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7:10 Kempton -
An EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes over 7f on standard to slow going. Eight two-year-olds take part.
Summer Blossom has raced three times for Archie Watson. This Irish-bred daughter of Society Rock races in the familiar silks of Clipper Logistics. She ran well on debut at Chepstow when finishing third place, losing by just half a length. Starting 4/1, connections must have expected a bold show and she was given a pretty hard race suggesting she was fit and ready to roll. Second start, she was far from disgraced in fifth, in what has tuned out to be a fair race. Done little wrong last time out over course and distance, hitting the frame behind Fire Light and Shorter Skirt. A recent Lowther Stakes (Group 2) entries details a juvenile who is held in some regard by the stable.
Roger Varian has been quiet this season. Certainly, the juveniles he has run have not achieved a great deal. Gleeful is a home bred daughter of Pivotal in the ownership of Cheveley Park Stud. Always worthy of respect. Interesting to see how this January foal fares in the betting.
Another trainer who hasn't hit the heights with his juveniles this year is Hugo Palmer. Blonde Warrior is about the best of the lots. Interesting to see how Deira Surprise goes here on her third start. She cost 50,000 guineas when purchased at the yearling sales. Racing in the silks of Dr Ali Ridha, this chestnut daughter of Slade Power proved a surprise package when runner-up at odds of 40/1. Her followers were left scratching their head second start when she was beaten into fourth at odds of 4/11f. She was entered to run at Goodwood earlier this month (2nd August) when withdrawn with a vet's certificate.Interesting to note that Deira Surprise beat Summer Blossom on debut. Perhaps that second start was due to an issue.
Ralph Beckett fields a debutante called Sand Share. This British-bred daughter of Oasis Dream is well related in the ownership of K Abdullah. The stable can ready a newcomer and they often go well at Kempton.
Paul Cole doesn't have the powerful string of old but he always finds a few two-year-old winners each season. Nguni is a British-bred daughter of Mount Nelson. Very few of Cole's debutantes win when priced over 8/1 although it can happen with their better prospects. Unless this home bred is seriously backed, I would take a watching brief.
Sukalia, Mandy The One & Indian Sea are best watched.
Conclusion: Not the easiest of races to assess. Summer Blossom is a consistent sort who looks the ideal type to put in an each-way double. Deira Surprise has something to prove after a nasty 4/11f shocker. She beat Summer Blossom on debut and could well do the same here unless that was something of a fluke. The 40/1 price tag may have indicated a surprise. Gleeful and Sand Share will need to be fit and ready to roll to upset a couple of fair juveniles. They both hail from stables who can win with debutantes. The betting should tell the story. Nguni is best watched unless very well backed. The others are unlikely to figure.
A Maiden Stakes over 5f 20y on standard going. Quite an intriguing race from this ten-strong field.
Gary Moore doesn't have the biggest string of two-year-olds but a talented trainer. Rapid Ranger has been relatively fancied in the betting on both starts. This son of Kyllachy has been beaten eleven lengths on debut at Windsor but put in his place by two talented juveniles, especially the winner. This bay colt raced keenly last time out at Kempton when second to Mr. Black. That was a fair effort. From a low draw, he could lead and take some pegging back. Always a slight concern this January foal will be too keen and tire in the closing stages.
Kings Academy is owned and trained by Paul Cole. This son of Mayson cost £32,000 when purchased at the yearling sales. Interesting to note this chestnut colt started his racing career in Chantilly, France. He was fancied in the betting priced 9/2. Leading until the closing furlong. Perhaps the 6f was a stride too far. The prize money was a touch shy of £10,000. Cole wouldn't have sent this colt across the channel for a day out. Christophe Soumillon was booked to ride. I would keep an eye on the betting with this juvenile and if fancied has very good win claims. Strangely, past juveniles fitting this profile, which I can't go into, have very similar win and place claims suggesting they either win or unplaced.
Phillip McBride's runner, Supreme Power, is another juvenile that makes interests. This son of Power was a relatively cheap foal but this stable does well with their two-year-olds. He finished behind Rapid Ranger last time. A reason why today this February foal will be odds of 14/1. However, I bet on this horse last time out and fancied him to run well. A slow start didn't fill me with glee and then hampered in the straight put pay to any hope of winning. A wide draw doesn't inspire confidence and if starting slowly it will be an uphill struggle. On the positive front, I'm pretty sure the stable expected a big run that day and with the favourite seemingly holding this youngster, the price may hold some value.
Mr. Pocket is another runner fielded by Paul Cole. This son of Acclamation has been a difficult horse to follow and must bring bad memories for a few punters who have kept the faith. Certainly, the loss at 1/4f would have seen them crestfallen. With an official rating of 80 this bay colt has ability although you may need deep pockets and faith to continue betting on this horse.
Jason Ward started the season with some hope when Mont Cinq finished third in the Brocklesby Stakes. This bonny colt is still trying to gain that elusive first win. This bay colt has plenty of pace and nearly won at big odds last time out at Newcastle with inspired tactics. However, an official rating of just 70 [has been as low as 62] and seven defeats suggests something will beat him.
Conclusion: An intriguing race. Four horses have some hope. Mr. pocket may have claims although he does have the knack of being beaten which makes me wonder if he relishes a battle. Kings Academy is definitely worth a glance in the betting. If strong in the market he could be the better of the Cole pair. If priced over 7/1 I would suggest Mr. Pocket is the more fancied. If betting, I would go for a straight win because I get a feeling Kings Academy will either win or be unplaced. Rapid Ranger looks to have a great chance based on his last run and beating Supreme Power most punters will scratch McBride's juvenile in the process. Moore's juvenile has a lot of pace, good draw and has a decent chance but I wouldn't be so quick to ignore Supreme Power. McBride's charge was expected to go well that day. A slow start, hampered, just meant it wasn't his day. Clearly, he needs to start well and it is a concern to have such a wide draw. It does put me off a little because you really don't want to run wide or fail to get to the lead if that is what connections choose. I'm not even sure if he has the pace to sit handy. Interesting, horse who may go well at a price. Funny old race in ways with afew live chances.
An EBF Maiden Stakes over 1m 2f 6y on good to soft going.
Nine two-year-old runners. Seven with race experience. Not the most inspiring of a contest in some respects but I have my eye on one of the debutantes. Physicist is trained by Paul Cole and owned and bred by Mrs. Fitri Hay. This bay colt is a son of Galileo is out of a poor race mare, placed but never winning. The betting is the guide for this juvenile and the reason for making a wager. If 8/1 & SP has fair each-way claims but if weak in the betting best watched.
2:50 Windsor -
Sir Michael Stoute has been firing in a few winners and Adamant looks to hold every chance of winning this maiden after making his debut as the second string when finishing a fourth of ten behind stablemate Elucidation. To be fair, this grey colt didn't inspire confidence on that first start and backers today will be fixing their hopes on the reasoning this son of Dalakhani was in need of the race. This breeze up purchase cost 130,000E and races in the silks of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.
I would take a watching brief.
A Maiden Auction Stakes over 5f 43y on good to firm ground. Just the four runners but an interesting duel between the two likely favourites.
Somedaysrdiamonds has raced twice and looks to have a tough task even in this restricted race type.
Martyn Meade has popped up in the training ranks a number of times over the years and this season made his mark with class two-year-old Bazzana, who wasn't disgrace when down the field in the Albany Stakes (Group 3) at Royal Ascot. Loumarin may have been sent off at the odds of 66/1 when making her debut at Newbury but bellied that price when leading until the last 100m to finish fourth, beaten less than three lengths. This 7,000euro yearling is dropped down to the minimum trip today. The form of that first race looks fair for the grade. There is a chance this drop back in distance will blunt his speed but with such a small field it could well be a tactical affair and he should run to the line.
Rockaroundtheclock disappointed on debut at Goodwood over 5f when quite fancied in the betting. Make no mistake this chestnut colt is held in some regard by Paul Cole [pictured]. This son of Starspangledbanner was expected to go well on his debut but a wide draw see him run into daylight and in a matter of strides all chance had gone. This February foal was bought at a snip of a price when Cole purchased him at the breeze-up sales for 20,000gns. Considering he was sold for 24,000euros as a foal and £46,000 as a yearling, his original owners didn't have a particularly good day at the sales. Connections will not get a better chance to notch a second-start win and it is encouraging that Cole has kept an interest in this horse with Chris Wright. I would expect a bold show from this horse today.
The debutante of the field is Spring Loaded, who hails from Paul D'Arcy. This son of first season sire Zebedee was purchased at the yearling sales by the trainer for £20,000. In general, the stable do not send out many two-year-old winners on their racing bow although they have exceptions as seen with Racing Mate [14/1 winner, August, 2013]. The stable have a small sample at this course but a good strike rate with their juveniles and Ryan Moore is a very unusual jockey booking. May make more appeal if substantially backed.
Summary: A small but intriguing race. I can imagine two or three trainers came here expecting an easy race. Loumarin has the best form on offer and this drop down in distance should guarantee she doesn't tired at the finish as seen on debut. She sets a fair target for Rockaroundtheclock to aim. Paul Cole's charge is held in some regard by the stable who expected much better on debut. His trainer has been quoted on a few occasions detailing this youngster will be seen in a much better light on his second start. As with all horses whatever the reputation they still have to prove it on course. It is possible that this horse will be fair odds early on the exchanges and if that is true readers should fill their boots. In my opinion this colt will take all the beating today but betting is dependent on price. Until the market settles it is difficult to say. Sporting Life have a tissue price of 6/1 which pie in the sky. The horse to beat. Spring Loaded is interesting but best watched. Somedaysrdiamonds has valuable experience but looks outclassed.
A Maiden Auction Stakes over 1m on standard going. Twelve two-year-olds take part in this restricted race type, the majority lightly raced and three debutantes. Paul Cole may not have as big string of juveniles these past few seasons but he is none the less a talented trainer who knows a fair horse. Elysian Prince is a son of Champs Elysees out of a poor mare, similarly owned and trained. This home bred was sent through the sales ring as a yearling for 15,000gns and bought by the vendor. This tactic is often used by private breeders to make them legible for such low-grade races as this bay colt contests today. This April foal ran in a tough race when making his debut over 1m at Goodwood. I doubt connections held any great expectation they would return victorious although buoyed by a pleasing introduction. As with most juveniles, Elysian Prince will be primed to run a big race on his second start, hailing from a trainer who follows a similar path. This is a huge drop in class. Although a big field, the majority of horses are limited. In reality this class of race compares with plating grade. This youngster will take the beating although probably priced to chance about 3/1. If touching each way prices would make a fair bet.
An EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes over 6f. Twelve two-year-olds take part, the majority lightly raced. Paul Cole's stable has been on a high since Berkshire made it a Royal Ascot when winning the Chesham Stakes Listed, with Jim Crowley bullish in his praise. Thatchit has a long way to go before hitting such lofty heights but she is held in some regard by the stable. In fact, this daughter of Invincible Spirit was set a stiff challenge when attempting Stakes class at Windsor against a number of winners over the minimum trip. This breeze-up purchase cost 58,000gns at Tattersalls' Craven Sales in April. These youngsters are often sharper but this bay filly had a tall order and it was no surprise she was outpaced on her racecourse bow. This was as much to do with running over an insufficient trip because this juvenile was ridden as though fit. It wouldn't be a surprise to hear connections expected a big run. That initial experience will be a positive and this step up to 6f will be more suiting. Cole has his juveniles primed to go well on their second start and she has claims. The betting is important and I would only back this horse if priced 13/2 & less SP. A fair each way bet if fitting this criteria.
William Hill/British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes over 5f on good to firm ground. Fifteen juveniles compete: all colts bar two fillies.
Meritocracy has shown ability on both stats to date and probably beaten by a couple of talented juveniles at Newbury. Richard Hannon's runner-up won easily at Windsor. Paul Cole rates this bay colt and said he would be better on firmer ground. Mrs Fitri Hay's representative has plenty of pace and likely to set sail for a win. He will be there at the furlong pole although this stiff finish may well see him holding on at the line. If prices allow he has win and place claims.
Of the other form horses, Chamberlain ran well on debut at Beverley and a good-looking colt. He was relatively fancied for one of Alan McCabes and the form looks fair. He could improve.
Sartori wasn't fancied in the betting on debut at Bath but ran on with promise. It is worth noting that this son of Elnadim has been entered to run in a Stakes race and that may be a significant pointer. Charles Bishop takes off a valuable 5lb and a low draw makes for interesting reading. Many of this stable's youngsters improve substantially on their second start and this bay colt could be a dark horse. If the money comes I would take serious note.
Another juvenile who has been given a Stakes entry is Tom Dascombe's Hickster. To be fair he didn't achieve a great deal that day but nor was he fancied in the betting, which probably told the story. Unless this April foal was in need of the run he has a tall order here. However, if backed to 7/1 & less SP it would be a positive sign more is expected.
The debutantes will need to be sharp if they are to beat the likes of Meritocracy. Mark Johnston's two-year-olds have been going well and Ifwecan cost 32,000gns at the yearling sales. If starting favourite it would be significant. However, I would take a watching brief.
Al Baz, Peniaphobia & Yorkshire Relish are all capable of running big races on debut, especially if priced 13/2 & less.
Alan Swinbank sends out his first juvenile of the season with Native Falls. There has been money for this horse. The stable can win on debut and feature fair win and place claims when priced 7/1 & less.
Conclusion: Meritocracy sets the standard and this faster ground should see a bold show. He travels well but there is a slight concern about this stiff finish. Lee may press on and try to gain a winning lead. If prices allow, he is a decent each way bet although I may be tempted to lay the stake in running at short odds as an insurance policy just in case he tires after going a few lengths clear. Chamberlain has ability but a wide draw isn't ideal and although the stable have horses placed second start they often struggle to win. Hickster could improve a good deal if strongly fancied in the betting but more is needed. Sartori is worth noting in the betting. It wouldn't surprise me to see this colt well backed and if touching big prices on the exchanges may be worth an anticipatory bet in hope of a gamble. If the money comes, he has each way claims. The debutantes have their work cut out but they add to the mix. A few trainers can win on debut and especially so if priced 13/2 & less. I would go for Meritocracy each way and Sartori as a speculative outsider and hope the money comes.
NO 1 The Punter's Choice!!!!!An EBF Maiden Stakes (Div 1) over 7f.
Melvin The Grate was a costly yearling purchase at 200,000gns racing in the familiar silks of Mrs Fitri Hay. This son of Danehill Dancer wasn't overly fancied on debut at Folkestone but ran a pleasing race, staying on in the closing stages, but never likely to catch all the way winner Banovallum. Andrew Balding is a fantastic trainer of two-year-olds. He can prime them to win on debut but many of their representative improve for their first start and put that experience to good use. From a statistical point of view I would be very surprised if this bay colt wasn't placed. The odds are nothing special but if you are looking for a good, strong, confident bet that would be my selection.
6:55 KemptonA Median Maiden Stakes over 1m. A number of leading trainers are featured in this sizeable field of colts and fillies. Only four juveniles have race experience in what is a restricted race type, which is likely to hold down a number of the debutantes. The betting will be a key factor for those from the more fashionable yards. I wouldn't entertain any priced over 13/2 SP. Kuantan One has been relatively fancied on both starts and an expensive yearling purchase at 150,000gns. It is a positive that this son of Strategic Prince started his career at York, which is a good sign for this stable. I fancied his chances at Lingfield, late October, and witnessed a rather frustrating performance. He was outpaced over two furlongs out but rallied in the closing stages for a renewed challenge to finish 4th. Time may tell that wasn't a bad race for the grade and this looks a similar level. A wide draw isn't ideal and it will be interesting to see what De Sousa has up his sleeve. Paul Cole has said this horse will be a better three-year-old and that brings slight concerns giving the impression he needs time to progress. The betting suggested a big run last time and connections must have been disappointed. If he sits handy this looks a fair chance but I would have slight reservations. Probably best to take a watching brief unless drifting to biggish odds.
We have had a quiet season in the UK although we have had four winners and a good second in France and will continue to cross the channel for the good prize money on offer.
Carlton Blue could well go for the 6 1/2 f two year old race on the All Weather at Chantilly.
Keep The Dream has been slow to get his act together but should keep improving.
Intermix runs at Nottingham tomorrow, he is working well although he will make a better three year old as he is quite big.
Kuantan One has run with promise but will make a better three year old.
Serenata will run on the All Weather and looks like she will win at two.
Strawberry Jam may run at Nottingham on the 7th of November, he got off to a slow start, he is by Duke Or Marmalade.
Puteri Nur Laila was disappointing at Leicester, she should have won, she has been very unlucky.
Gifted Girl - although unlucky at Leicester when she was a close second, she would prefer faster ground and should go better on the All Weather.
Silverheels goes to the sales off the back of a good second at Deauville last week and should sell well.
Circumvent who does not really like it soft, is in at Newmarket on Saturday but may wait for a Listed race at Lingfield where he will get his ground.
We have assembled a nice bunch of yearling colts for sale they are all by sires that produce decent horses - Azamour, Bahamian Bounty, Cape Cross, Captain Rio, Fastnet Rock, Iffraaj, Piccolo, Mount Nelson.
All the prices and pedigrees are on the website with a video of each. Take a look at Paul Cole's website
All this information was found by using Horse Trainer Directory. What could you find?
It's all too easy to neglect information which is just waiting to be gleaned. Read Paul Cole's blog and then make sure you take a look at Horse Trainer Directory and smile in the knowledge you have found the home of hundreds of horse trainer websites, blogs & twitter links.
Carlton Blue has ran two disappointing races but continues to work well at home and we are putting the poor runs down to the soft ground.
Dance With Dragons is in good form and may contest a race at Chantilly.
Kalicamix, after his successes in Deauville may be sold to Hong Kong.
Bluegrass Blues race a good race at Newbury from a poor draw and everybody was pleased with his run.
Keep The Dream runs on Wednesday at Kempton, he has a poor draw but will probably need the race anyway.
Puteri Nur Laila runs at Folkestone tomorrow, she continues to work like a winner at home but has been disappointing on the course, blinkers have been fitted this time.
Don Libre has come out of his Kempton race well, we will probably keep him to that sort of race for the time being.
Kaiser Wilhelm runs today and is probably best watched.
Silverheels was disappointing at Newbury, he broke too well and ran far too free.
Hunt A Mistress and Joy to the World both finished 2nd last time out and are progressing well.
Circumvent ran well enough at Ayr to be 2nd in the Listed race despite the very soft ground. He is a fantastic horse and normally earns money where ever he runs.
The yearling sales are upon us and we have decided not to go to Goffs in Ireland as they have a greatly reduced catalogue which means because of the strength of the pound, they are selling the best horses at Newmarket. You also have the added cost of the transport from Ireland to Whatcombe. Having said that, 2 of 3 that we bought in Ireland last year have won and the other will win.
I noticed they had an all Arab race meeting at Newbury yesterday. The way things are going they will have an all Arab owners day in England soon. Lets hope there are a few gaps at the sales so that the indigenous population can get a look in!
Paul Cole was disappointed with the ride given by De Sousa on Carlton Blue in York's DBS Premier Yearling Stakes over 6f. With win prize of £147,736.72 going down to just over £7,000 for tenth place he wasn't best pleased by his jockey's decision making.
The Whatcombe trainer said: ''Carlton Blue's jockey ignored the instructions at York, he crossed over to lead, effectively writing the horse's chance off, instead of going straight.''
The grey son of Aussie Rules led until over a furlong out before tiring into 15th.
Cole added: ''He is a nice horse and should win again.''
Talking about the changing weather this year he stated: ''Making plans with these strange weather conditions is almost impossible. York, one of my favorite tracks and a place we always do well there, continued with its unpredictable going last week. It is like the straight at Ascot and some form should be taken with a pinch of salt.''
