A Maiden Fillies Stakes over 7f on standard going. A large field of fourteen, most lightly raced with four debutantes. High Class Equine advised of P J McBride's three-year-olds the other day and we have another second-starter who could well figure. Anarchiste is a daughter of Archipenko out of a winning mare who was trained by Geoff Wragg. Anarchiste, like her mother, is owned and bred by Miss K Rausing. This chestnut filly ran over course and distance a couple of weeks ago when showing promise, finishing fourth, in what may turn out to be a fair race. Certainly, Sir Mark Prescott's winner Molly Dolly is likely to prove a talent. Phillip McBride's juveniles rarely win on debut and primed to go well second start. A wide draw (13) isn't ideal, but over this distance and with that formative experience it is hoped she will sit handy and finish in style. Must have decent each way claims.
Each-way double:
4:30 Kempton - Littlecote Lady (7/1) 3rd
5:00 Kempton - Anarchiste (8/1) 4th
A Maiden Auction Stakes over 1m1f103y on Standard going. A small field of just six runners: three gelding against three fillies. It's interesting to see how Grey's Angel fairs on her second start with P J McBride. This grey daughter of Notnowcato out of a multiple-placed mare who enjoyed a trip was a cheap yearling purchase at just 4,000GNS. She was relatively fancied on debut but a slow start made life difficult and by all accounts she needed the race. McBride usually places his juveniles well on their second start and this April foal will appreciate stepping up in distance with talented apprentice Danny Brock in the saddle once more. It wouldn't be a surprise to see this horse backed and that would be a sign of confidence. It is a shame there are only two places for each-way backers but if well supported I would be hopeful Ian Pattle's charge can run well.
A 0-60 rated nursery handicap over 7f 32y on standard going. Twelve two-year-olds take part. P J McBride is a talented trainer who places his horses exceptionally well. Sky Steps has been knocking on the door but a costly loser for favourite backers starting 11/4 or less in his last four starts, although placed on three of those occasions. This chestnut gelding, a son of Strategic Prince out of a once-rate German mare, was fancied to go well last start but had to go round the houses when pushed wide which most likely cost him victory. The way Danny Brock rode this March foal suggested to me they didn't expect to lose because this youngster was given a number of strong slaps with the whip.Having gone up 2lb in the weights connections have opted for 7lb apprentice, Gary Mahon. I'm not convinced this step back up to 7f is ideal but I would imagine this horse will lead and try to keep out of trouble and hold on to any advantage in the home straight. This looks the type of horse that will be shorter odds in-running and that is the angle I would take if betting, laying your stake and hoping this juvenile hangs on in the closing stages for a profit. The tissue price looks about right and although no outstanding bet is the type of horse that will be expected to make a bold show.
