An EBF Maiden Stakes over 1m 1y on standard going. Ten two-year-olds take part and a fascinating contest.
Hydroxide is a class horse trained by Hugo Palmer and by all accounts a winner without a penalty. Two narrow loses to talented rivals must give a bittersweet taste for connections V I Araci. This son of Lope De Vega cost 205,000G at the breeze-up sales. If this Irish-bred had won on debut, it is very likely we would have contested a pattern race by now and is likely to be heading in that direction. This odds-on shot has to take some beating although there are a few juveniles in opposition who may hold some claims, perhaps more at each-way selections in hope that the favourite comes second best once more.
Balashakh was fancied to go well on debut when finishing fourth at odds of 6/4. This bay colt is an American-bred son of Blame and cost 100,000G at the yearling sales. He will improve for that debut effort and from a statistical point of view has very good win and place claims. Beating the likes of Hydroxide seems a pretty stiff task but if touching each-way prices could well be abet to nothing and hope this colt is much better than seen or the favourite has a taste for second place. Interesting.
*Envisaging is another horse who may be capable of more. James Fanshawe is a talented trainer and the betting indicates this Irish bred son of Zoffany could have a fair level of ability. Ben MC Wong's two-year-old cost 110,000G at the yearling sales rising markedly from his price at foal [17,500E]. He was much too keen last time out at Goodwood. He wasn't helped by a small field and ten runners and a wide draw may force the hand of Queally to sit in behind and progress from there. A tongue tie is applied for the first time. At odds of 12/1, he isn't beyond going well and good have realistic each-way claims.
Bocelli is a home bred from Mrs P Good. It would take a huge effort to win this race on debut although Simon Crisford has been in imperious with his debutantes this season.
Conclusion: A race to enjoy. Hydroxide will start favourite and on form will take all the beating. He hasn't done anything wrong in defeat although there is always a worry when a horse is defeated that it will become the norm. If defeated, it will be due to a talented opponent rather than a balls up. Balashakh got going all too late on debut but I'd expect a marked improvement here and he could be a worthy each-way alternative. I would be surprised if this colt isn't placed at worst. Envisaging is another horse who didn't go himself justice at Goodwood. He was must too keen but traveled very for a long way. If drifting to huge odds on the exchanges is worth a small each-way bet. If the favourite drifted to even money I would be tempted to have a win on the jolly and half point each on Balashakh and Envisaging.
* NR [Envisaging]
6:30 Kempton -
For many race fans the excitement of enjoying two-year-old racing is the appearance of a very talented horse. A horse that wins impressively on debut but competes at pattern class and heralded as a future Classic winner.
We may have one such two-year-old making its debut today.
Dubai One is trained by Saeed bin Suroor for the mighty Godolphin. This chestnut daughter of Exceed And Excel, out of a relatively poor-winning mare, who was trained by Michael Bell. The reputation of Dubai One proceeds her because she is even money favourite to take this evening's maiden at Sunbury.
She is bred to start over this 6f and races from stall 6, ridden by James Doyle.
Of the form horses Hathfa, showed ability on debut when seriously backed but, perhaps, slightly disappointed next start at Newbury, although that was a decent contest. This is definitely one of the better juveniles in Richard Hughes string.
Etikaal is another live threat for Simon Crisford in the silks of Hamdan Al Maktoum. This son of Sepoy has a wide draw which isn't ideal on this turning course. However, Crisford has been an example to just about all this season when it comes to preparing a debutant to shine on its formative start.
Conclusion: Dubai One will be the focus of many racegoers and pundits alike. This filly takes on a field of colts [two other fillies, too] but she is expected to win. Saeed bin Suroor has a fantastic strike rate at this course. Debutants can be a tricky betting medium, especially on a turning course over a sprint distance, but this filly should go well. If she is a class act I very much doubt Hathfa will be good enough, although his race experience is positive and he is proven to have ability. Etikaal is a worthy opponent and could be a tough horse to beat if not suffering too badly from his wide draw. A fascinating race.
Simon Crisford may be a new name to the training ranks but a familiar face being the former racing manager with Godolphin.
Renting a yard at Carlsberg Stables in Newmarket owned by Clive Brittain he has received Maktoum family backing for his new venture with six juveniles owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum.
Crisford joins a roster of trainers for Sheikh Hamdan for the 2015 Flat season that also includes his new neighbours Sir Michael Stoute and John Gosden.
The owner's racing manager Angus Gold said: "Sheikh Hamdan was keen to support Simon and has sent him six youngsters who are a mixture of homebreds and some who were bought on his behalf at the sales.
Crisford has his first two year old engaged to run (Monday/Tuesday). First Selection, a son of Diktat is out of a winning mare. This February foal was recently purchase (1st April) from Brightwell's Ascot Select Breeze Up 2015 by the trainer for £42,000. This bay races under the ownership of Adulla Al Mansoori.
Crisford, who saddles his first runner in the shape of the Qatar Racing-owned Knavery is also expected to receive support from his former boss Sheikh Mohammed.
In total, he has 47 horses in training comprising 8 older horses, 3 three-year-olds and 35 two-year-olds. Of the juveniles he has a number of expensive buys including Daafik £220,000, Lucky Lot £130,952 & Zanjabeel £210,000. Paddy Power offer odds of 6-1 for Crisford to saddle a British two-year-old Group 1 winner in 2015.
