An EBF Maiden Stakes over 7f on good to soft going.
Thirteen two-year-old colts take part. Five juveniles with race experience. Plenty of renowned trainers taking an interest in this Plus 10 contest with win prize money a shade over £5,000.
A big old field but plenty of interest.
Roger Charlton fields *Zafferino. This son of Frankel is out of a once-raced mare. This home-bred is owned by Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar. He started 8/15f in a four-horse race but couldn't hold the late challenge of Seniority. Zafferino was a touch keen on his racecourse debut but held in high regard by connections. With that initial experience, this February foal should go well and has sound each-way claims.
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Sir Michael Stoute should always be respected in the latter part of the season and he has sent out a few nice two-year-olds over the last few weeks. Elucidation is a homebred racing in the familiar silks of the Niarchos Family. This son of Oasis Dream was the lesser fancied of two horses representing Stoute on debut at Newmarket. Perhaps that was the reason Elucidation was sent off at odds of 16/1. However, he showed ample promise, staying on in the closing stages to finish third. The winner, trained by James Tate, ran on with verve after being fancied to go well at Yarmouth behind the very smart Salsabeel. Law And Order [Tate] had exceptional win and place statistics that day and it was not surprising to me he was a powerhouse. I had my eye on the runner-up. Rummani, who is a talent, which boosts the likelihood of Elucidation. I would keep an eye open for Mandarin, who disappointed that day but was heavily backed and I know for a fact is held in high regard by Marco Botti. Elucidation looks the type to improve for that racecourse bow and has strong each-ways claims if priced 13/2 & less SP.
Adamant is similarly trained, owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. This grey colt is a son of Dalakhani who was purchased as a breeze-up purchase by John Warren for 130,000E. The mare, Attima, won three times in her career racing in France and America, winning at Group 2. The best guide to this debutantes chance is the betting. The majority of Stoute's debutantes win when priced 13/2 & less SP. If outside this betting guide I would take a watching brief.
To add to the heat, *Naval Warfare comes here after finishing fourth and second, respectively. This bay colt, a son of Born To Sea, put up a bold front-running performance over seven and a half furlongs at Ffos Las to be worn down in the closing stages by Math's Prize. It was a fair effort to beat Prerogative, who has been a model of consistency. I can see this bay colt leading and should appreciate this softer going.
Luca Cumani doesn't have the biggest string of two-year-olds but a trainer who should always be respected on their second start. It is worth noting that Presence Process races in the second colours forSaleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar. This bay colt is a son of Dansili and half-brother to Justineo who race up to Group 1 class. Presence Process was relatively fancied on debut at 10/1 but a long way behind the first three, which included Law And Order. On a form line, he has to find a good few lengths to beat Elucidation. I would take a watching brief unless seriously backed.
Ed Dunlop has a couple of runners both making their racecourse bow. Alemaratalyoum is an Irish-bred son of Lope in the ownership of Mohammed Jaber. He has a couple of fair juveniles with the stable in Apex King & Al Nafoorah. He cost 85,000G. Dunlop's debutantes are best judged by their starting price. They have a fighting chance when priced 14/1 & less SP. If weak in the betting I'd take a watching brief.
The market should detail the chances of Nigh Or Never who is trained by Tom Dascombe. This January foal is a son of Excelebration out of a Galileo mare and cost 100,000E at the yearling sales. Dascombe's juvenile is presently priced at 20/1, which suggests he will be better for the race or the competition is strong enough to make this a test. The stable can win at bigger odds although their brightest prospects are priced 7/1 & less SP. If in that guide should be feared.
I always take a second look at John's juveniles owned by George Strawbridge. They often prove a fair combination. The stable have their share of debut winners, especially if fancied in the betting. Jupiter Light is a son of Lonhro out of a seriously good mare who won on debut and runner-up in the Fillies' Mile. An exceptional filly who achieved a highest OR 113. The betting suggests he will be better for the run but if backed to 13/2 & less SP have respectable each-way claims.
Charles Hill has a few fair juveniles in his string. *Farook hasn't been seen for over two months since finishing behind Apex King. This son of Raven's Pass was relatively fancied in te betting but disappointed. There may have been an issue that day. Hamdan Al Maktoum stuck his hand deep in his pocket to buy this roan colt at the yearling sales for 420,000G. It would be a surprise to see this colt backed. He doesn't hold any significant entries but one for the shortlist is the money comes.
Al Mansor hails from Richard Hannon's stable. I find this stable difficult to assess with their debutantes because they are difficult to call. In general, they are better for their debut. This son of Dark Angel cost 95,000E at the breeze-up sales so should come here with fitness and wisdom.
The stable field Sporting Times who is a home-bred. The betting suggests this youngster is best watched.
Time To See & Quinteo are best watched.
Conclusion: A tough race to be too dogmatic with a handful of horses which have shown promise if no undoubted ability. I was impressed by Elucidation on debut when starting at big odds. The form of that race is solid and any improvement would make this juvenile go very close. Zefferino will have his supporters with the Frankel tag, which probably means he will start little shorter odds than deserved. However, it is difficult to assess the form of that race but Charlton has very good win and place claims with horses fancied on their second start and if difting to each-way prices wouldn't be a bad bet at all. If Adamant is priced 13/2 & less SP it would be significant. Farook cost a lot of money and may have sustained an injury or problem on debut. He could be backed from big odds and may be worth an anticipatory gamble.
*NR
A Novices Auction Stakes over 5f on good to soft going. Not the most competitive of race types - which usually favour form horses. A field of eight two-year-olds, three with form, five debutantes.
This looks an ideal opportunity for Decadent Times, trained by Tom Dascombe, in the ownership of The Roaring Twenties. This bay colt tried to match strides with Sutter County on debut and paid the price in the closing stages when caught by the eventual second Stringybark Creek. He put up a bold display when battling with another fair juvenile in the shape of Stormy Clouds, who won with something in hand. To all purposes this is a drop in class and I'd expect Liam Jones to gain an easy lead and hope to hang on in the closing stages. This is a very good chance for this colt to taste victory for the first time.
The betting suggests Jollydee is the main danger. This bay filly, ran on in the closing stages of the Brocklesby Stakesto finish fourth. I would have slight concerns she was flattered, being huge odds that day, and many of the leaders tied up quite markedly, failing to finish the race with any verve.
Richard Fahey does well at this course and one of few trainers who makes it his business to win on debut. Melesina is a daughter of Dark Angel who cost 22,000gns at the yearling sales. may need the favourite to disappoint to be winning on this racecourse bow but a filly to respect in this class of race.
Tim Easterby doesn't have the best strike rate on debut although he can fire one up and they can show the way if fancied in the betting. Our Charlie Brown hails from the Ontoawinner syndicate and partners. This bay colt, a son of American Post is out of a once-race winning mare. She cost just £12,000 at the yearling sales, purchased by the trainer. Best watched unless backed to 13/2 & less sp.
Karl Burke's Lavender Sky showed little on debut but was unfancied that day. Looks to have a lot to do but would be a different proposition if seriously backed.
Brian Ellison is a canny trainer and a few of his two-year-olds have run well on debut at Beverley for noted owner Keith Brown. Orewa is a son of Helmet and cost 18,000eur at the yearling sales when purchased by his present owner. Interesting colt, mainly due to his appearance at this course.
The rest are best watched.
Conclusion: I'm not telling you much that Decadent Times has plenty of boxes ticked here. I can see a bold front-running show and that could well be enough to have most of these waving the white flag. Melesina is the most likely opponent simply because Fahey can ready a two-year-old debutante. However, this is a drop in grade for the favourite, which makes it difficult for the inexpensive juveniles to test. Most will struggle against a horse with experience and pace. Our Boy Charlie and Lavender Sky would be interesting if seriously backed, especially the latter. Orewa hails from a stable/owner combination who have done well at this course before. Favourite should win.
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.
An EBF Maiden Stakes over 6f on soft ground. Eleven two-year-olds take part: eight colts/geldings and three fillies. All juveniles are lightly raced bar one debutante, a filly representing Jim Goldie. A number of those once-raced are open to improvement. Koptoon hails from Tom Dascombe's Manor House Stables. This April foal ran well when making his debut at Goodwood over 6f on good-to-firm ground. This Irish bred son of Rip Van Winkle was not sold for 50,000EUR, when presented at the Arqana Deauville August Yearlings Sales 2013. This bay colt out of an unraced mare ran in a hot maiden featuring substantial win prize money, when making a bold show from a high draw. This good-looking colt was relatively unfancied in the betting at 14/1 and only lost by a couple of lengths after holding every chance at the furlong pole. With a high draw, I can see this youngster making a front-running bid for glory and as long as the testing ground doesn't hinder his performance looks a fair juvenile racing up north. For all the latest horse trainer news visit Horse Trainer Directory - it features every trainer website, blog & twitter link plus live trainer blogs.
Liverpool One EBF Maiden Stakes over 5f 16y on good to firm ground. Eleven juveniles take part, predominantly colts, over half with form. A couple of these look fair types and set a respectable standard for the debutantes to achieve. After yesterday's Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes, it proves a low draw and abundance of pace cannot be ignored.
Tom Dascombe has a fine record with his two-year-olds & Quatuor's stylish victory on the first day of this meeting will have connections feeling bullish about the chance of Fine 'n Dandy. This chestnut son of Dandy Man cost £30,000 at the yearling sales and out of a winning mare. This youngster made his debut in a four-runner race and was strongly fancied to take the spoils. He had one major opponent [Limegrove] who was just too streetwise. However, I'm pretty sure connections expected to win that race but didn't want to press this February foal settling for second best. Most two-year-olds are primed to run a big race second start and from a low draw he should go well. There is a fair chance he will get to the rail and you should expect a bold show.
*Sartori sets a fair level of form. Mick Channon's representative needed the run on debut at Bath although time may tell that was a better contest than it first looked. A number of the Box 41 horses improve with their racing and this son of Elnadim showed marked improvement at Pontefract. I'm sure the form will hold up. The third, Meritocracy, has since won and there will be more winners to come. Channon had this colt entered for a Stakes race which suggests they have plans. A wide draw isn't a good starting point although this juvenile didn't lack for pace at Pontefract when rousted along to secure a favourable position. With a handful of debutantes in the line up experience should dictate that he holds an advantage over many of those horses. It could be the case the draw puts a few doubts in punter's minds and if drifting to speculative odds could be a worthy each way bet.
From a statistical point of view Inciting Incident should hold strong place claims. Ed McMahon is one of my favourite trainers and exceptional at placing his juveniles, especially on their second start. This son of Camacho is a good-looking juvenile who was relatively fancied on debut at Beverely. He looked like a winner only to be denied by a 40/1 outsider. The form of that race has taken a knock with the third disappointing next start and those in behind haven't excelled. However, this trainer's juveniles often improve for their second start and progress should be expected. Ed McMahon has a fantastic strike rate at this course and if priced 7/1 & less should be placed at worst.
Jive is trained by Richard Hannon. She was fancied on debut at Windsor when behind Quatuor who went on to a decisive win in the Lily Agnes. The second horse has proven a fair sort and third is held in some regard. This filly looks the type to improve and respect.
Of the others, Gin Time is likely to be outpaced and outclassed.
Countess Lupus doesn't appeal.
The betting is the best guide to the debutantes. Anytimeatall, Quincel, Salford Red Devil& Brave Imp all have claims if priced 13/2 & less. A number of these stables have debut winners and although they will need to be primed it isn't beyond the realms. Substantial money for Anytimeatall would be noteworthy.
Red Forever is best watched.
Conclusion: A fascinating race. The debutantes will need to be pretty smart to win against a few fair sorts. Unless they are priced 13/2 & less I would take a watching brief. The form horses make most appeal. Fine 'n Dandy ran well on debut and looks sure to improve for that first start. He showed good pace that day and could well race against the rail. This youngster is held in some regard by the stable but at the odds he may not be the greatest value. Inciting Incident needs to improve on his first start but could go well. The stable have a superb record at this course and particularly on their second start when fancied in the betting. They have very good place claims and fighting chance of a win. Sartori may just be forgotten with a wide draw. It is a concern because if a few of the low drawn ping from the stalls they could be difficult to peg back. However, this colt ran in a decent race at Pontefract and a fair type. The stable clearly feel a maiden is there for the taking. If a big drifter on the exchanges, it could be tempting to go for a small each way bet. If one or two of the debutantes are relatively short priced I would be extra careful. Jive is difficult to assess but could hit the frame if priced 13/2 & less. I would be tempted to back Inciting Incident for a place and Sartori as an each way punt if big prices are offered on the exchanges.
*NR
The excitement of Royal Ascot's second day sees the Queen Mary Stakes Group 2 (19th June, 2013). This 5f race for two-year-old fillies is named after Queen Mary the consort of King George V. The race was first run in 1921 with Wild Mint proving victorious.
In 2004, the Queen Mary was upgraded from Group 3 status.
From a historical perspective, Sir Gordon Richards is the leading jockey with 5 wins (Supervisor 1932 - Apparition 1946). While Fred Darling has trained 7 winners.
Since the 1990s Richard Hannon & Mick Channon have achieved great success with a number of talented fillies. This race has been a tip for future juvenile successes. Lyric Fantasy, Gay Gallanta, Blue Duster, Attraction & Queens Logic where all awarded the title of European Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. Many others have been made favourite for the 1,000 Guineas, including the ill-fated Bint Allayl, who was trained by Mick Channon. One of the most successful winner was seen in 2003. Attraction, a small filly with terrible conformation, trained by Mark Johnston and ridden by Kevin Darley, won by three lengths. This exceptionally gifted filly went on to win both English & Irish 1,000 Guineas.
Famous past winner:
Ceiling Kitty
This bay filly, a daughter of Red Clubs, is trained by Tom Dascombe. Andrew Black - one of the founders of Betfair - and The Master Bettors owned this tough juvenile. She was bred at Black's stud in Cobham, Surrey.
Ceiling Kitty was sent to the Tattersall October Yearling Sales where she was bought by the vendor for 16,000gns.
This February foal started her career in a fillies' maiden at Kempton. Starting 11/4f she finished a creditable second after a terribly slow start. In April she made her second start at Beverley over 5f on testing ground. By all account this was a disappointing performance. The joint favourite could only finish fourth of ten, beaten a number of lengths.
Clearly connection held this filly in some regard but so far all had not gone to plan.
However, a return to Kempton saw a professional third start to win by half a length.
Dascombe's charge was one of the outsiders for the Marygate Fillies' Stakes Listed contest at York over 5f. Early season hot shot, Bailey's Jubilee, was an odds-on favourite but ran poorly. Ceiling Kitty ran on strongly to win by two lengths at 20/1. Many considered this a surprise victory.
Her next target was the Queen Mary Stakes Group 2 at Royal Ascot, 2012. Although priced at 20/1, seemingly second string to the stable's debut winner Upward Spiral, she made the most of her experience winning by a length from Michael Bell's Hoyam who finished with great gusto. Once again, Ceiling Kitty defied the odds beating twenty six rivals bagging a prize of over £42,000.
After a month on the sidelines she contested the Flying Childers Stakes Group 2, which featured some of the fastest two-year-olds in training. Finishing 4th, beaten less than two lengths, was a bold effort over this 5f dash. Hoyam finished a place behind.
Her penultimate race saw her competing at the highest grade: the Jaguar Cheveley Park Stakes Group 1 at Newmarket. Here she would attempt 6f for the first time. Finishing 7th behind Rosdhu Queen was no disgrace.
The finale to a sparkling two-year-old season saw her fly to the Unites States being the only European runner at Santa Anita's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint over 6f. Tom Dascombe commented: ''She's tough and has experience. If she gets 6f on dirt she has some sort of chance and she probably doesn't need to be to top class to win this race.'' However, this bonny filly never looked happy and was bustled to the front only to finish last.
Chester's Boodles May Festival - Stan James Cup Day will see a bumper crowd for the Manor House Stables Lily Agnes Stakes (Class 4). This opening race of the meeting (8th May) starts at 1:35 - a 5f sprint for 2 year olds. It is sponsored by leading 2yo horse trainer, Tom Dascombe. This race has seen many a talented winner & tip for future success. In recent year it has been won by All Fur Coat, Lily's Angel & Julius Geezer. Talented juveniles, such as The Lord, trained by Bill Turner, and Star Rover, trained by David Evans, won this race before making names for themselves.
But who was Lily Agnes?
In fact, Lily Agnes (1871 - 1899) was a thoroughbred racehorse. This daughter of 2,000 Guineas & Derby winner, Macaroni, was a talented two year old who won all of her six starts. At three, she won six of her ten races including the Northumberland Plate & Doncaster Cup. In total she won 21 races. She is probably best known for being the dam of a racing great, Ormonde, who won the Triple Crown in 1886.Other notable foals included Farewell who went on to win the 1,000 Guineas.
Lily Agnes died in June 1899 aged 28 at Eaton Stud.
