Wesley Ward is no stranger to two-year-olds with talent but race fans may have been thinking his first juveniles may appear at the royal meeting. However, you don't have to dust down your top hat and tails because he plans to start the new Flat turf season with the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster 2nd April.
Create A Dream will be his first runner, with a team of five juveniles in Britain. In fact he already has Frankie Dettori booked to ride. The team will be shipped from America to Manton with both Britain and France on the agenda.
The trainer said on Tuesday: "I am very excited about it. We have a filly that rose to the top of the ranks on grass at Palm Meadows [in Florida].
"I work all my two-year-olds on the turf to see which have Royal Ascot potential. This filly in particular has soared right to the top of the board there."
Ward said he was looking for a variety of early-season two-year-old races to test the water with regard to Royal Ascot.
He said: "I talked with John Sparkman, who is the manager of St Elias Stable and the owner Mrs Viola, and we decided to go ahead with this particular race which kicks off your season," said Ward. "I am very excited to get Frankie aboard and hopefully the luck with us will continue."
Such is Ward's interest in the Brocklesby that his transporter had contacted Doncaster's clerk of course Roderick Duncan asking how early they could bring a horse.
Duncan said:
"I didn't realise what race it was for but if the Brocklesby is where it's going that is great. We're delighted and we'll see where it goes. It's fantastic for Doncaster."
An EBF Maiden Stakes over 6f on soft going. Nine two-year-olds take part: four fillies dishing it up to the colts, the majority of the field once raced. We are going to a bit of a long shot here with Alan Swinbanks' Dominannie at odds of 20/1. This bay filly, a daughter of Paco Boy, was a relatively cheap Breeze-up buy at just £14,000. She was withdrawn from the sales a month later so whether the vendor considered they could make a quick profit is a matter of opinion. She hasn't been seen since running over the minimum trip at Redcar in May when fifth of eight behind Halsall. In some respects, there seem one or two questions to answer. The plus side is that I have an angle why long term this type of bet pays its way. At huge odds, I'd have a small each-way bet.
An EBF Maiden Stakes over one mile on good going. Eight two-year-olds: three raced and selection of debutantes from leading stables.
One horse catches the eye. Very Talented, trained by Saeed Bin Suroor. This bay colt is a son of Invincible Spirit out of an unraced mare.
Godolphin bred this juvenile at Darley and takes after his name -a horse going places.
A sterling effort over 7f at Goodwood, on debut, indicated a promising individual who would surely improve from starting odds of 20/1. He done very little wrong in the Convivial Maiden Stakes at York.
This February foal travelled with panache, if not a little keen, and held the edge over his rival until the final half furlong. Whether this extra furlong will bring further improvement is a matter of opinion. A number of flashy Group entries indicate that a mile is the trainer's preference. His major objectives are the Dewhurst Stakes Group 1 and Racing Post Trophy Group 1. Long term the 2000 Guineas is penciled in for the boys in blue.
Since his Convivial second to Luca Cumani's Beautiful Morning, he has been entered for two Stakes races and a Listed contest. A maiden should be pretty straightforward if those ambitious plans are to be considered.
Must take all the beating.
Linguistic races in the first colours for Godolphin, trained by John Gosden. This Irish bred son of Lope De Veag cost 650,000GNS and holds a couple of high-profile race entries. This bay colt isn't here to make up the numbers but it would need the favourite to disappoint or a smart horse to arrive to disappoint connections.
Conclusion: Hopefully Very Talented will settle over this extra furlong, which in my view is the only concern to his success at this level. Linguistic has ability and if priced at each way odds or around even money place could be a fair bet in himself.
Correct, as usual.
I don't know who read the posts, what you think, whether you bet on these selections etc etc. Please help support our website because trust me these things don't just appear without a lot of talent, time and enthusiasm. If the day that enthusiasm runs out then these posts with be no more. So help share, promote and do your best for us as we endeavour to do for you. With one thing and another, I'm feeling particularly fed up with life.
Nothing too outstanding to consider but a few pointers for horses that could go well this season. Interested in seeing how Taurean Star goes here. Michael Bell has a pretty poor strike rate on debut which makes me wonder if this American bred son of Elnadin will be better second time out. It's a plus Jamie Spencer is on board and a Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2) entry brings confidence. It wouldn't be a surprise to see this bay colt show up well. On balance, I'd take a watching brief.
3:25 Newmarket - *Nemoralia is held in high regard by connections and done little wrong last start over course and distance. Not the biggest price at 7/4 but must go well.
4:20 Goodwood - A very interesting maiden and a few well touted two-year-olds looking for this big purse of £16,000 to the winner. *Beast Mode could be capable of better. Mediciman has sound each way claims if priced 13/2 & less SP. Tigerwolf is high in the pecking order for Mick Channon although very few debutantes win priced in double figures and he's quoted on tissue prices at 25/1. Could still show promise.
*NR
1:45 Doncaster - Taurean Star (best watched but could be a talent)
3:25 Newmarket - *Nemoralia (takes the beating) NR
4:20 Goodwood - Mediciman (ew claims if 13/2 & less SP)
So irritating watching this race with Mediciman having unending problems in running. I know the pundits on TV only have a fraction of time to give their summary but blimey their comments annoyed me as much as watching the bloody race. It would have gone close with clear run and placed with ease.
Just a quick note as I'm Mr Busy at present with one exciting venture and another.
Interesting race. Dragon Mall went to Kempton with a big reputation but little went right that day for David Simcock's $105,000 yearling buy.
He charged home as if his tail had been set on fire.
My only regret is that this American-bred son of Blame isn't an each-way price else I'd rob a bank and make a quick detour to Ladbrokes with my swag.
A fair bet if you can get 5/2 for a straight win and I'd be pretty much amazed if this bay colt doesn't run a supersized race.
Jamie Spencer won't need his zinc supplement if this goes in.
G'Day Aussie, Powderhorn & Zzoro may have each way claims at huge odds if you fancy a speculative bet.
Dragon Mall is the major hope and if drifting to each way odds it's a strong bet.
All eyes will be on Andrew Balding's Elm Park this Saturday as Qatar Racing & Kingsclere Racing send their two-year-old bay colt to race at Group 1. This homebred son of Phoenix Reach out of a limited-winning mare has progressed with racing. He may have fluffed his lines on debut at Sandown - but it's been winners all the way since. Kingsclere Racing sold a major share to Qatar Racing after winning readily at Salisbury when competing at Listed class. His most recent [third] victory saw a sterling effort when staying on to win the Judmonte Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 1) when ridden by Andrea Atzeni, racing over one mile. Winner Sport have a great offer for backers of Elm Park to win @ 5/1.
The first two-year-old race of the season. The Brocklesby Conditions Stakes heralds the start of a new crop of juveniles. All those winter dreams will come to fruition for one horse and add to the glory of all those who have won before.
In 2009 Pat Eddery trained Hearts Of Fire to win this race, progressing with racing to win the Gran Criterium (Group 1) and contesting the 2,000 Guineas at three.
Another true talent came in 1994 with Mind Games, trained by the red-shirted Jack Berry, a man who transformed 2yo horse racing with an unending string of juveniles the majority bargain buys. Mind Games went on to win the Norfolk Stakes (Group 3) and short-head loser in the Flying Childers (Group 2). His most notable win came in the Temple Stakes (Group 2) at Sandown. He raced nine times at Group 1 level but failed to win, his best performance came in the Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1) at York, 4th behind Pivotal.
One old timer, who many punters will have very fond memories, was Indian Spark, winner in 1996. Trained by none other than Brocklesby supremo Bill Turner, this son of Indian Ridge won by four lengths. His major win came at Listed class at Chester. His greatest victory of all was his durability and sound physique. He ran 143 races achieving fourteen wins.
Even further back we saw Provideo, trained by Bill O'Gorman. In 1984 he set a 20th-century record for a British-trained two-year-old when he won sixteen of his twenty-four races, including two Listed contests.
From a historical perspective the best horse to win the Brocklesby Stakes was Donovan (1888) who went on to win the Derby and St Leger (1889)
This year's William Hill Lincoln meeting sees eighteen two-year-olds declared to run over 5f on soft ground. A mix of trainers featuring fourteen colts/geldings and just four fillies. A high draw is often favourable but with the ground on the testing side there is a possibility the field may split into two groups.
The betting is a very good guide to the chances of most with only one horse winning at odds over 14/1 in the last seventeen years.
The leading hopes include:
Richard Hannon Jnr takes charge of a new Flat turf season and starts the campaign with Flyball a son of Proclamation. This March foal, is owned by Middleham Park Racing and a cheap yearling purchase by Ross Doyle Bloodstock for £9,000 out of a limited, sprinting mare, trained by Terry Mills. The stable have such a record with their two-year-olds that is it wise to keep on the right side of this bay colt. If weak in the betting I would take a watching brief although if well backed deserves respect.
It is intriguing to note that Pat Eddery has a representative. Escalating is an early foal sired by Three Valleys out of a twice-raced French mare, trained by Mme C Head-Maarek. She was a narrow loser on soft going when making her debut at Listed class, which is a notable performance for a juvenile. In general, the stable feature a poor win rate with their debutantes, although early juveniles often prove to have their share of ability. Marvelino was made favourite for this race in 2012, but ran poorly, winning later in the season although a horse of limited ability. It is interesting to see the stable racing with a juvenile from Prince Khalid Abdullah at this early part of the season. If priced 10/1 & less it would bring more confidence. A low draw may be a disadvantage if the stands' side rail proves best. If more rain falls it could prove to be a bold move to race far side, which makes assessment of this race a little tricky with regard to the draw.
Few trainers take the Brocklesby Stakes more seriously than Bill Turner. In fact, he has made a name for sending his best two-year-old to compete in this race year after year. He has won this race five out of the last twelve times. Last year saw Mick's Your Man floor his rivals in convincing fashion. Other winners sent from this stable include: He's So Cool, Sally's Dilemma, Spoof Master and one of the stable's best horses The Lord (2002). Paddy Again is one of four fillies in the field, which means she will have to be a fair juvenile to beat the colts. This daughter of Moss Vale was a very cheap purchase at just 1,700 euros. The mare was poor horse who showed little ability and raced over a mile. By all accounts this Irish bred filly doesn't inspire on the breeding front. All Turner's winners were fancied in the betting - none greater than 8/1. Paddy Again is a conflicting horse. On breeding you wouldn't be impressed but the trainer's record is second to none. Turner has routinely sent his best two-year-old to race in this contest. The betting is the best guide. If around the 13/2 price range I would expect a big run but if particularly weak in the market I would take a watching brief. For further information read Bill Turner heads to Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster more in hope than expectation.
A filly who certainly looks the part on breeding is Magic Florence, trained by James Given. This chestnut daughter of first season sire Zebedee runs in the familiar colours of The Cool Silk Partnership. She cost £56,000 at the yearling sales and half sister to Hamza, a talented Group 1 performer with Kevin Ryan. Given has the odd debut winner but his strike rate is poor and clearly this March foal would need to be a talent to defy such averages. The exception would be if Magic Florence was well supported with a starting price of 13/2 & less. Drawn in stall one is never good news for a debutante as they are prone to run into space, which would make winning a tall order. Again, if the best place to be is on the stands' rail (high draw) it would be a very tough task. Unless seriously fancied in the betting I would take a watching brief.
In 2012 Mick Easterby won this race with My Boy Bill, who was well backed just before the off. This colt proved a real disappointment thereafter. The trainer sends out Hoofithully & Mountain Man. The stable feature a terrible strike rate on debut and unless well supported are best watched. On reflection, Mountain Man is part owned by E Brook, who has won this race with Bill Turner on at least two occasion. May have a chance if backed.
Toytown is owned by Brian Johnson. This son of Excellent Art cost 23.000 euros at the yearling sales. Derek Shaw's two-year-olds often improve for their first run and best watched.
Monsieur Jimmy was bought by his trainer, Declan Carroll, for 8,000gns at the yearling sales. This stable are a canny bunch and gambles are worth noting.
Stan Moore field three juveniles: Cornwallville, Endislie & Well Fleeced - all cheap purchases. This stable do have debut winners but they are infrequent and generally best watched. It is worth noting that this trainer's Brocklesby entrants usually go on to win in their formative season. They are likely to go well on their second start. For horse trainer comments check out Horse Trainer Directory.
Johnny Sorrento is a homebred out of a winning mare, both trained by Tim Pitt. Both the dam & sire won on debut. This stable's two-year-olds usually improve for their initial start.
Alan McCabe is a very talented trainer and knows when he has a horse with a fighting chance. Red Connect was a very cheap foal and sold as a yearling for £10,000. The mare was unraced and his sire more appreciative of a mile. Unless priced 13/2 & less I would watch and learn. If strongly fancied in the betting very good place claims.
*Northgate Lad cost 26,00 euros when purchased by the trainer at the yearling sales. There are a few decent sorts in the family although a stiffer trip may be more suiting.
Horsforth, Duques Penguin and Cock Of The North would need to be gambled to figure today.
Unless seriously backed, Penalty Scorer is best watched.
Conclusion: It is always a challenge to find the winner of the first two-year-old race of the season. With soft ground it could make for an eventful race if this field split in two, racing up the rails. One trainer stands out in this race and that is Bill Turner. His performance in this race is exceptional and it is a plus he tries to win this race by sending his best early juvenile. On the opposite side of the coin this filly has to take on the colts, cost little money and her breeding looks pretty average. The betting will be key. If priced under 8/1 I expect a bold show but if particularly weak in the betting it would be a negative. Flyball should be respected although a relatively cheap buy. Escalating is an intriguing runner although a low draw may bring problems. Once again, the betting is key for this juvenile and would need to be priced 10/1 & less to figure. Even then I would be careful. Magic Florence is well bred but the stable have a poor strike rate and drawn one is a major concern if awkward from the stalls. Red Connect would have strong win and place claims if priced 13/2 & less. The betting will show the major hopes and the best guide. A watching brief.
*NR
William Hill Download The App Brocklesby Conditions Stakes over 5f on soft ground (heavy in places). It's great to be back with the first two-year-old contest of the Flat turf season. Seventeen juveniles take part from twenty three declared at the first entry stage. Four fillies take on a field of colts/geldings, a mix of trainers of varying standards.
This race has lost a little of its lustre in recent years but many a good horse has started its career in this event. Jack Berry's Mind Games & more recently Hearts Of Fire - trained by Pat Eddery - won before going on to achieve Black Type, the latter winning at Group 1. Exceptional talents, and reason why this race deserves credit.
So what are we to make of this year's contest? Firstly, the weather could play its part with an 8am inspection. Snow is forecast for the weekend, especially Saturday's card. Fingers cross racing goes ahead. There is likely to be a few non runners so it could pay to bet late if having a wager.
Testing ground may have a significant impact on the traditional high draw advantage and this could prove problematic if the field split in two groups.
Few trainers come close to Richard Fahey. With well over 70 juveniles at Mews House, if this is one of his better early runners it would take all the beating. Interestingly, this stable have almost an equal win rate with their fancied juveniles on both first and second start, which is an exceptionally rare occurrence. Very few trainers feature a win rate anywhere near those of horses on their second start.
Lord Clyde is a chestnut son of Sakhee's Secret out of a winning mare who was owned by the Queen (same breeder) and very much a sprinter. This April foal was purchased for 28,000gns but sold for 15,000gns as a yearling. It's good to see Hanagan taking the ride, and if there isn't an adverse draw bias, being just off the rail could prove positive. One of the more interesting horses in the field.
One trainer who cannot be ignore in the Brocklesby is Bill Turner. He has an outstanding record in this race and he generally sends one of his better - if not best - two-year-old to compete. Mick's Yer Man cost £21,000 at the yearling sales and owned by Turner's daughter, who struck gold last season when selling Judy In Disguise, who won her first two starts, to Eclipse Thoroughbred Partnership. This son of Bahamian Bounty has just turned two, out of an unraced mare. Turner is a dab hand at training juveniles and using his apprentice [grandson] to take off a valuable 7lb could be a wise move in these testing conditions. Surprisingly, the stable do not attain a very good strike rate with their debutantes but this race has been a happy hunting ground. The stable have around twenty juveniles in their string, which is a marked increase on last year. Ryan While is a talented jockey and a high draw will mean they can run just off the rail. This bay colt is likely to run up with the pace and if past performances are a good guide this colt must have each way claims.
*Sleepy Joe hails from another powerhouse of a stable. Mick Channon's bay colt cost £25,000 as a yearling. The trainer has had rather indifferent results in this race and I would use the betting as the best guide. Their juveniles are often quoted as winning machines on debut but statistics suggest that many are better for the race. If strongly fancied in the betting I would take note but if drifting to double figures best watched.
Picks Pinta hails from the Jo Hughes stable and they know the score when it comes to ability. If seriously backed, I would follow the money.
Another trainer who targets this race is Mel Britain. He fields Sleaford - owned by the trainer - and Bridge Of Avon. The former is a cheap American bred purchase at just £800 and he may have been an unruly type because he was gelded as a yearling. This March foal has breeding suggesting this 5f may be a little on the sharp side. However, the trainer can have big priced winners and isn't someone to ignore. Last year Duran Fentiman rode Mayfield Girl who went a close third at 33/1 and a fair juvenile. Bridge Of Avon was purchased by Britain as a yearling for £5,000.
The charismatic Michael Easterby proved he can train a winning two-year-old when My Boy Bill ran from off the pace to take the 2012 Brocklesby. He looked to be a fair juvenile but was quoted as being temperamental and proved most disappointing on his next few starts. Kraka Gym is a bay gelding who cost £20,000 as a yearling. The mare needed a trip and, in general, the stable have a poor strike rate on debut. The exception would be if this youngster is backed to single figure prices.
The low drawn Vodka Time is owned by Mrs Evans, and quite costly at 20,000euros. David Evans doesn't let the grass grow under his feet and his two-year-olds are trained to excel in the first few months of the season. The stable don't have the best strike rate with their debutantes but he is a very difficult trainer to assess. You can guarantee they will have winners although his runners in this race over the last few years have been either in need of the experience or limited. A difficult horse to assess.
Stan Moore have sent a couple of juveniles for this race, a format he has taken in past years. Most runners have been in need of the run although he is another handler who can find speculative priced winners. *Far Gaze & *Mr Childrey were both relatively cheap purchases. It is worth noting that Moore's Brocklesby entrants often go on to win, especially on their second start.
Last but not least is Charles Smith's Donny Rover. To be fair, if this horse wasn't owned by Willie McKay I wouldn't give it must interest simply because Smith has so few juveniles in training. However, it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to hear that this bay colt - a son of Excellent Art - has been primed for this race. Readers may remember Doncaster Rover went close in this race when making his debut in 2008 in the same ownership, trained by Stuart Parr. This April foal cost 95,000euros, which is a significant buy in the context of many cheap buys. If fancied in the betting I would expect a big race. This youngster has an entry to run at Lingfield on Sunday so clearly ready roll.
*Brockholes Flyer, Dovil's Duel, *Doncaster Belle, Mops Angel, Fuel Injection & Red Biba are best watched.
Conclusion: The first two-year-old race of the season, soft ground, and question marks over the draw are not the best starting point for those looking to bet. The draw could be a killer blow for many of these and it is difficult to state whether high or long will be best. It wouldn't be a surprise for one or two to plough a lone furrow down the far side rail. Very few horses win this race priced over 14/1, although the favourites, at times, have been indifferent. Bill Turner is a fantastic trainer who annually marks this race as his own. Mick's Yer Man is the type to hit the frame. From a statistical point of view Lord Clyde has good claims. Fahey has won this race before and if forward is live contender. The betting is the best guide for Sleepy Joe, Kraka Gym & Picks Pinta. I wouldn't back any of these if double-figure prices. Outsiders with a live chance could be the Mel Britain's pair. Take note of Far Gaze & Mr Childrey on their seconds starts. Donny Rover is an intriguing horse. He cost quite a sum and Willie McKay likes to have winners at this course. If fancied he could go well.
I will update the blog at 1:10 with regard to any suitable selections, although I will be very selective this season to keep standards high. It pays to watch the betting this early in the season and have patience. Lots of non runners and a difficult race to have any strong claims. Watching brief.
*NR
A field of just five runners for this prestigious contest over 7f on good ground.
Dundonnel has been a talking horse for Roger Charlton, in the Frankel silks of Khalid Abdullah. This American bred colt by First Defence has been on a steady incline after winning a run-of-the-mill auction race at Lingfield. He showed a bold display taking the Acomb Stakes (Group 3) beating Steeler who has since won at Listed class.
By all accounts this looks a match with Richard Hannon's Toronado. This son of High Chaparral is a handsome colt and dual winner, still untested after winning at Listed class. Hannon said this youngster will be given an easy two-year-old campaign which indicates the regard this juvenile is held.
A tantalising race and the winner will most likely be a major fancy for the Racing Post Trophy (Group 1).
