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 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.
A maiden Stakes over 5f on good ground. Just five two year olds: three colts, two fillies, including one horse with race experience.
Tawakkol showed promise on debut, although a beaten favourite. He is trained by Mark Johnston who has made a sparkling start to the season.
This son of Firebreak is out of Listed-raced mare purchased at the yearling sales by Shadwell Estate for £70,000.
Make no mistake this bay colt is a beautiful specimen - with size and scope to progress with racing. Turning tracks are far from ideal for debutantes, especially when racing against horses with experience. Tardy from the stalls, this youngster took strides to gather pace, losing a good few lengths. In search of space, he ran wide on the bend, making headway in the final furlong, but never quite getting on terms. In many respects he would be better over 6f. Johnston's charge is sure to benefit from that first start and with over two weeks off course a more professional display should be seen. It is a sign of confidence that Tawakkol was made favourite on his racecourse bow and notably entered for a stakes race before setting foot on a track. The form of that debut is fair. This stiffer course will suit this resolute galloper who will run to the line. A handsome colt, he ticks a lot of boxes although, ideally, would appreciate further.
Four debutantes make stiff opposition - trainers big and small.
Richard Fahey has started this new flat turf season in a similar vein as Mark Johnston in both numbers of runners and success. Black Magic is a grey son of first-season sire Poet's Voice out of a talented French mare [Centifolia] who won four times including the Criterium De Maisons-Laffitte (Group 2) at two. She raced once at Group 1 the following season but disappointed at the highest level. Mrs H Steel is a loyal owner and this colt was purchased as a yearling by R F Racing for 45,000eur. It is worth noting that this colt has been entered to run in a stakes race, which often pinpoints future winners. The stable have a good strike rate at this course and a healthy points profit [a few big-priced winners]. They feature good win and place statistics with debutantes. Black Magic gives away valuable experience but there are indicators this horse has ability.
John Quinn made a name for himself as a two year old trainer last season with the mighty efforts of The Wow Signal - achieving Group 1 success. Racing Venture was bred by Clive Cox and purchased at the yearling sales for £25,000. This Irish son of first-season sire Lilbourne Lad is out of an unraced mare. I have always considered this course a place where Quinn has started a number of talented horses although his two year old strike rate here is relatively poor. The stable have fair win and place claims with debutantes priced 13/2 & less. With such a small field such betting guides are likely to be skewed and difficult to appreciate.
Two fillies complete the field.
Tom Dascombe has run a couple of fancied two year olds and both have shown good pace before tiring, providing poor displays. Manor House Stables must have been disappointed by those lackluster efforts and it does bring some question to today's debutante Four's Company. This January foal, the eldest in this field, is an Irish-bred daughter of Fast Company out of a winning mare and a relatively cheap yearling purchase at 13,000eur. This stable have fair win and place claims with debutantes priced 7/1 & less (most win at 11/2 & less).
Sharon Watt has a small string of horses and from reviewing Horses in Training 2015 this is her sole two year old. Calpurnia is a daughter of Sleeping Indian out of a limited mare. This home bred looks to have a lot to prove. Major E J Watt [owner/father of trainer] was successful with Bee Brave who won on debut at 50/1 in 2012.
Conclusion: An interesting race where the once-raced Tawakkol will be many punters idea of the winner. This handsome colt will probably make these look lesser by comparison and sure to improve for his debut. This stiffer test will help but and extra furlong may be even better. The horse to beat but at the odds I would have to watch. Black Magic hails from a top two year old stable who can ready a juvenile on their racecourse bow. Being entered for a stakes race is a sign of confidence. Racing Venture & Four's Company hold fair claims if priced at 13/2 & less. However, with a small field this betting guide doesn't help identify weakness. The latter, trained by Tom Dascombe, has sent out a couple of juvenile which done little. I would take a watching brief on this filly. Calpurnia has a lot to prove. A watching brief on this race.
A EBF Maiden Stakes on good ground over 6f. Eleven runners take part, eight raced, with three debutantes from talented stables. Colts, one gelding, and a filly. Unusually, the filly is one of the more interesting two-year-olds in this line-up even against the boys. Chris Wall is a talented trainer who often slips under the radar, especially with his juveniles, which are few and far between and mostly show limited ability on debut - classically needing the experience. That is probably the story of Souville, a bay daughter of Dalakhani, who was sent off a 40/1 shot when finishing third behind the potentially high-class Hot Coffee [trained by Tom Dascombe]. This Irish-bred, 50,000gns breeze-up purchase, caught the eye of many when making impressive headway in the closing stages at Haydock over 6f. The form of that race looks solid but it is the likely improvement of Wall's March foal which suggests a big run should be on the cards. In many respects a greater trip would seem more appropriate. However, with longer races available, we have to consider that the trainer knows best. We have to take on trust that tardy start will be a distant memory and being off course for over a month we should see a wiser, fitter and primed juvenile. The betting on the exchanges indicates that this horse is fancied to go well and that in itself is a major factor to the success of this filly. If available at each way prices this youngster has strong win and place claims. As a pointer, this horse should be priced 13/2 & less at SP.
An EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes over 6f on good ground [good to firm in places]. Twelve two-year-olds take part, the majority lightly raced. A fair mix of trainers and few talented juveniles striving for their first win.
Lady Cecil fields Sunrise Star, racing int he silks of Lady Bamford. This daughter of Shamardal, out of a Listed-place mare who finished her career in France, cost 57,000gns at the yearling sales. This good-looking bay filly ran well on debut: keeping on to finish fourth. The form of that contest looks strong with the first and second [Godolphin] going on to run creditably at Royal Ascot, while the third cruised to an effortless victory at Ayr next start. Sunrise Star was quite weak in the betting on her racecourse bow suggesting she would improve for the experience. The stiff finish looks ideal and by all account this is a drop in class. A Moyglare Stakes (Group 1) entry suggests connections have future goals and she will be entered for a more pattern races. The horse to beat.
Dutch Courage looks the chief danger showing promise on debut at Newmarket and returning to headquarters when stepping up to 6f. This daughter of Dutch Art cost 100,000gns as a yearling [£30,000 foal] and one of two juveniles for Richard Fahey from Cheveley Park Stud. She was sent off favourite on her second start but hold-up tactics didn't help as the winner held a fair advantage at the furlong pole, after stealing a lead. This bay filly rallied well in the closing stages and would have won with another half furlong. Those two starts should see her sit handy today although she looks the type to take time to get into full stride. Definitely a horse to respect and another to appreciate this stiffer track.
Ollie Pears is a great trainer who does wonders with his string of two-year-olds. If they are capable of winning, they are placed well and run consistent. Augusta Ada is a strapping daughter of Byron who has shown ability on all three starts to date. The form of her fifth at York has been franked. She travelled with ease at Redcar only to be beaten by a newcomer [Sunny Harbour] who could well be heading for pattern-class races. The third has since won in tidy fashion. Considering she is legible for auction class events, this race type is by all accounts a step up in class. However, that doesn't mean she will not be competitive. It wouldn't be a surprise to see her trade at much shorter odds in-running and to have a fighting chance. Whether this bay filly is quite the class to bustle-up the favourites I would have slight reservations. If touching huge prices on the exchanges, worth a speculative each way punt but may need the favourites to under perform to win.
The intriguingly named Flighty Peaches has been supported on the exchanges and Richard Hughes looks to be a significant jockey booking. This February foal is sired by Footstepsinthesand and cost 32,000eur at the yearling sales. The mare was limited and the stable have few two-year-olds in their string. It is worth noting that this filly was recently entered for a Stakes race, which is a positive. It isn't beyond the realms this youngster has ability although to beat such opposition at the first time of asking looks a tall order. I would take a watching brief.
Of the other horses, Shelley's Choice has shown good pace on both starts before tiring rapidly.
John Quinn does well at this course and has sent a few talented two-year-olds to start their career here. If L'Artiste is substantially backed it would bring added confidence.
The rest are best watched.
Conclusion: I wouldn't look beyond three horses: Sunrise Star, Dutch Courage & Augusta Ada. All should have tasted victory before the end the season. Sunrise Star looks the horse to beat. The form of her Newmarket maiden has been franked and even without improvement must take the beating. Lady Cecil's charge should be primed today and could well lead these a merry dance. She makes a feisty opponent. Dutch Courage is progressing with racing and there shouldn't be any excuses today. In experience cost her dear on both starts to date and if able to sit in a handy position could finish with zeal. A filly who could be much better than we have seen and if touching each way prices looks a solid bet. Augusta Ada will travel well and if betting I would be tempted to try and lay your stake in-running and cross your fingers it is her day. However, I feel the two leading lights may need to under perform for her to win although you should never be afraid of one horse as they have to prove the point. A fair each way bet at speculative odds. Flighty Peaches looks to be fancied in the betting but whether this is sustained throughout the day only time will tell. She would need to be pretty smart to win this on debut and a watching brief.
A Maiden Fillies' Stakes over 5f on good ground. Sixteen two-year-olds compete including seven with race experience.
David Evans has been in fine form this year making a name for himself as a talented trainer. His trademark keep-busy attitude with his two-year-olds means they never sit in their boxes for long. *Limegrove ran well on debut and made an encouraging return at Newmarket when finishing a creditable seventh. This daughter of Captain Gerrard showed good pace before tiring in the final furlong and slightly hampered thereafter. It is difficult to assess the merit of that performance at this time but with a host of big-name trainers it could well prove to be a fair contest. She was beaten less than four lengths, which must bring her into the reckoning. This course often suits front runners who cling to the rail and Evans' youngster could well take the lead.
Shelley's Choice finished one length behind Limegrove after leading for most. Tom Dascombe's representative showed good pace that day and could well contest the lead. She wasn't particularly fancied in the betting that day which could suggest she was slightly in need of the run. The stable feature fair win and place claims if fancied in the betting. If seriously backed, I would expect an improved performance but a weakness in the betting would suggest Limegrove has the edge.
Michael Appleby doesn't have the biggest string of juveniles but he probably feels he has a decent filly in Mops Angel, who started her career in the Brocklesby. This February foal, out of a mare who Appleby trained, finished fourth that day and was far from disgraced. To be fair, the Brocklesby form has taken a few knocks with those down the field although the first and second have proven to be talented horses. The field were so strung out at Doncaster that it is difficult to draw the line on the merit of Mops Angel. I often feel a little biased against the smaller trainers and would rather they prove they have ability. However, this bay filly should be respected.
Of the others with experience Dotesy was a cheap yearling buy for John Quinn. This daughter of Indian Haven was relatively fancied at Redcar and not beaten by huge margins after being slowly away. I often associate the stable with Pontefract as they have sent some of their better prospects here in the past. Money talks with this yard and if seriously backed I would expect a big run. Not the easiest of horses to assess but if that first run was a disappointment there could be more to come.
The debutantes will need to be primed to win, especially so on this turning course which favours experience. A few of the trainers have very good records here and worthy of closer inspection.
Kevin Ryan is a force to be reckoned with his debutantes here and a good few winners have gone on to be quite classy. He fields two runners: Madam Mirasol & Lady Captain. The betting is probably the best indicator of first and second string. Both come from from winning mares and sprinting sires so could measure up. Few of their horses win when priced over 12/1, so this is a good guide to set your stall. A number of their winners at Pontefract have been priced from 8/1 - 10/1.
Richard Fahey has had a number of two-year-olds run this season but yet to hit the bulls eye. He has been quoted as saying they have a different type of juvenile which in ways concerns me. There is little doubt the stable will field a good few winners and potentially a star or two but a change of format can often need time to adjust. As I have mentioned before, Kevin Ryan had a similar practice a couple of years back and they reverted back to type after disappointment. Heskin hails from a very successful owner who needs little introduction with horses such as Garswood. Richard Fahey is one trainer who can win on debut. In fact he and Peter Chapple-Hyam are in my opinion a class apart. This daughter of Acclamation cost 105,000euros at the yearling sales and one of the most expensive two-year-olds to be seen this year. It is a concern the stable are still to send out a juvenile winner with a number looking in need of the experience. However, this bay must have claims if priced in single figures.
Hello Beautiful is drawn well and interesting to note she has been entered for a Stakes race. With the stable's first juvenile runner going well at Ripon it gives greater encouragement. This daughter of Captain Rio could go well at a price if starting on terms.
Queenie's Home is trained by James Given's. This grey daughter of Shamardal cost 52,000euros at the yearling sales and out of a Listed-placed mare. It is worth noting that her trainer won this race last year with Jadanna, who won her first two starts and raced at Group class. The negative is that the stable have very few debut winners. They feature a good place rate with favourites. I would have to take a watching brief.
She's A Lucky Lady is worth noting in the betting as the stable have a good line with Mick's Yer Man. If strongly backed, take note.
The other debutantes are best watched.
Conclusion: A tricky race. The form horse have a fair advantage on this turning course. Shelley's Choice & Limegrove are likely to make a bold show and could steal a lead. This could well prove a decisive advantage. The form of their first start has been franked and it could be up to winning a race of this nature. There wasn't a great deal between the pair and although it seems logical to favour Limegrove Shelley's Choice wasn't hugely fancied that day which could indicate she is limited or that she needed the run. If well backed, I would expect this pair to be on a par with each other. It is difficult to assess Mops Angel. I respect her chances but would take a watching brief. Of the debutantes Heskin catches the eye. Fahey is bound to have a winning juvenile soon although the stable does seem a touch quiet for me. Could go well if fancied but a watching brief until the stable hit form. Kevin Ryan's pair are worth noting. If priced 12/1 & less it wouldn't surprise me at all if he had a winner. Hello Beautiful could be a live chance as the stable go well here and can win with debutantes.
*NR
A Maiden Auction Stakes over 6f on heavy, soft in places.
A large field of predominantly lightly raced juveniles with three debutantes.
Of those making their racecourse bow, Richard Fahey's youngster makes most appeal. This talented handler features respectable win and place claims with his debutantes. Art Storm - a son of Excellent Art - is one of the more expensive horses in this field costing 20,000euros. The betting is the best guide to this juvenile's chance. If priced 13/2 & less, this chestnut colt could go well. However, in these testing conditions, on a course where it pays to race prominently, inexperience can be costly.
Reg Hollinshead may only train a small string of juveniles but he has vast training experience. Divine Reward was a cheap breeze up purchase at £12,000. This American bred gelding may prove to be a very astute buy. A good-looking sort, it could be telling that his trainer started this bay's career in a Conditions Stakes race at Salisbury. Upon seeing this engagement, I thought Divine Reward would almost certainly be outpaced and have little hope of even being in contention against a number of previous winners. However, connections' confidence at facing such a test were justified with a gritty performance in third. By all accounts this is a step down in class. The stable's two-year-olds often improve for their debut and this looks a golden chance of winning today.
Tim Easterby fields three horses, two who are of interest. Medici Dancer hadn't shown a great deal on her first two starts but went close last time in a four-runner race when second favourite to a big odds on. This daughter of Medicean gave favourite backers a heart attack when taking the lead only to have victory stolen from her in the dying strides. This filly clearly enjoys the mud because conditions were very testing at Newcastle. Perhaps the main concern is wondering whether the winner was hindered by the heavy ground. With being such a small field that day I would be careful if she starts at short price. The ground will not be a problem but she may have limitations.
The stable is also represented by Faffa. Tim Easterby quoted this chestnut gelding was very lazy at home although those comment may have been spoken tongue in cheek as this youngster travelled with purpose for much of that race. In fact this 800gns purchase touched odds on in-running, before tiring in the final furlong. This son of Araafa comes from a good family and bred for a stiffer trip so it was encouraging to see such pace over five furlongs albeit on heavy ground. I would suspect this gelding with travel well and could touch much shorter odds mid race. Not the easiest horse to assess but I would favour this of the Easterby entrants. Could hit the frame at fair odds.
Accelerant ran in the same race as Faffa when relatively fancied in the betting. He finished one place behind Easterby's charge but may have suffered for taking a keen hold. Ryan often sends his better juveniles to York and there may be better to come if settling. Money often talks with this stable and if substantially backed take note.
The stable field Dilady who was supported from big odds on debut when unplaced at Haydock in heavy ground. Amy Ryan is fighting for the apprentice jockeys' title and her father has been keeping a steady flow of winners. If priced 13/2 & less, this bay filly has sound each way claims.
Dewi Chinta hails from the same stable but showed little on debut. Once again, the betting is the best guide, if within their best betting guide holds claims.
Conclusion: A tricky race in ways. With testing ground, limited if not moderate form lines for many it could be a race of surprises. Divine Reward sets the standard if that first start can be believed. Hollinshead's gelding is a good-looking sort who plugged on well in a strong race when considered in the context of this race. There should be improvement from that debut and by all accounts this is a drop in class. A tentative each way selection if prices allow. Faffa showed a glimmer of ability at York, a course the trainer sends his better juveniles. It is worth noting he touched odds-on in-running that day and could well travel like a winner here. If fitter today this cheap buy could run a big race and at the price may be something of a dark horse. Dilady is likely to go best of Kevin Ryan's trio. A sound each way chance if priced 13/2 & less.
An EBF Maiden Stakes Over 5f on good to firm ground.
A large field with half a dozen juveniles with form and mixed bag of debutantes.
Top Boy is a talented two-year-old. This good-looking colt by Exceed And Excel has an official rating of 100 after running at Group level. His best performance being a narrow loss in the Weatherby Super Sprint on testing ground. Most recently, he ran in the Richmond Stakes (Group 2) over 6f. By all accounts Derek Shaw's bay colt has more than enough ability to win a race of this nature and this drop back to the minimum trip is probably more suiting. The downside is that after six races there is a concern he could be regressing. That will be the gamble for those who are tempted to bet on his proven class edge today. A strong challenger if still enjoying his racing.
Of the other form horses, Polish Crown ran well on debut at this course over 6f. One of two fillies in the field today, she ran with promise on debut although showed signs of inexperience before running on with purpose in the closing stages. On that performance, you would have to question whether this drop back to 5f is ideal. Those fears may be more to do with inexperience than pace so that point must be considered. Breeding suggests a greater test of stamina will be needed in time. Alan Swinbank trained the winner that day and in ways the form of those behind still leaves a few question marks. There will be improvement to come but uncertainty regarding this trip. The Johnston stable often make the running so from an early stage you backers will probably know your fate.
Shillito is a fair juvenile for Tony Coyle's stable. He has run creditably on his last three starts. This breeze-up purchase was a canny buy at £15,000 and connections will fancy their chances of stealing a win before the end of the season. This bay colt ran well over course and distance but was fairly put in his place by Ziggy's Secret. Again, a determined attitude was displayed when just held at Thirsk in a race that many thought he would win. This son of Kyllachy is likely to show his form race but he reminds me of the type to be vulnerable. More of a place candidate that a strong win chance in my opinion.
On their recent Thirsk effort, Milkwood is held.
Time And Place was just ahead of Milkwood and could improve a good deal for that first start. Richard Fahey's son of Compton Place was a fairly expensive yearling buy at £48,000. He was well backed that day but a slow start all but finished his hopes and it was an honest effort to finish as close as he did. More should be expected and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get pretty close to Shillito.
Of the debutantes, Bitusa hails from Alan Swinbank's stable, who have a line to the likes of Polish Crown. This American-bred gelding comes from a sprinting family. The stable can be difficult to assess with their debutantes although they can have them primed for a big run. The betting is the best guide. If backed to 13/2 & less I would expect a bold show but conversely if weak in the market, best watched.
The betting will tell the story for another interesting debutante, Spirit Of Parkes. This grey gelding has mixed breeding, from a sire who appreciated a trip but the mare was a real talent for Jack Berry. Lucky Parks was a good, strong & talented filly who won substantial prize money over her career as a sprinter, competing at Group class on occasions, winning seventeen races in all. If priced 7/1 & less I would expect a handy display.
Robot Boy is worth noting. Qatar Racing Ltd never fear the cost of a horse and this son of Shamardal was a recent breeze-up purchase at 115,000gns. David Barron has some exciting two-year-olds this season and a number of debut winners. The key to their best is dictated by their starting price. Connections clearly know when a horse is expected to go well and the money is put down with little uncertainty. If backed, take note. If priced 13/2 & less you should expect a big run although a wide draw does temper enthusiasm.
Conclusion: An intriguing race. Top Boy - at best - would take the world of beating and deserves to win a race our two after a number of sterling efforts. The gamble is whether this youngster is enjoying his racing. A few hard races can sour a horse and with six runs under his belt there is a worry he could regress at some stage. There is often no clue to when this may happen and that is why is pays to be careful with such horses. I would give him the benefit of the doubt and hope he runs a big race. At best a winner waiting to happen but I wouldn't bet at short odds. Polish Crown is difficult to assess. She was very inexperienced on debut which probably makes this drop back to 5f look worse than it is. However, I would have slight concerns this will happen all to quick. Shillito is the most guaranteed to run his race but may need a few of the principles to under perform to win. Time And Place may have a chance of reversing the form with Shillito on their recent Thirsk effort when struggling from a slow start. If strongly fancied in the betting it would bring further confidence. The betting will be the best guide to the debutantes - a few who are worthy of note. Bitusa, Spirit Of Parke & Robot Boy would all have fair win and place claims if priced 13/2 & less. Of most interest is the latter, trained by David Barron. This juvenile hails from a notable owner and a trainer who knows when their juveniles have a winning chance. Money talks with this stable and if substantially backed I would take note. Top Boy will take all the beating if at his best but if the debutantes are strongly fancied it might just pay to fear them as worthy opposition.
A Maiden Fillies' Stakes over 6f on soft ground.
Fantacise ran well on debut at Windsor over 5f, chasing home Hairy Rocket who fairly left the others for dead. The form of that race has been franked. She looked set for a big run at Haydock, giving the impression a step up in distance would suit. However, this well-bred daughter of Pivotal disappointed with a rather indifferent performance. It was good to see a return to form when finishing a creditable third behind potentially smart newcomer, Chat, trained by John Gosden. Today, Meehan has opted for the blinkers, which suggests this half-sister to two Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) winners is not the most straightforward of juvenile. Whether the application of the headgear will bring further improvement time will tell. After showing signs of keenness in the early stages of her last two starts it is a slight concern this may ignite the fire. Not a bad looking chestnut filly although not the biggest. There is a nagging thought in my mind that she is a little bit of a tricky customer. On form, a fair each way selection.
Art Mistress showed good speed on debut before tiring behind today's non runner Mollyvator. Esterby's youngster was then stepped up in distance at Doncaster when finding trouble in running. That looked a decent contest and she beat a couple of fair form horses in the process. This drop in distance shouldn't be a negative as this trip will take some getting in these gruelling conditions. Not the easiest juvenile to assess but one of the main contenders.
Balinka made her debut in the Rous Selling Stakes at York, a tough race for any juvenile to compete when making their racecourse bow. Mel Brittain is a canny trainer and he obviously fancied this daughter of Bahamian Bounty to go well, and so she did. A good, strong filly, she was always up with the pace and held every chance until being brushed aside by the sturdy Fadeintoinfinity. On a form line with Ayr Missile and Curl, she looks held by Art missile. P J McDonald takes the ride and I can imagine he will set pretty brisk fractions. A couple of this field will take some beating, but if this bay improves a couple of lengths she could be in with a fighting chance. Perhaps, most likely, to sneak a place.
Mark Johnston's Tussie Mussie has the beating of Art Missile on their debut run at York. However, they ran very differing races with the above-mentioned filly racing prominantly while this daughter of Royal Applause ran on. An interesting contender who will appreciate this step up in distance after being outpaced at Beverley. That seemed a rather strange decision and probably makes her look quite disappointing. The testing conditions could be to her liking and I would expect to see her go well today.
An outsider with a glimmer of hope my be Lincolnrose. Alan McCabe has been quiet this season, particularly with his juveniles which haven't been firing. This daughter of Verglas is a bonny horse and showed some promise on debut at Leicester. That second start, when returning to course and distance, is probably best forgotten. She is better than that. A difficult horse to assess but may have a chance at speculative odds although I would probably take a watching brief before putting my hand in my pocket.
Skidby Mill is worth noting in the betting. Pontefract has been a familiar hunting ground for some of John Quinn's most talented juveniles. Worth noting if substantially backed.
Comment: Fantacise is a tricky juvenile to assess. At her best she could take a lot of beating and at fair odds. I can imagine punters being tempted by an each way bet and fancying their chances, too. The addition of the blinkers suggests she isn't straightforward and whether this will help or hinder time will tell. It would be a major concern if she was keen in the early stages. I would give this well-bred filly the benefit of the doubt but it may pay to keep bets to a minimum. Tussie Mussie is better than her last effort over the minimum trip. This step up in distance on soft ground could see her go well although it is difficult to measure her with Art Mistress, who she beat on debut. Art Mistress looked to run a stride too fast on debut and then found trouble in running at Doncaster. That was a fair race and she, like Tussie Mussie, hold fair each way claims. Balinka is a straightforward filly who will probably set the pace. That was a fair effort on debut and the Selling race tag shouldn't be viewed as a negative as the Rous features a hefty price. She could well hit the frame but form lines suggest she is held by a couple. Lincolnrose may have a chance at speculative odds.
