Juddmonte boosted to £1 million prize money

York's Juddmonte International, will be worth £1 million for the first time this year for the Ebor meeting. 

Additional funds of £10,000 for the Darley Yorkshire Oaks and Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes, with both now worth £350,000, while the Betfred Ebor is up £5,000 to £285,000. 

On international rankings, the Juddmonte International is rated the best race in Britain being won by some of the biggest names in the sport with the such as Frankel, Sea The Stars, Australia and Postponed.

In boosting prize-money by £100,000, York is aiming to continue to attract the star names for the contest, which will be run on August 23 this year. 

York chairman and racing manager for Khalid Abdullah's Juddmonte Farms, Teddy Grimthorpe, said: "Attracting the best horses to run in competitive races on the Knavesmire is what we are all about; so I am pleased that the unstinting support from long standing sponsors has allowed us to increase prize-money for our feature races again this year.

"The Juddmonte International will reach a notable landmark demonstrating the generous support of Prince Khalid for a race that I know he cherishes." 

The Juddmonte International received a boost of £50,000 last year as part of a wider prize-money increase across the whole of the Ebor meeting.

1:55 York Racing Tips (18th Aug) GOFFS PREMIER YEARLING STAKES (CLASS 2) (2yo)

This Goffs Yearling Stakes race is run over 6f on good to firm ground with nineteen entrants battling to win £147,540. 

A very competitive two-year-old race so I will detail a handful of live chances on performance and value bets.

Question for those who love their apps. Do you know which is the top betting application? 

The betting suggests this is a wide-open heat especially with the withdrawal of Legendary Lunch who would have started one of the major fancies after winning the Woodcote Stakes (Listed) and far from disgraced in the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot. 

Miss Infinity [pictured] is one of two horses to represent Mark Johnston. This Irish-bred bay filly is a daughter of Rock Of Gibraltar, purchased by the trainer for £80,000 at the yearling sales. She has raced five times for Mark Johnston Racing Ltd and proven a very talented filly. Three wins display a gusty attitude, most poignantly a recent neck victory at Listed class when travelled to Vichy, France. An official rating of 94 puts her high on the pecking order here and from a string of Group entries I can assess she is one of the top juveniles in Kingsley Park. Connections will be expecting a bold show. 

David Barron knows his horses and Danielsflyer is a horse going places. This son of Dandy Man ran on with purpose when closing fast at the line in the Woodcote Stakes (Listed) to be denied by Legendary Lunch. That form reads well. Interesting to reason why this bay colt hasn't been seen since early June but he has probably suffered from a niggle or two and then connections decided to wait for this big money race.    

Another battling type is Ann Duffield's Rainbow Mist who on official figures is top rated. This bay colt was raised 11lb for his last win at York over the minimum trip. This Irish-bred likes to be held up off the pace and then challenge late which could prove to be a valuable asset as this will be run at a furious pace. Additionally, stepping up to 6f should mean she isn't detached, which even when your plan is to run on, can be a void to fill over the minimum trip especially a large field. This son of Lilborne Lad is a hardy sort who will be rattling towards the line. Definitely one for the short list. 

Mark Jonhston's Rusumaat has plenty of pace and could well have many of these struggling to keep tabs. This son of Arcano runs in the silks of Hamdan Al Maktoum and a bargain buy at £45,000. He displayed sparkling speed at Redcar over 6f when going clear by seven lengths. This March foal was disappointing when unplaced in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot. Paul Hanagan him at Goodwood in a competitive nursery only second by a neck to Final Reckoning. 

Conclusion: Never an easy race to assess. A difficult call but I would give Miss Infinity a fair crack of the whip. Definitely not a betting race for me. I would rather pick a couple of lesser lights and lay them to be unplaced. A supreme win for connections and with prize money down to the sixth place means jockeys won't be lacking enthusiasm today. 

2:55 York Racing Tips (13th May) LANGLEYS SOLICITORS EBF MARYGATE FILLIES´ STAKES (Listed Race) (CLASS 1) (2yo)

The first two-year-old Listed Stakes of the season. Eleven fillies take part over this 5f on good to firm going. Ten with race experience and solitary debutante who needs to have ample ability to win this race on her racecourse bow. With win prize money over £25,000, it is a hot race and a number of these juveniles will be looking towards Royal Ascot in June. 

Boater is an interesting debut winner fro Mark Johnston. This daughter of Helmet won well although the opposition was either poor or needed the run. She was half a second slower than another Johnston filly Chapulla. Fair enough, that youngster is built like and colt probably has more ability than most colts. However, it does make me wonder if Boater is under priced at 2/1. Win or lose I couldn't take those odds because it seems a long way short of value and potentially a drifter in the market.

Michael Easterby fields debutante Carlton Frankie. This filly was well backed on another occasion but withdrawn. Priced at 11/1 this daughter of Equiano would have to be a lay bet. If she wins, she is bloody good. 

Richard Hannon has  a couple of has Stormy Clouds and Amlak. The former has the ability and taken advantage of a couple of so-so races. She has the ability and professional but I don't think she is top flight. 

Amlak cost 150,000G and held in some regard. She needed the race on debut at Ascot and will progress with racing. I can she this daughter of Invincible Spirit running well. 

Coolfitch and Twizzell both won a shade cosy on debut in what looked to be ordinary contests. Certainly, the former trainer by David O'Meara didn't beat a great deal although travelled very well for most. This faster ground may suit. Twizzell has pace and went clear at Beverley and difficult to assess. Has the potential to be decent but this race will test her mettle. 

Perfect Madge hails from a trainer who does well at this course. Another who looked as though she could improve for that first race. The form of that Newmarket race has given mixed signals. 

Vona is better than see. Richard Fahey's charge done little on debut and then unlucky at Chester's Lily Agnes Stakes when short of room. This is a step up in class and big odds but the type to run to the line.

Mightaswellsmile is a strange-looking filly, reminding me of those pictures of Stubbs, an old-fashioned kind of physique which is mainly due to being unfurnished, so she back looks long and rather angular from head to toe. James Given's horse looked to have no hope on debut after starting poorly and outpaced. However, she flew home and would have won in another fifty yards. That would have been a remarkable victory. The form of that race looks poor. Any semblance of a slow start over this 5f would make life difficult. 

At huge odds of 50/1 Khelly's Edge may have each-ways claims. This filly is clearly held in some regard by connections and not badly bred at all. Scott Dixon is a canny trainer and she had no luck on debut. If it could go wrong, it did, and I would expect a better race this time with experience and her share of luck.         

Love Oasis ran well enough on debut at big odds but disappointed next start and has something to prove.  

Conclusion: Trying to assess a winning horse is very difficult, especially when they win well on debut. Boater may be class and put these in their place but I couldn't bet at 2/1. The time of that race and the opposition just didn't inspire me. Carlton Frankie would be a place lay bet. She will either win or be unplaced - I can't imagine the former but if she does it would be an outstanding performance. If Khelly's Edge drifts to huge odds on the exchanges I'd be tempted to have a small each-way bet but mainly in hope, she is backed to afford a no-lose gamble if laying at shorter odds. In truth, a race for the purists and a lovely race to watch than bet.     

3:10 York (22nd August) Gimcrack Stakes Group 2

From the first day of the Flat turf season to its conclusion - time tells a story that goes far beyond winning and losing. Equine stars, their names written as if scribed in gold, are considered, admired & praised.

In the 18th century a small, grey colt captured the imagination of thoroughbred horse racing. Ironically sired by a stallion named Cripple, such was the success of Gimcrack that he has been immortalised in a number of paintings by the renowned British artist George Stubbs. 

An example of his work can be seen here: On the Newmarket Heath with trainer, jockey & stable lad, 1765.

Despite his small stature, he won 27 of his 36 races on the Turf for owner Richard Grosvenor, 1st Earl Grosvenor. In 1771 Gimcrack won his last race at the age of eleven, then retired to stud.

Although never racing at York, his legacy heralds a two-year-old race of class.

The Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) has seen a number of exceptional horses - equine stars which not only hold their place admirably in horse racing history but in the memories of a racing generation.

Only talented juveniles win this black type contest.

Racing over a distance of six furlongs, the Gimcrack is staged on the final day of the four-day Ebor Festival.

Established in 1846 a horse called Ellerdale won its inauguration. Originally open to both genders until 1987 it's now specific to colts & geldings.

Historically, the leading trainer of this race with seven wins is William L'Anson, Jr. The leading jockey with nine wins is John Osborne, Jr: Most of these feats were achieved in the 19th century. However, in the last thirty-five years Richard Hannon Snr has won this contest four times with Sharp 'N' Early (1988), Rock City (1989), River Falls (1991) & Bannister (2000).

The most noted winners include: Turtle Island (1993) who went on to win the Irish 2000 Guineas by fifteen lengths. Rock Of Gibraltar won in 2001. He was named European Horse of the Year 2002. In addition, he set a world record of seven consecutive Grade/Group 1 wins including the English & Irish 2000 Guineas. His second place to Domedriver in the 2002 Breeders' Cup Mile illustrated a horse of exceptional talent.

In 2009, John Gosden's Showcasing recorded the fastest time of 1:09:28 when securing a two-length victory.

Last year saw Charles Hills' Muhaarar win by a nose from Mark Johnston's Jungle Cat. The former went on to win the Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) at Royal Ascot 2015.

What do we make of this year's contest. At the first entry stage we see no less than 75 entrants. The day of this esteemed race will see a field of a dozen or less two-year-olds along with a tight market from leading stables. Just nine two-year-old make the race today. A fascinating contest with win prize money of £124, 762.  

A number of juveniles catch the eye including:

Mark Johnston's *Buratino [pictured]. This chestnut son of Exceed And Excell has raced seven times, winning three, and transformed since stepping up to six furlongs, illustrated by an impressive Woodcote Stakes Listed victory, then a pulsating success in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot. On his last race he contested the Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) at the Curragh, Ireland, where he finished a gallant third. With an official rating of 113 he sets the standard on pure ability. He will be favourite and take all the beating although carrying a 3lb penalty. 

Johnston also fields Ode To Evening who has his work cut out at this higher level and second string.

Interesting to see Finnegan represents Wesley Ward and owners Tabor, Magnier et al. His American handler has a good measure with class two-year-old Acapulco who won with ease in the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot. This chestnut son of Unbridled's Song is yet to race in the UK, with two starts in the USA at Keeneland and Pimlico respectively. A horse from a very good family and one to be feared although a marked step up in class to defy the war horse, Buratino.   

King Of Rooks, trained by Richard Hannon, Jnr, heads to York after gallant, but slightly disappointing, performances in the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2).

It's interesting to note the lack of entries for Godolphin with only two juveniles for Saeed Bin Suroor. Steady Pace ran well when third in the Windsor Castle Stakes Listed, while Strong Challenge showed promise when winning a Goodwood maiden in style. *It should be noted that Buratino run in the silks of Godolphin for their respective trainers. He has been a consistent horse placed in the both the July Stakes (Group 2) & Richmond Stakes (Group 2) behind the talented Shalaa, trained by John Gosden, who doesn't contest this race. 

Kevin Ryan has a good record in this race with past winners including Amadeus Wolf (2005), Blaine (2012) & Astaire (2013). Hambleton Stables have five entrants including two debutantes earmarked for this lofty target. However, Areen, who suffered a narrow defeat in the Windsor Castle Stakes Listed, is likely to prove the greatest hope. He has since been beaten by Steady Pace in the July Stakes (Group 2) but ran well when third at Maison-Laffitte, France, in the Prix Robert Papin (Group 2). 

William Haggas has been in superb form of late and his two-year-olds especially so. Ajaya has been highly contested and ran a sterling race when a narrow loser, runner-up, in the Robert Papin.   The stable is represented by the unbeaten Raucous who is owned by Highclere  Thoroughbred Racing (Melbourne). This is  marked rise in company.  

Richard Fahey is represented by Ribchester, racing in the familiar red and white silks of David Armstrong. This son of Iffraaj ran well on debut at Doncaster and clearly held in some regard. From a maiden to a Group 2 contest is a challenge.  

In conclusion, from a substantial field of entrants just nine make the day. This race has a reputation for decent winners and a number of these have been tested at this grade. Buratino is a tough, talented horse. A Group 2 winner and placed at Group 1 it will take a good horse to beat him. Definitely a good each way bet if drifting in the betting. 

A fascinating race.

*NR

4:20 York Racing Tips (21st Aug) BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF CONVIVIAL MAIDEN STAKES (Plus 10 Race) (CLASS 2) (2yo)

Sadly not enough time to write a substantial post for this excellent race but a few pointers. Firstly, look at the price money for this maiden. Win price money of £31,125. Astounding. Worth more than most Listed races. The form of this 7f contest will produce many future winners and many will contest Group races. 

Last year's contest was won by White Lake, a debutante trained by Luca Cumani. A race that was far from a vintage renewal and this gelding proved slightly disappointing although competing at pattern class. 

I sense this contest will detail a winner of greater class.  

Brian Meehan said he was ''very confident'' about the chances of Perkunas. I've rarely heard him talk about a horse in such terms. 

Very Talented ran well on debut at Goodwood and it held in high regard by Godolphin and Saeed Bin Suroor. Definitely worth noting.  

Luca Cumani rates Beautiful Morning. This beautifully bred filly cost 650,000. This daughter of Galileo ran well on debut when fourth and sure to improve. 

Never easy for a debutante to shine on debut especially against proven, experienced juvenile but I'm very interested in Click And Roll for David Brown. This bay filly sired by Candian Smart Strike out of an unraced mare. A half-sister to Hootenanny this March foal has clearly been catching pigeons on the gallops.Qatar Racing Ltd have a wealth of two-year-olds and it it intriguing this filly is their sole representative. Brown can go well with his debutantes and I would expect a bold show. 

Conclusion: A maiden of maidens - class horses vying for a prize that makes trainers, pundits and racegoers look twice. Plenty of winners will come from this contest which displays a field of potentially smart two-year-olds. Very Talented and Perkunas are worthy of note, with valuable race experience and lofty plans. The former, especially so. Beautiful Morning is bred to be a specimen and could go well for connections. Many debutantes catch the eye but Click And Roll is a horse I have mentioned a number of times before and excited to see take part. David Brown can ready a juvenile making its racecourse bow and this filly will need to be street-wise today. All noted have fair win and place claims. 

Saturday Tips

I've been a bit quiet of late so I thought I'd just give a thought or two:

3:20 Ascot - Interest auction race over 7f. Knight Commander should improve for his debut and must have fair each-way claims. Bernie Boy would have claims if priced in single-figure odds. Any Guest is interesting for George Margarson. This colt held an entry for Royal Ascot and the stable can go well on debut although they have very few juveniles these days. Would bring more hope if backed. Quite a competitive race for the grade. 

4:00 York - Worth noting a few of these hold Gimcrack entries which give encouragement. Kevin Ryan does well here and I'd be pretty confident Mont Kiara has ability. Reputation is another to be given a Gimcrack entry. John Quinn's two-year-olds can be a touch hit and miss but worthy of note and could be backed from 12/1. 

4:20 Newmarket - The most interesting race for me. Ballydoyle is a fair nut to crack after a bold show at Royal Ascot. At such short odds the prices of a couple could be bigger than expected. Nemoralia ran well on debut and will be all the better for this step up in distance and primed. If priced 13/2 & less sp will have strong each-way claims. It may be priced outside this price guide with the odds-on shot but I'd stick to the basics. Quite interested in Justice Lass at 20/1. She is well regarded by connections and showed a touch of ability over 5f. This step up to 7f could see a transformation. Elsworth does well at Newmarket and Spencer is a good jockey booking. Could well be backed from big odds and may well sneak into the frame with the hope of more. If touching huge odds on the exchanges I'd definitely have a few quid on and hope she's backed. 

Main Tips:

4:20 Newmarket - Nemoralia (13/2 & less SP only) Each-way 2nd

Speculative Tips:

4:20 Newmarket - Justice Lass 20/1 Each-way 4th

2:10 York Racing Tips (15th May) LANGLEYS SOLICITORS EBF MARYGATE FILLIES´ STAKES (Listed Race)

A busy weekend on the horizon. I had intended to get to York on Friday but a change of plans sees me head to the Norfolk coast to enjoy sun, sea breeze and flutter at the casino at Great Yarmouth. Believe it or not, this resplendent building was a regular haunt of Edward VII [son of Queen Victoria]. For those of you who love their classic online games from poker, roulette, black Jack, slots and more take a look at www.casinomidas.com.au for a great experience.

Well, we have a race to savour. The EBF Marygate Fillies' Stakes (Listed Race) over 5f on good going. By class of race, this is the best two-year-old contest of the season thus far. Excellent win prize money over £22,000. Eleven juveniles take part: ten raced, including six winners, four unbeaten, and solitary newcomer. On balance, a competitive race with fillies of abundant potential.  

One of the major fancies is Irish raider Athas An Bhean, trained by Adrian Paul Keatley. He hails from Dunlavin, County Kildare. This daughter of Royal Applause is out of a group-raced mare. A bargain buy, she was sold for just 1,500GNS at the yearling sales. She won in comfortable fashion on debut at Cork, in testing conditions, by four lengths.  

Mark Johnston has been in tremendous form with a powerful string of juveniles. Delizia put up a professional display when victorious on debut at Wolverhampton. This daughter of Dark Angel was sent off a well-backed favourite, beating a couple of talented horses. It is difficult to limit a winning horse. Kingsley House Stables have such a wealth of horses that Delizia must be respected. 

I've always rooted for the underdog and in many respects Mel Brittain fits that bill as a relatively small trainer. French is owned, trained and bred by the handler. She impressed on debut when sauntering past her rivals. This chestnut filly was bought-in by Brittain at the yearling sales for a paltry £800. Sired by Monsieur Bond, she is a good-looking horse with size and scope to progress with racing. The style of that first race favoured her, where rivals battled for the lead, as she finished with zeal winning by one-and-a-half lengths. There is a chance this March foal was flattered although I would give her the benefit of the doubt. There was something about that debut which gives hope.  

Tony Coyle is a canny trainer and there is little doubt New Road Side left the stable with big expectations first start. This bay daughter of Paco Boy is another bargain buy at just £11,000. She was purchased by the trainer for Morecool Racing & Partner. The form of that debut effort is nothing to talk about but she trounced the field. In additional, this youngster is good looking with size and strength. Coyle has taken his time, waiting for this Listed contest, and clearly has her future planned. If going close connections will be heading to Royal Ascot. 

Silk Bow showed good pace on debut in the Brocklesby Stakes, but tired rapidly at the furlong maker, finishing down the field in eighth. James Givens had two horses in that race for owners The Cool Silk Partnership. It would seem likely this daughter of Elusive City was second string that day and in need of the run. The way she won on her second start at Chelmsford City gives evidence to that opinion. That was a taking performance, travelling well and easing clear to win by two-and-a-half lengths. The second horse, Fashionable Spirit, was placed in the Lily Agnes Stakes, to bolster the form. The third, Anwar, is capable, while the fourth, Princess Kodia, showed good speed in a hot race at Ascot. I was impressed with this filly and left with the impression there's more to come.  

Since Noel Quinlan gave up the ghost on his training aspirations, Lil's Joy has changed stables and now housed with Giles Bravery. This filly was fancied on debut - what turned out to be a strong contest. This daughter of Lilbourne Lad ran well next start at Nottingham and somewhat unlucky to fall prey to another Fahey talent in Kept Under Wraps. Lil's Joy isn't the biggest of fillies and may find one or two better class.  

Richard Fahey has been in exceptional form with his two year olds this season detailing a win strike rate that would be the envy of all trainers. Considering he has a strong hand it is interesting to see Sadie Babes comes here after a nice introduction. The winner, Furiant, is held in high regard. The form of that race is difficult to assess. However, it must be an endorsement for her trainer to race at this level.  

Abberley Dancer & Sakhee's Jem finished first and third, respectively, at Chelmsford City. The winner, trained by Stan Moore, has size and scope but this looks a step up in class and I would take a watching brief on both. 

It's interesting that Brian Ellison sends Baby Ballerina here after a disappointing effort at Beverley. I was surprised this daughter of Kheleyf was such a big price that day, which implied she has limitations. In truth, I don't think the tactics employed favoured this bay filly because she was on the back foot at Musselburgh. Perhaps connections expected more that day. Her chances would be improved if held up off the pace to finish the race. I have doubts at this class.  

The only debutante in the field is White Bullet. This daughter of Exceed And Excel is a recent Breeze-up purchase for £30,000 [45,000GNS yearling]. Kevin Ryan does well with his juveniles but it would be a superb effort to win this contest on her racecourse bow. A horse that is likely to win this season but would have to be a watching brief.  

Conclusion: A difficult race to be too dogmatic. Connections will have their sights set on Royal Ascot. Four unbeaten fillies make this a difficult race to assess. Many have the potential to shine. Mark Johnston has a good string of juveniles so that speaks well for Delizia. French would be a dream come true for Mel Brittain. New Road Side beat little on debut but is a good-looking filly who could hold claims. Sadie Babes has to be respected simply because Richard Fahey has a lot of winners in his stable to make a fair judgement. Silk Bow showed a touch of class to win on her second start and at the double-figure odds would be a tentative each-way selection.     

1:45 York (16th May) LANGLEYS SOLICITORS LLP EBF STALLIONS MARYGATE STAKES (Listed Race) (CLASS 1) (2yo)

The first Listed two-year-old race of the season sees thirteen juveniles take part: nine winners, all raced. With the ground drying it should be a contest based on ability. I'll give a quick review of most runners.  

Tiggy Wiggy is a small compact filly - a pocket rocket. She looked very impressive on debut and clearly suited by a turning course if not a sharp track. With a large field it is likely there could be plenty of pace

2:30 York (21st August) Pinsent Masons LLP Acomb Stakes (Group 3)

Six two-year-olds take part in this contest over 7f on good ground for a win prize of just over £34,000. This small but select field of juveniles sees one filly taking on a number of talented colts from leading trainers. Last year's winner, Dundonnell, went on to prove himself a class horse for Roger Charlton racing at Group 1. 

Godolphin have been in fine form with their two-year-olds this season. First Flight, a home bred son of Invincible Spirit out of a lightly-raced mare, made a sparkling debut at Newbury over 6f. This January foal was well backed but so tardy from the stalls that he looked a forlorn hope - but nothing could halt this bay colt as he powered home for a comfortable victory. The form of that race is probably nothing out of the ordinary but many were impressed by that display. This step up in distance will be to his advantage and from a wealth of horses it speaks well Saeed Bin Suroor sends this youngster to race at this higher level. 

Another colt with an unblemished career is The Grey Gatsby. This big, imposing, chestnut colt caught the eye of many pundits with a determined finish over 6f at York, beating another of today's contestants, Brazos. This son of Mastercraftsman was a 120,000euro breeze-up purchase from Arqana Saint-Cloud, out of a winning mare. This Irish bred is held in the highest regard by Kevin Ryan and entered for multiple Group-class races, including the Dewhurst Stakes & Racing Post Trophy (Group 1). Graham Lee keeps the ride and there should be ample improvement from that initial start. Potentially, a class horse.

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As mentioned, Brazos was deprived of his first win at the hooves of The Grey Gatsby when looking to hold every chance. Clive Brittain's grey colt, a son of Clodovil, is a handsome specimen who will not be disgraced at pattern class his long-term aim the Middle Park Stakes (Group 1). Never a man to shy away from competition, Brittain plunged this juvenile in the deep end when suffering a narrow loss on debut at Stakes level. However, his luck changed when winning a big-money maiden at Goodwood, in a tight finish. On balance, this horse looks to have more speed than stamina so it will be intriguing to see how he compares with The Grey Gatsby over this extra furlong. Preference would be given to his old adversary.

Of the others, Il Paparazzi has done rookie trainer Daniel Kubler proud. This son of Royal Applause ran well when making his racecourse bow then a sparkling display over course and distance. Without question, that was a tidy performance. However, it could well be that race fell apart at the seams and this could well prove a stiff task. A horse deserving of respect but others make more appeal.

Treaty Of Paris hails from one of my favourite trainers [Henry Candy] and a consistent horse. Although beaten by a smart horse last start, this looks a tall order and best watched.

A similar story can be told for the only filly in the field, Lady Lara. She has been set a difficult task starting her career in the Albany Stakes (Group 3) at Royal Ascot. This daughter of Excellent Art showed her well-being when finishing 6th in the Princess Margaret Juddmonte Stakes (Group 3). Alan Jarvis takes the bold step to take on the boys. 

Conclusion: A fascinating race with a selection of talented juveniles. By all accounts this looks a three-horse race with First Flight, The Grey Gatsby & Brazos holding the aces. Il Paparazzi deserves respect but still has something to prove. Saeed Bin Suroor has a string of talented juveniles and First Flight will improve markedly for his debut and stepping up in distance. The Grey Gatsby is a good-looking colt. He has the physical stature of an old-fashioned horse and very much at the top of the tree of Ryan's two-year-olds. I would give this youngster the nod. A race to savor. 

4:25 York (15th May) Free Horse Racing Tips

An EBF Novices Stakes over 5f on Good to Firm ground. Eight juveniles take part: all colts/geldings bar one filly. Six winners search for their second victory with prize money of almost £10,000. By all account this is a hot little race. The winner will be heading for Royal Ascot.

Steventon Star was entered to run in the Lily Agnes but a wide draw made connections curtail such plans, which was most likely a wise decision. This son of Pastoral Pursuits ran well at Newbury on debut although second best - but clear of the third - behind Justice Day who went down fighting at Ascot. Richard Hughes commented that they were surprised Steventon Star was beaten on his first start. However, the money was put down in style when backed to 1/10f taking an average Windsor maiden without fuss. This youngster travels well and he is a worthy favourite on latest form. This could be a tough race with exciting opponents.

With five unbeaten juveniles in the line-up it is difficult to assess many of these horses beyond stating they have the potential to be smart. 

One Boy is a good-looking son of Captain Gerrard. This Irish bred gelding is the most forward of Micheal Dods' two-year-olds.  The form of that race has been franked with the third winning a moderate race, while others have been placed. By race type, that was a limited event and he has to prove more than most. Improvement should be seen but I wouldn't want to back this horse unless speculative priced. 

Richard Fahey's juveniles have been in form this last couple of weeks and Peniaphobia really caught the eye when winning at Pontefract. This Irish bred son of Dandy Man is a handsome colt, physically one of the  better horses I have seen this season. He looks a tremendous purchase at £20,000. There was good late money for this horse after opening at relatively big odds. The second and third placed horses have run well since but what appealed so much is the way Peniaphobia clawed up the Pontefract hill. With more experience he would have left the opposition floundering by double-figure lengths. It is worth remembering that Steventon Star beat the third placed, Meritocracy, by a number of lengths. Whether this sharp 5f will be a little too fast is a matter of opinion. However, that initial experience should see a professional display and he will run to the line.

Olly Steven may have just started his training career but he could be a name to be remembered by the end of the season. He has taken over Peter Winkworth's old stable, who still works behind the scenes, and they have a number of high-profile owners. Extortionist was fancied to go well at Nottingham and traveled like the winner halfway. It is still a little difficult to assess the merit of that form but it could be good. The sixth won next start [must have disappointed on debut] while the third is well regarded [Bounty Hunter]. I would take this horse seriously.

Two other winners made sparkling debuts. 

Innocently was a cheap yearling purchase at 11,000gns but probably added a zero to that figure with a superb display at Redcar. In fairness, that wasn't the strongest race as the favourite may have disappointed. However, this chestnut colt is a good looker and well backed.  The David O'Meara-trained youngster was keen in the early stages to a point I thought he would struggle to finish the race. Those fears were soon forgotten when Tudhope [jockey] took a swift look between his legs before pressing on for a comfortable win. The second horse has ability although the form is no more than average. Compared to Steventon Star & Peniaphobia, he has something to prove. Potential brings great hope but those have to be substantiated. Time will tell.

Another horse fitting this bill is Haikbidiac trained by William Haggas. The sire Kodiac has seen a number of talented juveniles this season and this bay colt traveled with ease leaving his opposition standing in comfortable style. I always take note of Haggas' winning debutantes as it is often an encouraging sign for this stable. A leading chance but needs to progress a good few lengths.


Lady Frances  won a small race on debut and then nearly fell when contesting a stakes race. The only filly in the field, she has something to prove. 

*Two Tykes has been set a daunting challenge and will need to be something special to figure here. Unlikely.

Conclusion: A fascinating race which looks a much higher standard than last year. The winner of this will be looking towards Royal Ascot and an impressive victory may highlight one of the favourites. Steventon Star sets the standard. It will take a decent horse to beat him. Peniaphobia caught my eye at Pontefract. This strong colt clawed up the Pontefract hill and sure to improve for that initial start. There is a slight concern this 5f will be just too quick because this is likely to be run at a pace. However, I like this colt and if pressed would be my selection. Extortionist, Haikbidiac & Innocently have to raise their game to test the favourite but potentially they could be class horses. It is difficult to assess comfortable winners. One of the most exciting races of the two-year-old season so far. 


*NR

2:30 York (22nd August) Free Horse Racing Tips

The Pinsent Masons LLP Acomb Stakes (Group 3).

Dundonnell has been a talking horse for Roger Charlton. This American-bred colt by First Defence was an early foal, born in January, and a powerful bay. He made a pleasing introduction when making his debut at Newmarket over 7f on soft ground. The form of that race has been franked with one of today's juveniles in opposition, Afonso De Sousa, behind, while there are form lines with Steeler who won at Goodwood. Charlton rarely has his youngster primed on their first start and he found an ideal race second time when stepping up to a mile. A lowly median auction maiden stakes was a master stroke of a calculated trainer. It was no surprise to see him backed to odds of 1/4f. Clearly the word was out that this colt was going places and that day a mere gallop towards greater challenges. An effortless victory. This race will be a substantial rise in class but a string of lofty Group engagements suggest this is the beginning of an ambitious campaign. The conclusion being the Racing Post Trophy Stakes (Group 1) at the end of October. On a day when Frankel will capture the imagination of the racing world these familiar green, pink & white racing silks of owner K Abdulla will be a perfect apperatiffe to the wonder horse that is Frankel. If Dundonnell leads the way the Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1) will be an even sweeter race to savour. 

A fantastic day's racing.