is one of my favourite trainers of two-year-olds. Most seem primed to win on their second start but can win of debut if talented. Oloroso is priced 25/1 which suggests this son of Fast Company isn't expected today. He cost 27,000G at the yearling sales.
Richard Hannon fields Coco Cheval, the only filly in the line up. This chestnut daughter of Kyllachy will need to be pretty smart and primed to depose the colts. She cost 57,00 euros at the yearling sales. The mare didn't achieve anything of note.
Conclusion: This looks a competitive race. Smile A Mile needs to find much improvement after disappointing on debut at odds-on. However, the betting that day tells the stable were left scratching their head. A recent Lily Agnes entry details they haven't lost hope. I suspect he will go well. I was impressed by Barend Boy on hos first start. This course - with a stiff finish - looks ideal and I would imagine anything that beats him is decent. If pressed, I would make this horse my tip. Fly The Nest cost a lot of money and hails from a stable who usually send their better prospects to compete at Newmarket. Fanaar is another expensive buy. I do like Haggas' juveniles at Newmarket. They can be difficult to predict and often priced to chance. I wouldn't knock this horse. The betting is the best guide to Conchek. If priced 13/2 & less SP is another who will be coming here with some ambition. I would let the betting settle before jumping in just in case it pinpoints one or two weak links. I would have to take a watching brief with just two places for seven runners. A race which will identify a number of future winners.
Friday 11th August
A busy day so not much time to look too in depth.
1:50 Wolverhampton -
The three big guns in the betting and all held in high regard by their respective trainers. Mokaatil, Corinthia Knight & Moseeb have significant entries. Moseeb seems a touch temperamental and disappointed at Ripon last time. Mokaatil doesn't have to shoulder a win penalty which is a clear advantage. I can see a few punters fancying Corinthia Knight as a fair each-way bet if drifting a touch in the betting. A fascinating race.
6:35 Newmarket -
A big maiden. Plenty of horses with reputations. Wafy is worthy of note for Charlie Hills.
An EBF Maiden Stakes over 6f on good to soft going. Legible for colts and fillies but the girls have been scared off by a ten-strong team of snips and snails and puppy dog tails... [colts & geldings for those not akin to the popular nursery rhyme]. My blogs do veer off into the unknown at times but what is life without prose? An intriguing race with a few potentially class two-year-olds hoping to make it second time lucky.
I've been mentioning Fatherly Friend in dispatches. Karl Burke is a superb trainer and I happen to know he likes this son of Scat Daddy. Hubert Strecher's American-bred colt was fancied to go well on debut but the combination of inexperience and a tough race saw a respectable fourth with the hope of much more to come. This January foal was entered to run at Carlisle but a wide draw and sticky ground gave connections good reason to take him out of that race. Connections will be expecting a big run and this is one of the best two-year-olds at Spigot Lodge. The team will be ready for action but I'm sure they will have slight concerns there are a couple [if not more] talents in opposition. Fair each way claims if the odds are available.
Another talking horse is Taneen. This son of Speightstown cost $350,000 at the yearling sales and races in the silks of Hamdan Al Maktoum. Roger Varian has given this American bred colt a string of Group entries which suggest big things are expected. In truth, their string of juveniles hasn't lived up to early-season hopes and I'm pretty sure they have re-adjusted their aims for many of their two-year-olds. I wasn't overly impressed by Taneen's debut run and if he didn't need the race on debut this might be a similarly tough contest. The betting with the bookmakers made this horse look like it had been backed from 11/4 - 13/8f. However, it is worth remembering that is was priced at odds-on the evening before. That drift suggested concerns and they were played out when beaten comprehensively into third place. The betting [11/4 at this time, Friday, evening] suggests that he will be one of the major fancies. I would keep an eye on the market and if particularly weak it would suggest he ran his race on debut. If strongly fancied I would expect to see marked improvement. A difficult horse to assess in ways and I would be careful that the flashy entries do not blind followers. The betting will tell the story.
On statistics Wimpole Hall and Clock Watcher have fair win and place claims if priced 8/1 & less.
Conclusion: I'm not going to write about all and sundry as I have my eye on Fatherly Friend and Taneen as the major hopes. Both colts are held in high regard by connections. I'd be more interested in the former especially if Varian's charge is particularly weak in the betting. Taneen is a funny horse to judge at the moment with the entries suggesting a high-class juvenile but the form kind of lukewarm. If he didn't show his running on debut there could be a good horse waiting to appear. The betting that day detailed that all was not well. At it's most extreme the drift in the betting was startling. The question is whether that was his true running. Fatherly Friend has ability and I expect a big run. If available at each way prices I would bet this horse of the two.
Note: Taneen clearly has ability and definitely improved for his debut. Looks a smart horse. Slightly irritated by Fatherly Friend who had no luck in running and stuck behind a wall of horses. That wasn't the true running of this horse by a long way. Will go well next start [if in a maiden] and could be a big price to make compensation.
Another long day - far too much racing for my liking. Stuck on the conveyor belt of equine inquisition. All good. Click on the banner above this post to visit our latest website. It's my aim to build 100 websites and if each makes a few thousand a year I will live the high life on the coast eating candy floss and toffee apples until I'm toothless. Oh the joys of pursuing your dream.
A couple of two-year-olds ran well Thursday - Bobby Wheeler held two entries on Group Horse and Clive Cox said today that they fancied him to go well on debut at Goodwood but the ground was a bit lively. Considering this son of Pivotal had been off course a couple of months I imagine he suffered sore shins. A lovely display at Salisbury although the race was nothing beyond ordinary being a Maiden Auction Stakes. He looks a good prospect who will be given pattern entries in the near future.
I went into town today and had a chat and tea with Eric of Eric Winner fame. I said to the sprint maestro that Group Horse is worth its weight in gold. Good to get out for a while although Gregg's is so noisy with screaming children, some nutter chatting on their phone on loud speaker and staff dropping crockery like it was going out of fashion, that I could hardly think. Moving on from there...
Tomorrow's cards. Ten two-year-old races. Too many. I will have a quick look to note any of interest.
2:20 Newbury - Justice Law ran well on debut in a valuable Ascot maiden. David Elsworth doesn't have many two-year-olds fancied in the betting when making their racecourse bow and on a statistical front has sound each way claims here. This grey colt was purchased at the Breeze-up sales by Elsworth for £100,000. A Mill Reef Stakes Group 2 entry and Racing Post Trophy Group 1 bring confidence. The Irish bred Tashweeq is held in some regard by connections and cost £150,000. 1st Justice Law 2/1
5:30 Newmarket - Michael Bell has been a touch quiet with his juveniles this season but Taurean Star made a promising introduction two weeks ago at Doncaster over this trip. This American bred son of Elnadin threatened to win that day before tiring in the closing stages. A good-looking bay, he is held in high regard at home and will be more professional on this second start. Bernie's Boy is a tough customer and Balding will fancy his chances to go one better after a couple of determined efforts. Probably a stronger field than your average Auction Maiden Stakes but this pair look lively contenders. I would back Taurean Star at each-way if odds are available. The pair may be worth a small f/c.
6:30 Newmarket - Culturati is a pretty classy colt and this is a stepping stone to pattern races. Should win.
A small ew treble: 1st, 2nd, 4th
2:20 Justice Law - each-way bet if prices allow 1st 2/1
5:30 taurean Star - each-way bet if prices allow 4th 3/1
May be worth a small ew yankee:
1:45 Newbury - Manson 2/1 NR
2:20 Newbury - Justice Law 3/1 1st
5:30 Newmarket - Taurean Star 7/2 4th [disappointing not placed]
6:30 Newmarket - Culturati 4/5 2nd
Rather late with this update. A maiden stakes race over 7f on good to firm going. Eleven two-year-olds - all colts although open to fillies. A few talking horses here. Emotionless is trained by Charlie Appleby, one of two debutantes in this field. This American bred colt, a son of Shamardal is out of a Grade 1 winning mare [Unbridled Elaine] who won over $1,000,000 in prize money. Bred to be good, he has a raft of flashy Group entries that detail this bay colt has ability. The word is out as the price is pretty short at 13/8. Whether punters want to take those odds is a matter of debate although I would be very surprised if Charlie Appleby's charge doesn't run a big race.
Venturous looks to be second string although holds a Middle Park Stakes. He cost 110,000gns as a foal. Probably best watched although it wouldn't be the first time the white hat spoiled the party.
Quite interested to see how Sun Lover goes for Luca Cumani. This son of Oasis Dream is out of an unraced mare. He was purchased by J Warren Bloodstock at the yearling sales for 360,000gns, now racing in the familiar silks of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. Bedford Lodge has given this colt a Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2) entry, one of two for the stable. Cumani isn't the type of trainer to throw around entries and their debutantes have fair place claims when priced 9/1 SP and less.
Conclusion: Looking forward to see how Emotionless goes on his debut. I can only imagine how much this colt would have cost if going through the sales ring. There is little doubt he has enough ability to win a race of this nature and will most likely be contesting at Group level this season. Whether you fancy going in at short odds is a matter of opinion. He is slightly on the drift in the betting 7/4. I wouldn't be in a rush to bet against this talking horse. Sun Lover is worth noting for the future. He is an expensive buy and held in some regard. Has place claims if priced less than double-figure odds. The others are best watched.
Nothing too outstanding to consider but a few pointers for horses that could go well this season. Interested in seeing how Taurean Star goes here. Michael Bell has a pretty poor strike rate on debut which makes me wonder if this American bred son of Elnadin will be better second time out. It's a plus Jamie Spencer is on board and a Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2) entry brings confidence. It wouldn't be a surprise to see this bay colt show up well. On balance, I'd take a watching brief.
3:25 Newmarket - *Nemoralia is held in high regard by connections and done little wrong last start over course and distance. Not the biggest price at 7/4 but must go well.
4:20 Goodwood - A very interesting maiden and a few well touted two-year-olds looking for this big purse of £16,000 to the winner. *Beast Mode could be capable of better. Mediciman has sound each way claims if priced 13/2 & less SP. Tigerwolf is high in the pecking order for Mick Channon although very few debutantes win priced in double figures and he's quoted on tissue prices at 25/1. Could still show promise.
*NR
1:45 Doncaster - Taurean Star (best watched but could be a talent)
3:25 Newmarket - *Nemoralia (takes the beating) NR
4:20 Goodwood - Mediciman (ew claims if 13/2 & less SP)
So irritating watching this race with Mediciman having unending problems in running. I know the pundits on TV only have a fraction of time to give their summary but blimey their comments annoyed me as much as watching the bloody race. It would have gone close with clear run and placed with ease.
A busy day so not so much time to give an in depth review but a couple of races worth noting.
2:40 Haydock - Quite a sizable field and a few juveniles which have run well or have something of a reputation. Edification is on a recover mission after a disappointing effort at Windsor. Blinkers first time bring concern. Laughton has been given a Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) entry for Kevin Ryan. This son of Acclamation was purchased privately for 8,000euro and recently sold at the breeze-up sales for 150,000euor. Fancied in the betting which brings encouragement. Karl Burke is a class trainer and Wayward Hoof could go well. This son of Equiano was purchased by the trainer at the yearling sales for 40,000GNS. It is worth noting this bay colt was fielded at Stakes class on debut and backed. He showed ability against more experienced/talented rivals but far from disgraced. He is another horse to hold a Gimcrack entry and only one of two for the stable.
6:15 Newmarket - No strong views here but just wanted to give Luca Cumani's two-year-old debutante a mention. Beautiful Morning is a daughter of Galileo out of a debut-winning mare who was Listed placed and Group raced. This bay filly cost a whopping 650,000GNS at the yearling sales. She runs under the ownership of Jon S Kelly.
6:30 Pontefract - Mark Tompkins isn't the first trainer who springs to mind with talented two-year-olds but Jack Carter showed promise when making his debut at Leicester over 6f. This son of Medicean wasn't fancied in the betting but showed good pace, traveling with menace until fading in the final furlong. This January foal touched short odds in-running and his trainer spoke well of this youngster detailing that he would improve for that first start. The betting is important and if priced 13/2 & less SP I would consider this chestnut colt to hold strong each-way claims. If outside this betting guide, I would take a watching brief. Flying Pursuit is getting his act together and is another horse who must have respectable win and place hopes.
I've been a bit quiet of late so I thought I'd just give a thought or two:
3:20 Ascot - Interest auction race over 7f. Knight Commander should improve for his debut and must have fair each-way claims. Bernie Boy would have claims if priced in single-figure odds. Any Guest is interesting for George Margarson. This colt held an entry for Royal Ascot and the stable can go well on debut although they have very few juveniles these days. Would bring more hope if backed. Quite a competitive race for the grade.
4:00 York - Worth noting a few of these hold Gimcrack entries which give encouragement. Kevin Ryan does well here and I'd be pretty confident Mont Kiara has ability. Reputation is another to be given a Gimcrack entry. John Quinn's two-year-olds can be a touch hit and miss but worthy of note and could be backed from 12/1.
4:20 Newmarket - The most interesting race for me. Ballydoyle is a fair nut to crack after a bold show at Royal Ascot. At such short odds the prices of a couple could be bigger than expected. Nemoralia ran well on debut and will be all the better for this step up in distance and primed. If priced 13/2 & less sp will have strong each-way claims. It may be priced outside this price guide with the odds-on shot but I'd stick to the basics. Quite interested in Justice Lass at 20/1. She is well regarded by connections and showed a touch of ability over 5f. This step up to 7f could see a transformation. Elsworth does well at Newmarket and Spencer is a good jockey booking. Could well be backed from big odds and may well sneak into the frame with the hope of more. If touching huge odds on the exchanges I'd definitely have a few quid on and hope she's backed.
Main Tips:
4:20 Newmarket - Nemoralia (13/2 & less SP only) Each-way 2nd
Speculative Tips:
4:20 Newmarket - Justice Lass 20/1 Each-way 4th
A Conditions Stakes over 5f on good ground. An eight strong field of two-year-olds colts and one gelding. Three juveniles have race experience.
Bill Turner has started the season in earnest and Abscent Friends made a winning debut at Southwell when fancied in the betting (4/1). This son of Showingcasing is owned by the trainer's daughter and ridden by his grandson. This February foal is very much an unfurnished horse with a lot of growing to do and quite dip backed. It didn't stop him from winning is fair style although it is difficult to assess the level of that form. Toytown - who finished down the field in the Brocklesby - wasn't beaten a great number of lengths, although tired rapidly in the final furlong. This looks a stiffer competition and although improvement is on the cards I would favour others.
Flyball ran well in the Brocklesby, finishing third, then won on the nod next start at Leicester. Richard Hannon's youngster was a relatively cheap buy but a good-looking colt, athletic, eager to please, if not a little keen in the early stages. His strength is the manner this bay colt knuckles down at the finish.
He is very closely matched with George Baker's Harry Hurricane. This son of Kodiac cost £38,000 at the yearling sales. Although starting at 14/1, there was money for this bay colt from huge odds on the exchanges. He didn't get the best start but traveled very well mid race and then rallied near the line. With a three pound advantage over Flyball, there is a fighting chance he can reverse the form. Baker's two-year-olds are primed to go well on their second start and although far from unfit on debut there should be improvement.
The debutantes are slightly better in the weight but will need to be talented, fit and primed to beat those with experience. It is interesting to consider that many trainers race horses at this grade because they hold them in some regard. This factor can negate the bias which raced horses enjoy.
Godolphin is represented by their first juvenile runner of the reason, trained by Charlie Appleby. Portamento is a grey son of Shamardal out of a Group 1 winning mare (Octave). An exceptionally well bred two-year-old. The stable can go well on debut. A difficult horse to assess but one to be respected.
David Brown is a talented trainer and teams up with Qatar Racing Ltd. Mind Of Madness is a bay colt who has just turned two and cost 45,000gns. This Irish bred son of Amazour is out of a winning mare. The sire wasn't a sprinter so may this youngster may appreciate further in time. If priced 13/2 & less has fair win and place claims.
Framley Garth is a cheap yearling purchase at just 6,000gns. This bay colt is owned and trained by David Elsworth. He often starts some of his better juveniles at headquarters although his debutantes can be hit and miss. Unless seriously backed I'd take a watching brief.
Big McIntosh hails from John Ryan's stable and cost 85,000gn at the yearling sales. This son of Bushranger is an early foal (February). Probably best watched.
Ralph McTell is best watched.
Conclusion: Those raced horses will be primed to run a big race and experience is worth its weight in gold at this time of year. It is difficult to assess the merit of those performances but they have proven a level of ability. Abscent Friends has done nothing wrong and won in fair style but isn't the best looker and has a lot of growing to do. I'd rather watch and learn. It could be a close call between Flyball and Harry Hurricane. The former is a decent-looking colt, while George Baker's juvenile is a little smaller but should improve. I would favour Harry Hurricane. Of the debutantes, Portamento & Mind Of Madness have decent each way claims if priced 13/2 & less. Godolphin's colt is exceptionally well bred and if seriously backed would bring further confidence. If priced allow, Harry Hurricane has fair win and place claims and a tentative selection. Not the easiest of race types to be dogmatic.
An EBF Median Auction Maiden Stakes over 6f on good ground. Eight two-year-olds take part: all colts bar one filly including two debutantes. An intriguing contest.
Tanzeel ran well on debut at Ascot, chasing home winner, Mappa Mundi, giving the impression there would be ample improvement to come. This well-bred son of Elusive City cost 100,000gns as a yearling and held in some regard with entries for the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) & Champagne Stakes (Group 2). The form of that initial start looks strong for this grade, which, by all accounts, is a drop in class. It will take a fair horse to beat Charlie Hill's charge. This is most likely a stepping stone to loftier targets.
Brian Meehan has not really hit the heights with his juveniles this season featuring rather patchy successes with a few dismal failures from well fancied horses thought to go well on their second start. This is usually the time to strike with this talented trainer. Headlong is a grey colt who fits this criteria. In fact, this son of Aussie Rules was the focus of my attention when racing at Kempton. In truth, he ran like a pig. I can't go into details but there was reason to believe - with some confidence - that this 60,000gns yearling purchase was going to run a big race. There was much optimism to be gleaned from his debut effort at Newmarket. Horses which disappoint are never the best starting point for a bet but I would be surprised if this younger doesn't leave that last poor effort in the past. For the most part this looks a pretty moderate affair and if available at speculative or each way odds could go well. It would be encouraging if this May foal was supported in the market.
The only filly in the field, Penny Sixpence, was an expensive purchase when fetching 190,000euro as a yearling. This American bred daughter of Kheleyf out of a limited mare has a Cheveley Park Stakes (Group 1) which may be a sign of confidence. John Gosden [trainer] has a number of talented two-year-olds in his string and the stable can ready a debutante although she would need to be pretty smart to beat the boys and especially so at the first time of asking. The betting is key with this yard. Their debutantes go well when priced 11/4 and less. Considering the favourite is likely to be a hot favourite it would be telling if she was strongly fancied in the betting. If that is the case, I would take serious note of Lady Bamford's newcomer.
The others are best watched.
Conclusion: Tanzeel will take all the beating and sets the standard. He ran a great race on debut and with a couple of lofty entries it is pretty much guaranteed Hills' will be expecting a win. Headlong is an interesting horse but difficult to assess after his last race which must be considered a disappointment. The gamble is whether he can come back to form especially against a strong favourite. If touching speculative odds he could be a fair each way bet. I can't help but think if connections fancy their chances the money will follow. It would bring encouragement. An interesting horse. Penny Sixpence cost a lot of money and hails from a stable which can unveil a true talent. She would need to be smart to win this on debut and I would take a watching brief unless priced 11/4 & less sp. If featuring in that price guide it would signify a big run.
The Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes Group 2 (formerly the Cherry Hinton) over 6f on good to firm ground. Eight fillies take part. Rizeena must be the apple of Clive Brittain's eye. This daughter of Iffraaj has progressed with every race and could well have been unbeaten in four starts if a little wiser on her debut at Newmarket. A stylish win at Ascot was eclipsed with victory at Sandown in the National Stakes Listed. This bay filly proved a class act when a visit to Royal Ascot afforded success in the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2). By all accounts this step up to 6f could see further improvement. Even with a penalty this March foal must take all the beating and thoughts of her ultimate two-year-old goal the Cheveley Park Stakes (Group 1) will be on the cards. A class horse.
The July Stakes (Group 2) for colts & geldings over 6f on good to firm ground. Eleven two-year-olds take part, all raced, winners bar one horse who has finished runner-up twice. A first prize of over £45,000 sees a trio of juveniles head straight here from Royal Ascot. Added to this a number of up-and-coming talents who will be hoping they can make a name for themselves.
Sir John Hawkins sets the standard on form after finishing third at Royal Ascot when competing in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2) over 6f. This Irish raider was fancied to go well that day and Ryan Moore keeps the ride for Michael Tabor's juvenile's, trained by Aidan O'Brien. Their stable mate - War Command - won that contest impressively. This may have been a reflection on those in behind: fair horses without star quality. It will be interesting to see whether he can take this race.
Jallota finished 5th in the Coventry and looks held by the above mentioned. In ways the proximity of Mick Channon's bay colt gives hope to a few of these have have direct form lines.
Kevin Ryan fields Astaire who ground out a win when making his debut at York. Jallota run well that day in third place. This son of Intense Focus was a £70,000 breeze-up purchase, so he was wiser than not for his racecourse bow. However, there is likely to be further improvement from this April foal. Ryan has been patient with this colt as connections considered Royal Ascot holding an entry for the Coventry Stakes (Group 2). On the exchanges, this bay colt is fancied in the betting. As with many debut winners, it is difficult to assess their potential or future achievements. It is best to appraise horses on proven form rather than pie in the sky. Most do not come close to such lofty aspirations of the mind. It would be fair to say he should hold Jallota. But whether his form merits being such a short price brings some doubt. Improvement could well be on the cards but more will be needed today.
Others horses fitting a similar profile with one win from one outing are Figure Of Speech and Canyari.
The former trained by Saeed Bin Suroor won well over course and distance, which is a plus at this higher level. The stable have a wealth of talents and I respects their decisions and for this to be the only horse entered for this contest could be a pointer in itself. Figure Of Speech won his maiden in good style, leaving Whaleweigh Station struggling up the hill. He holds the aces over that individual. Much more is needed but the reputation of the stable brings this bay colt into the reckoning.
Canyari hails from Richard Fahey's stable which has a powerful string of two-year-olds. There was much to like about the way punished Rising Legend by five lengths on debut in a small race. This son of Dandy Man is best judged by the success of the youngster he defeated and that colt has won at Stakes class and far from disgraced when contesting the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot. In truth, the drop down to the minimum trip may not have been in his favour. Canyari looks to have potential and connections will be hopeful.
Richard Hannon has two representatives in Anjaal and Brown Sugar.
Anjaal disappointed on debut when starting favourite. He was very well backed at Beverley on his second start and connections must have been pretty sure of s bomb-proof victory that day. He trotted up. This 105,000gns yearling purchase is also entered for the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2). The form of that victory amounts to little but full of promise. This step up in distance is a positive. The stable won this race last year for Hamdan Al Maktoum. A horse which is probably much better than we have seen so far.
Brown Sugar is a horse that catches my eye and could make a fair each way bet. This son of Tamayuz won in style when taking apart a maiden at Salisbury. However, it was his debut over course and distance which really impressed. It is intriguing to consider whether this bay colt was a surprise when runner-up on his race course bow or just priced at huge odds because he was viewed as second string. I would consider the latter. Brown Sugar finished with zeal and would have won impressively if more experienced. He was catching Jallota fast. This will be no easy feat for any horse stepping up in grade but I would be tempted to have a few pounds each way on this colt, especially if available at double figures on the exchanges.
Of the others Intermath won on his first start and then unseated his rider when jumping a path at Salisbury. Connections deserve an ounce of luck after that unfortunate episode but he looks to have a stiff task and best watched.
Bahamian Heights, Master Carpenter & Whaleweigh Station all need to improve markedly.
Conclusion: In truth, these contests are difficult to assess. So many horses have displayed sparkling victories but appreciating their ability is no easy task. Sir John Hawkins has the most proven form although he didn't leave Jallota trailing in his wake and that could mean this race is a little more open that some would imagine. Brown Sugar showed real vim on debut and that performance stuck in my mind. How far could he beat Jallota now? I think he will beat Channon's juvenile with ease and that form could be enough to have fair win and place claims. A tricky race.
A Conditions Stakes race over 5f on good ground. A small field of five two-year-olds, four with form, three winners, one debutante, a mix of colts & fillies.
A stiffer test for these debut victors. With early-season form thin on the ground Stakes races can be hellishly difficult to call.
Mark Johnston has started this campaign on a positive note with a couple of debut winners, including Split Rock who ran out a tidy winner at Southwell. This son of Shamardal, out of a Listed-winning mare, was professional that day and sure to improve with racing. The problem is trying to assess the merit of that form. He looks a well made colt and will make the fillies look on the weak side. This stable should be respected.
Tobias Coles is a talented trainer who does well with his small string of two-year-olds. Orton Park, a daughter of Moss Vale, is a good-looking bay and fair yearling purchase at £19,000. She was quite fancied on debut at Kempton and certainly knew her job. Held up, just off the pace, Stevie Donohoe gave a superb ride. A couple of cracks of the whip saw her charge at the line, beating Go Glamorous who looked to have the race won until the last stride. The third won next start and a couple of others have gone well. In truth, the horse who finished third, Kodafine, was an unlucky loser herself after a terribly slow start. Orton Park is likely to progress from that first start and a determined type.
The Trainer of M'Selle, Ron Harris, should have a fair idea where he stands with Orton Park because he trained the runner-up Go Glamorous. Lingfield isn't the easiest of courses for a debutante and especially so from a wide draw. She wasn't best away and ran to her right which for a few strides gave the impression she had little chance. However, this filly sprinted to the first bend and got to the rail. Harris' juvenile is a speedy sort because she had all the others off the bridle and won in comfortable fashion. The form of that race has been franked with the five, sixth & eighth winning although it is worth noting a few of those were in desperate need of experience. The second, Diamond Lady, has been beaten next start although that wasn't a bad race. M'Selle looked inexperienced on debut and will be wiser today. She shouldn't lack for pace. The negative is that she looked a little on the weak side and I just have concerns if it comes to a battle she may falter.
Vodka Time makes his third appearance after a beaten favourite on his last start at Kempton. This bay colt from Indian Haven was fancied and run creditably when second in the Brocklesby. David Evans [trainer] chatted to RUK before this colt's second start and seemed bullish about his chances. At times, you have to take these comments with a pinch of salt but I'm pretty sure they like this youngster. It could well be the case the Kempton race had a touch of class. The winner looked very professional and the unlucky second has her sights set on the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2). Time may tell the first five have ability. Evans should know where he stands with regard to Orton Park because he had a debutante thrash Go Glamorous on her next start. He could be a live chance and if well backed it would bring more confidence.
Clive Britain has never been afraid of a challenge and often his boldness has reaped rewards. Bahamian Heights starts his two-year-old career at Stakes level. This son of Bahamian Bounty cost 50,000gns at the yearling sales out of a listed-winning mare who was trained by Rae Guest. This April foal will need to be smart to beat winning opponents and it would seem a tall order. The majority of their debutantes win when priced 13/2 & less.
Conclusion: Stakes races can often be a law unto themselves and a tricky race type. The form horses should have the edge over Clive Britain's debutante. However, for many trainers this can be a positive entry if not illogical to many race fans. I wouldn't consider Bahamian Heights unless he is priced 13/2 & less, which I imagine to be unlikely. It is difficult to assess the form of those raced. Split Rock is a decent-looking colt but what he achieved on debut is difficult to know. Only time will tell what he achieved. It is difficult to second guess. However, he does appeal against the two fillies with size and scope. M'Selle ran well on debut and looks to have plenty of pace. I just fear she may be a little bit weak, which could find her out. Stakes races are tough so don't be surprised if the field is strung out. Orton Park is a battling type and done well to win on debut. The form of that race looked to take a knock when Go Glamorous was comprehensively beaten by one of David Evans' newcomers. Ron Harris had stated that he thinks Go Glamorous is bound for the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2). This may seem an optimistic statement or could it just be that Evans winner [Majestic Alexander] is a class horse? Vodka Time has been beaten twice but I am pretty sure that Kempton defeat was to talented juveniles. He could go well at a price. I would stick with Vodka Time & Split Rock but it's not a race I would bet.
Other 2yo races:
3:10 Beverely:
Pointers: Hickster has been entered for a Stake race so positive sign. Captain Midnight has fair win & place claims if priced 13/2 & less.
3:45 Beverley
Shadwell Fillies' Mile (Group 1) on good ground.
A select field of just seven class two-year-olds striving to win prize money of £92,720.85.
Godolphin will be hoping Certify can make this four wins from four races. This American bred daughter of Elusive Quality was a bargain buy at $80,000 and trained with great professionalism by Mahmood Al Zarooni. Unbeaten in three starts, this bay filly has proven herself to be top flight taking the Sweet Solera Stakes (Group 3) & May Hill Stakes (Group 2) in gutsy fashion last time when pipping William Muir's talent Purr Along. Certify has proven to be a versatile horse, progressively stepping up in distance to a mile.
On form she holds Masarah.
Another filly featuring an unblemished record after three straight wins is Mick Channon's Ollie Olga. This January foal was a cracking buy at 42,000gns. An American bred daughter of Stormy Atlantic she is the type to do just enough as seen by her narrow victories but leaving the impression there is more to come. There was a lot to like about her victory in the Prestige Stakes (Group 3) when holding Sky Lantern. Richard Hannon's juvenile went on to win the Moyglare Stud Stakes (Group 1). In fact, her two narrow defeats came against Certify and Ollie Olga. On a line through this runner there is little between the pair. A step up to a mile could bring further improvement for Channon's star filly and her battling qualities could be the difference between winning and losing.
It is interesting to note that *Winsili has been supplemented for this race. This daughter of Dansili - running in the Frankel silks - won her maiden in tidy fashion before being held by Lovely Pass who represented Godolphin. Clearly this juvenile is held in high regard by connections but there will need to be marked improvement to press those at the head of the betting. Although quite fancied in the betting, I would rather take a watching brief.
Of the others, Roz has proven to be a surprise package costing only 16,000gns as a yearling. After finishing last on debut, she has made a habit of winning at speculative odds and the type who doesn't shirk the issue with bold front running tactics. Jim Crowley has given the opposition a riding lesson in her two victories and it is likely he will stretch the field once more. This step up to a mile should not be a problem and it could well magnify the advantage of an abundance of pace. Roz adds an intriguing aspect to this contest and if the opposition do keep on her heels she could well prove a tough nut to crack. She beat Purr Along when winning at Listed class although it is fair to say Muir's juvenile didn't help her cause by pulling much too hard.
Amazonas is held on that running.
Discernable need to improve to figure on recent form.
Conclusion: A fascinating race with Certify and Ollie Olga unbeaten after three runs, both achieving Group success. On form there may not be a great deal between the two and both have shown battling qualities. A tough call to separate this pair although I would just favour Ollie Olga simply because she may improve yet again for this step up to a mile. Roz is interesting. Crowley has ridden this filly to perfection on both her victories and I would be confident they will hit the front. This youngster could be something of a dark horse and if slipping the field could go well. The others either look held or need to improve.
*NR
A Maiden Fillies' Stakes over 7f on good to firm ground.
William Jarvis' two-year-old runners have been quiet this season but Raskova may bring a smile to the face of this talented trainer. This American-bred daughter of Henrythenavigator was an expensive yearling purchase at 130,000gns. There was good money for this youngster when making her debut at Yarmouth. However, she drifted markedly in the betting just before the off, which suggested this April foal was in need of the experience. Her performance indicated this point: a slow start, pushed along in rear, before running on in the closing stages. That was a fair maiden and connections were pleased with what they saw. The key point is that she needs this extra furlong. Clearly this was a point of contention as Raskova was originally entered for the Lowther Stakes (Group 2), which could be a significant pointer hinting that ambitious plans are in mind. This trip will be ideal. That initial experience should make all the difference against a number of debutantes and I would expect a big run. A sound each way, especially if strongly fancied in the betting.
EW DOUBLE
1:45 Ripon - Baron Run (4/1)
1:50 Chester - Ella Motiva (10/3)
EW TREBLE
1:40 Newmarket - Intrepid (7/4)
2:05 Doncaster - Colour Shades (13/2)
4:20 Newbury - Malila (11/4)
EW YANKEE
1:40 Newmarket - Intrepid (7/4)
1:45 Ripon - Baron Run (4/1)
1:50 Chester - Ella Motiva (10/3)
4:20 Newbury - Malila (11/4)
''Pretty damn poor. One winner in Malilia. The crazy thing is that I liked these horses but sadly they ran below par, especially Baron Run, Ella Motiva & Intrepid. What can I say sometimes you just have to take a bad day.''
TNT July Stakes (Group 2) over 6f on good to soft ground.
Nine colts, all experienced, take part in this competitive affair.
Ahern made an impressive start to his career when winning a Stakes race at Musselburgh with ease. David Barron must have been disappointed with his juvenile's performance in the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2), which was ruined by a tardy start. In truth, this recently-purchased [Qatar Racing Ltd] son of Dutch Art ran a super race and would most likely have won had he started on terms. This extra furlong should make life easier and I would expect this youngster to reverse the form with Gale Force Ten.
Richard Hannon had a few near misses at Royal Ascot & Andrew Tinkler will be hoping *Sir Prancealot can show his well being after a fantastic fourth in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2). Heavy Metal was left behind that day and would need to have disappointed to turn the tables, which looks unlikely.
On a form line with Woodcote Stakes (Listed) winner Chilworth Icon, both look to have their work cut out.
To add to the mix we have a couple of juveniles from Royal Ascot's Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed). Alhebayeb finished second in a very tight affair, where there was little between the first seven. Perhaps on form, this good-looking colt needs to progress over this extra furlong. Smoothtalkinrascal had show good pace when an easy winner at Leicester but was always on the back foot in this higher grade. This looks tougher.
Lewisham has pace but faces a stiff task and best watched.
*Birdman is similarly on the upgrade and has done little wrong in his last two wins. David Simcock is never the type of trainer to attempt Group class for the hell of it and this bay colt, although needing to find ample improvement, does look capable of better.
Conclusion: From a purist point of view these are races to enjoy rather than bet. Well, that's my approach to such elite juvenile contests. Ahern looks a talent. He had no luck at Royal Ascot and for the money which Qatar Racing Ltd spent acquiring juveniles for that prestigious meeting they had little return. Today may give connections something to celebrate. This extra furlong shouldn't be a problem and a bold show should be expected. Sir Prancealot ran well in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2) and sets the level. This pair should be respected.
*NR
