Coventry Stakes (Group 2) Winner - Arizona

I've had a few readers ask me about ''Any tips for Ascot?''

I will be looking each day of this illustrious meeting but I am not holding my breath there will be anything of great interest - from a betting perspective. Like I said the other day, there are very few big-price winners when it comes to the two-year-old races. 



Today's Coventry Stakes (Group 2) proved that point with the finishing order:

• 1st Arizona 15/8f
• 2nd Threat 4/1 
• 3rd Guildsman 6/1 

From a personal note, I was pleased to see George Margarsons' colt Ropey Guest run on to finish 6th at 200/1. 

Considering there was less than four-lengths separating the first  eight runners, this may not have been a vintage winner. Arizona is a lovely-looking son of No Nay Never. Sure to improve with time and a nice prospect. Whether you would want to take the 6/1f offered for the 2000 Guineas is another thing.  

Wednesday:

Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) - 5f

2:30 Royal Ascot 

A giant field of 27 runners. It really does boggle the mind that they allow so many two-year-olds compete although I don't know a satisfactory way to ballot any out. I guess the cream will rise to the top, so perhaps I am just thinking too much. 

It looks a race dominated by Godolphin and Wesley Ward. Difficult if not impossible to assess the American juveniles. They could be another Lady Aurelia. Certainly, they are horses to fear if betting on the UK contingent. 

Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed Race) - 5f

5:35 Royal Ascot - 

Another giant field of 24 runners. 

Looks difficult. I will wait for another day and see if something catches the eye. 

Royal Ascot 2019: Nicola Currie to end 32-year female drought

Royal Ascot 2019. 

The start of more stories than you can shake a stick at. Trainers, jockeys, owners and the pageantry and pomp of the Royals. 

There is one thing that you may not see this year because it has been as rare as hen's teeth in previous times. So what am I talking about? The title of the post gives it away, hey. It's the lack of wins for female jockeys. 

In fact, there has been only one female jockey won at the Royal meeting. Girl, has it been that long between drinks? It's been 32-years since Gay Kelleway rode Sprowston Boy to victory in the Queen Alexandra Stakes. 

Is it really that long ago?

Sadly, it seems that Royal Ascot isn't female friendly when it comes to winning rides unlike this year at Cheltenham when Lizzie Kelly, Bryony Frost & Rachel Blackmore all tasted victory. 

Even Hayley Turner, who has won over 800 races on the Flat, has had to play second fiddle at Royal Ascot. Readers may remember she went so close to winning when riding Margot Did for Michael Bell in the Albany Stakes in 2010. 

Last year, Hollie Doyle was runner-up in the Sandringham Handicap. 

What's happening?

Looking at data detailed by the Guardian newspaper, in all 115 rides since 1989 by female jockeys only 10 have hit the frame. The average starting odds being nearer 50/1. 

What does this tell us? Basically, the female jockeys - bar a few exceptions - are riding no-hopers. 

Even Frankie Dettori would struggle to win if he was riding Eeyore the donkey. 

Is this just another sign of sexism in the Sport of Kings? 

It's not so long ago women in the Royal Enclosure where seen as an appendage of their husband when it came to the names on their badges. However, it should be noted that the majority of male jockeys don't even get to ride at the Royal meeting let alone win a race. It's a similar story for apprentice jockeys of both sexes. 

It is a course for the elite jockeys, much to do with the huge prize money on offer, which makes a great payday for those who are led into the winner's enclosure.  

Nicola Currie is this year's leading female apprentice and a rare talent. Jamie Osborne has given her the ride on Raising Sand in Wednesday's Royal Hunt Cup. 

In one of the most competitive races of the week, this son of Oasis Dream, in the ownership of Nick Bradley Racing 22 & Partner, odds of 12/1 look to hold some value. This 7-year-old bay gelding is a course specialist. He won a £100,000 contest last October. Currie has ridden this talented horse on his last four outings and knows him well. 

Could this be the second female winner at Royal Ascot?

How Do I Find the Best 2YO Horses in Training?

I often wonder who reads these words. 

Which part of the country or globe do you visit? I know we have one or two readers from Australia, many from the United States & Great Britain. There is a small child scribbling notes about horses trained by Archie Watson and, amazingly, he comes from Timbuktu, in Mali. 

OK, that last one isn't true!

It can often feel like a thankless task updating the websites. In fact, if it wasn't for a little bit of advertising which we receive for all our hard work, I very much doubt you would see anything much at all. That's not being selfish, just the way the world works. Would you keep working for me for nothing in return? I'm not saying those words to make you feel indifferent but, again, it's a fact that you wouldn't likely be thinking: ''I really need to write this post for Jason because he is waiting.'' 

I do enjoy keeping our readers informed although it can feel a bit like I walking up a steep hill especially if I've had a losing day at the races. I made a mistake today and it cost me a little bit of money. It's not so much the money, just frustrated by my own action which led me down a blind alley. A lesson learned. To all gamblers, remember those lessons learned and don't make the same mistake twice. 

Never mind (my beautiful Marlene always responds: ''I mind.'') 

Thank God. 

Anyway, I'm rambling, as usual. 

What I want to say, is that the Royal Ascot entries are being uploaded on the 2019 Group Horse page. 

To be honest, the significant entries are not really that interesting for these high-class races. The significant entries are much more interesting for the bread-and-butter races which, often, start the journey of successful two-year-olds. It was the same for Frankel, and it will be the same for many more. Clearly, few will ever achieve such dizzy heights. It is only from looking at horse trainer statistics that you appreciate how difficult it is for any horse to win a race. Sadly, most two-year-olds do not taste success. Even when the nursery races start it isn't a given. 

By the end of the weekend, the Royal Ascot entries will be uploaded. We uploaded the Phoenix Stakes (Group 1). I don't detail the Irish horses because we are dedicated to British racing. However, you will see plenty of familiar trainers who have exciting prospects. 

The significant entries will be coming thick and fast in the next few months so it is a good opportunity to keep track of the best two-year-olds (2yo) in training. We will be sending out a couple of 10 Dark Horse Mailings at the end of July. I must apologise for a lack of mailings of late. I actually sent out a couple and both horses won: Firepower (Clive Cox) & Bomb Proof (Jeremy Noseda) who will be heading to Royal Ascot. It wouldn't surprise me to see this colt win on the big stage. 

Anyway, if you want to know the best two-year-olds in training, then simply click the link on this page. 

Jane Chapple-Hyam's Lincoln Blue Goes Close at Yarmouth

Jane Chapple-Hyam doesn't have many two-year-olds in training. 

However, I've always kept a keen eye on her significantly-entered juveniles as they are usually fair performers - up to winning standard - and often sneak under the radar at decent odds. 

Lincoln Blue, a bay colt sired by Bated Breath, racing in the familiar silks of Gordon Li, was halve backed on debut at Leicester when running at the end of May. He didn't really inspire, after showing an element of pace, before tiring into seventh place behind Majestic Sands, who is held in some regard by trainer Richard Fahey and The Cool Silk Partnership. 

In truth, Lincoln Blue ran a pretty ordinary debut which suggested he needed the run or disappointed. 

Jane Chapple-Hyam had given this 38,000 guineas Breeze-up purchase a Class 2 entry, which indicated there was some hope of ability. 

After the debut, I wasn't quite sure what to make of the performance or how to assess the potential of this April foal. 

He ran today at Great Yarmouth, in testing conditions, and opened at 40/1 with bookmakers. I noticed Lincoln Blue touched odds of about 60/1 on Betfair to small money. However, there was definitely money about for this colt. At the peak of trading, I saw he was backed to about 18/1 on Betfair, drifting back to about 30/1, before being supported, again, close to the off.   

Just eight runners, so Chapple-Hyam's charge leading the way with market-drifter Otago, in the Royal colours, the only ride for Ryan Moore, trained by Michael Bell. 

Late challenger, Tom Tulliver, trained by Declan Carroll, finished well, in a tight three-way photograph which saw the green check silks of F Gillespie win by a head, with Lincoln Blue shading the second spot by a short head from Otago. 

Monday's 2YO Update (10th June)

A wet Monday morning in the windswept Fens. Okay, I lied about the windswept part but it is raining cats and dogs. 

Three race meeting today. I guess the ground will be turning softer as I type. 

Let's have a quick look to see if we have any significantly-entered juveniles going today. 

2:30 Leicester - 

(nothing happening here)

6:05 Pontefract - 

(nothing happening, again)

6:15 Windsor - 

I know we have something going in this two-year-old (2yo) race.

Eton College is a bay colt and son of Invincible Spirit out of an unraced mare. Mark Johnston's charge wasn't overly fancied on debut at Windsor a week ago when racing at 6f. This May foal made a brisk start from a wide draw and set the pace. A good-looking colt, with size and strength. He travelled well but started to back peddle at the two-furlong pole and tired rapidly thereafter. Interesting, today, to see he is dropping back to 5-furlongs. I wonder if Eton College disappointed on debut or whether he was in need of the run. That is a question that will be answered this afternoon. I suspect you will see a better performance over this minimum trip. There has been decent money for this horse, which adds to confidence. A Class 2 stakes race suggests connections have hope of a future and I think Eton College with prove that point. 

Richard Hannon's two-year-olds are tricky to get a handle on at times. Especially on debut, as they can win but often fall flat. Fantom Force isn't strongly fancied in the betting but does have some interest after receiving a couple of Class 2 stakes entries. This Irish-bred son of Gutaifan cost £40,000 at the yearling sales when purchased by Peter & Ross Doyle who are a vital part of the Hannon machine with a very long history of finding decent thoroughbreds. In the ownership of Excel Racing, I'm not sure what to think about this colt. It wouldn't be a surprise to see a bold show but neither would it surprise me to see a horse than may improve with racing. 

Eton College looks to be going well today. 

Where can I find the Best Horse Racing Information for Free?

I can imagine if you found this article via the search engines you are saying: ''It's not possible to get quality inside information for free.''

Well, you may have come to the right place because I am confident I can persuade you that you can do just that. You'd be surprised what you can find if you know where to look. And it's what you know and who you know which opens the door. 

For the last few years, I have run Group Horse Daily, amongst many other sports-betting platforms, which help readers identify the best two-year-old horses in training. I'm talking about the highest class of equine which hit the headlines. They have included every pattern winner you can name including the greats such as Dayjur, Lochsong & Frankel. 

Just imagine if you could identify potentially the best two-year-old horses in training from handlers large and small. Literally, name a trainer and we will identify their best horses if they have them!

Anyway, you may be thinking: ''How do I get my hands on this stuff?''

Here's the surprise, it's all on this website. 

No kidding. 

To find out more, you need to take a look at this website and read the info at hand. If you can't do that, then you are not really the kind of person we want to make use of our hard work. 

Thanks for visiting our website and I hope you enjoy this inside information that is free. 

Monday's 2YO Update (3rd June)

It has been a very busy day, as I keep writing articles for the umpteen blogs I run. I really should just take a break and forget half of the stuff I do. However, I am one of those productive people who just want to push forward. 

Four two-year-old race for Monday. 

I will have a quick rundown of the three major races, simply pinpointing the entered juveniles and giving my thoughts on any form horses or those with significant stats. 

To be fair, a couple of the races look very strong for the grade and I can imagine most of the trainers were fancying their chance until they looked at the opposition. 

Still, someone has to win. 

2:15 Thirsk - 

Maybe worth letting the betting settle if you want to get stuck into this as it looks a tough nut of a race to crack. 

Toro Strike ran in a very good race on debut. This son of Toronado was thrown in the deep end by Richard Fahey but this attractive colt ran a fine race for connections Al Shaqab Racing. Although a 33/1 shot, this March foal found his stride after showing inexperience to finish just three lengths behind Temple Of Heaven et al. As far as form goes, this horse will take some beating. However, at short odds I wouldn't fall into the trap of thinking there will be little in the way of opposition. 

Michael Dods' Leapers Wood, racing in the familiar silks of David Armstrong, ran a sound race on debut at Carlisle, a race that had a little bit of class. This son of Garswood was slow away but finished with panache. The winner, Rayong, was earmarked for the Woodcote Stakes, while the second, Dragon Command, took its chance at Epsom, although beaten a long way by the winner, Pinatubo, who could be a class act. In some respects, that result shows a slight weakness in the form. However, Leapers Wood was finishing well on debut and looks certain to enjoy this extra furlong. 

To add to the mix, Oso Rapido was fancied to go well on debut at Ripon, when steamrollered by Misty Grey, who ran in the Woodcote Stakes, finishing third, after showing bright speed for most and may have gone a stride too fast. David O'Meara has a decent string of two-year-olds and I'm confident they like this son of Kodiac. He wasn't given a hard time when Misty Grey had the race won after going clear at Ripon. I imagine connections of Oso Rapido thought they were heading to the Garden Racecourse to celebrate a win. In addition, the stable has decent stats for their fancied juveniles second start. 

It doesn't stop there. 

Karl Burke has been a little bit hit and miss this season with his two-year-olds but they are worthy of respect on their second start. No Mercy is an attractive if not a small son of Sepoy. He looks well put together and in good condition for his debut at Hamilton. He was half fancied in the betting that day but struggled to keep tabs on the more experienced favourites, but ran on with some spirit to suggest this extra furlong would be in his favour. Once again, if fancied in the betting, holds respectable stats. 

Bryan Smarts Dancinginthesand couldn't cope with Archie Watson's Exceclusive, who won well on debut at Beverley. Smart's youngster may improve for this step up in distance and could be a threat today if priced 13/2 & less SP. That looks unlikely but if it happens, it would add to the competitive nature of this race. 

Conclusion: It is often the case there are no easy races. And this race is very much an example of this point. Toro Strike may have ample ability and beat these horses without much fuss. However, this race isn't uncompetitive, which is what you want when betting short odds if not odds-on. Leapers Wood, Oso Rapido and No Mercy have ability. If all are priced 13/2 & less SP I would respect them to put down a challenge. Even Dancinginthesand may be involved although I suspect it will be out of the four. A fascinating race. There will be winners coming from those who hit the frame. If Toro Strike is backed to odds on, it may give some hope for others as an each-way alternative. That may be the safer option although I do respect Toro Strike as being a hard horse to beat. 

No time to write about the other races other than a quick note: 

6:00 Windsor - 

Paul Cole's Atlantic Crossing has been given a significant entry. This 55,000 guinea yearling purchase is in the ownership of Christopher Wright, who is no fool when it comes to talented two-year-olds. I can't imagine they gave this colt an entry for a laugh. Also, Cole has a few two-year-old with a touch of ability, which must have helped give a line. In general, very few of their debutantes win when priced over 8/1 SP. The stable do well at this course and a horse I would respect. 

Gypsy Rocker showed no ability on debut but worthy of a second glance. It is interesting why Meehan gave this Irish-bred son of Slade Power two Class 2 entries. It suggests the horse had been showing ability. It may be the case it just disappointed on debut and better will be seen today. A low draw is not a bad starting point and priced at 40/1 may be worth a speculative punt if drifting to crazy odds on the exchanges. I really don't know what to think about this colt but he may show more this time. 

6:15 Wolverhampton - 

Significantly entered juveniles: Homespin, is liked by connections. Sun Power ran in a Class 2 race at York on debut and could be better than seen, especially as he started favourite that day. Stepping up in distance may be the key. 

Although unentered at this time, Royal Council is likely to show more today. James Tate's son of Clodovil is a handsome colt with size and scope.  

2YO Update: Mark Johnston's Iffraaz Shines on Debut at Carlisle

It's been a few quiet days since our last update. 

Life isn't as leisurely as it seems with so much work going on behind the scenes. However, as readers, I know you want to learn more about the best two-year-old (2yo) horses in training. I have little doubt you will appreciate the information we detail on these pages does just that. 

Whether I am serene or shouting from the rafters, all the information you need lies within this website.

Let's take a quick look at a few significantly-entered juveniles that have shown ability over the last few days. 

31st May - 

Iffraaz made a smart debut in heavy ground at Carlisle [1:10]. A big drifter in the market from 11/4 - 4/1 didn't stop this son of Iffraaj from winning comfortably by two-and-a-quarter lengths. A depleted field of six two-year-olds probably set a decent level with Hurstwood, finishing runner-up, while Declan Carroll's Kilham, who received a Brocklesby Stakes entry early season, weakened into third place after setting the pace. I think both Johnston's and Carroll's juveniles here will be making their presence felt this season. It is very likely Hurstwood will receive a significant entry, too.   

Take a look at the race result here. 

31st May - 

The Woodcote Stakes always fields talented early juveniles and this year was no exception with a small line up but a worthy test. The race featured very good win prize money of £37,350. Which must be on par with Listed races, if not Group class. 

Charlie Appleby has a nice string of two-year-olds (they keep winning) and Pinatubo had scored nicely on debut when clear of the second, who has since franked the form. This son of Shamardal started even-money favourite for this Class 2 Stakes. Hold-up tactics were employed as Misty Grey set the fractions with a bold front-running performance. I wonder if he went a stride too fast! Anyway, Pinatubo ran past Johnston's charge in the closing furlongs, to win, from a fast-finishing Oh Purple Reign. 

Another win for Pinatubo who could be heading for the Coventry Stakes 2019. Check out the betting with you local bookmakers. 

1st June - 

Another Class 2 Stakes race. It's a funny thing how trainers complain about prize money and so often these more valuable prizes feature a poor turnout. No doubt this had something to do with the ground turning to good to soft at Musselburgh. Just three entered juveniles took part. The outsider of three is a maxim often used to find a winner (statistically it is wrong). John Ryan is a canny trainer who knows the score and his entered juveniles on Group Horse are mostly up to winning a race in their two-year-old career. Bill Neigh, a relatively cheap 2yo breeze-up purchase at 27,000 guineas, was backed from 25/1 on the exchanges and returned 7/1 SP with bookmakers. This son of Mustajeeb must have a touch of ability winning by three lengths. Karl Burke's She Looks Like Fun disappointed so, in truth, it was a two-horse race, with My Kinda Day to beat. It will be intriguing to see how Bill Neigh goes next time out. The opportunity is there but still much to prove. 

Always plenty to consider. 

2:10 Nottingham - 

Just one race for Sunday. 

I will take a quick look to see if we have any significantly-entered two-year-olds running. 

Richard Hannon has Beignet taking her chance on this third start. This daughter of Canford Cliffs can run well enough on debut while her second start at Nottingham looked slightly disappointing. The form of that race has been franked with the likes of Lady Fanditha (Clive Cox), Daddies Diva (Rod Millman) & Flippa The Strippa (Charles Hills) all showing ample ability. This fast five-furlongs should be in her favour as she has plenty of pace. Likely to lead. 

The only other significant entry in this race is Charles Hills' Walton Thorns who actually raced in the Brocklesby Stakes. This son of Zebedee was priced 10/1 on debut at Doncaster but failed to show much ability at all finishing second from last [a seventeen-strong field] some 31 lengths behind the winner Show Me Show Me. 

Perhaps that run was too bad to be true. I can only imagine it was. Second start Walton Thorns was made a 66/1 shot, stepping up to 6f. This bay colt was very keen that day but held the lead until tiring rapidly in the final furlong. 

Not the easiest horse to assess and the stable may well be thinking about nursery races rather than trying too hard here. I am interested to see how he goes as there may be a glimmer of hope if some crazy prices are available on the exchanges.  However, it would be a leap of faith and the type of horse to either win or lose miserably. 

Although not receiving a significant entry, as yet, William Haggas' Al Aakif has very good claims if starting favourite. The stable debutantes' details statistics which suggest they either win or finish unplaced. 

Queensland Derby 2019 Race Preview

Nobu has been installed as the clear favourite to surge to victory in the Group 1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on June 8. He delivered a hugely impressive performance to reel in Carif in the 2000m Mizuno Handicap and that followed a strong victory at Kensington earlier in May. He will now bid to extend his winning streak to three races when he lines up alongside several superstar stayers at the Queensland Derby. It carries a prize pool of $600,000 and the prestige associated with winning the race is high, so it always attracts a strong field. 

The Queensland Derby was inaugurated all the way back in 1868, when W.E. Parry-Okeden secured the princely sum of 50 sovereigns when his horse, Hermit, beat the likes of The Rake, Escapado and Goshawk to salute at Gayndah. It moved to Eagle Farm in 1871 and it has been held there ever since, apart from a brief transfer to Doomben a few years ago when the course was undergoing renovation. Lough Neagh, Kingston Town, Strawberry Road, Rough Habit and Freemason are among the leading lights of the Australian horseracing scene to secure victory here over the years. 

Kembla Grange trainer Kerry Parker earned his first ever Group 1 win last year when Dark Dream saluted. It was a powerful performance that saw him outstay Heavenly Thought and Youngstar in a tense final 600m. Parker had been unsuccessful in 18 previous Group 1 attempts and he was overwhelmed by a mixture of joy and relief. “I have had six placings in Group 1s and I have now got that one on the mantlepiece,’’ he said. “We have a small stable so we don’t have many runners. I have been a bridesmaid a few times but it was nice to get one home. I am tipping there will be a party tonight.” 

Dark Dream was a consistent performer last year and he went off as the $4.20 favourite to win the Queensland Derby. Ruthven, who won this race in 2017, was the $3.50 favourite, and Nobu will aim to become the third favourite in a row to triumph here. He crossed the Tasman Sea in the hope of winning the New Zealand Derby, but the trip ultimately ended in disappointment. Yet, trainer, Chris Waller believes that experience was the making of Nobu. “He came back from New Zealand a different horse,” said Charlie Duckworth, Waller’s racing manager. “He’s really turned into a professional.” 

The team brought him back to Sydney and he gave an eye-catching performance when finishing second over 1550m against older runners at Kensington. He enjoyed the step up in distance when winning over 1800m at the same track on May 4 and that put him among the favourites for the Queensland Derby. The odds on him then dropped considerably after his victory in the Mizuno Handicap at Randwick. 

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Carif looked a certain winner when he powered into the lead 200m out, but it was ultimately a phenomenal effort from Nobu to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with a late kick. The big question for punters is whether Nobu can continue to excel when he steps back up to 2400m after he was unplaced over that distance in the New Zealand Derby. Yet his fitness looked superb in the Mizuno and that will provide Waller and his team with great encouragement. 

If you take a look at the horse racing futures, you will see that Nobu is the favourite for the Queensland Derby, ahead of Carif. It will be interesting to see how Carif responds to that agonising defeat in the Mizunon and whether he can turn the tables on his foe over a longer distance. Jockey Josh Parr admitted Carif still has a lot to learn after throwing away victory in that race. “He hit the front and didn’t know how to go on with it, but he’s a nice horse in the making,” said Parr. 

Mr Quickie, Scarlet Dream, Etana and Fun Fact are among the other hopefuls expected to vie for glory at the Queensland Derby. Declares War is another interesting runner after finishing strongly to score with 60kg at Flemington last time out, on his second start as a gelding. Bjorn Baker’s Fun Fact earned an exemption from the ballot for the Queensland Derby when he won the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes over 2200m, so he is sure to be a popular choice among punters. Barriers 4 and 8 have been the most successful over the past 35 years, while 13 and 15 have been the least successful, which is worth keeping in mind when the draw is announced.

Tuesday's 2YO Update (28th May)

Not a great deal of time. 

Ideally, this should have been written last night. However, I was busy writing this post for Frankel Blog which details Frankel offspring (2yos) who are making waves for this 2019 season. Well, they might be, if they have ample ability. 

If you fancy an informed read, let your mince pies travel over this: Herman Hesse to Write Poetic Prose for Gosden at Yarmouth

Anyway, enough about Lady Bamford's exciting two-year-old prospect and back to proceedings. 

So which two-year-olds have been noted today?

We have three two-year-old races to take a quick look. 

2:20 Redcar - 

Andrian Nicholls has Amnaa running here. This bay filly, sired by Bungle Inthejungle, has run two times and show a glimmer of ability. Amnaa was given a Listed race entry (think it was for York's Langley Solicitors Marygate Fillies' Stakes). It will be interesting to see if this step up to 6f helps or hinders. 

By all accounts, this looks a trappy affair, with a couple of winners in the line-up and both have apprentices onboard to negate the burden. 

Interesting to note one horse which doesn't have a significant entry at this time but worthy of interest. 

Quiet Word was all the rage on debut at Nottingham. This daughter of Dandy Man was backed to 5/6f but disappointed. She was keen and the ground was soft, which gives two reasons why Archie Watson's filly may have floundered. Syndicate Ontoawinner, know the time of day and I would be surprised if she doesn't have ability. After this disappointment, there are a number of unanswered questions which will be answered by the end of the race (hopefully).

2:40 Leicester - 

Interesting to note that Jane Chapple-Hyam has an entered two-year-old racing at Leicester today in the shape of Lincoln Blue. This bay colt is a son of Bated Breath out of an unraced mare. This 46,000 guinea yearling purchase races in the ownership of Gordon Li. Chapple-Hyam doesn't have the largest string of juveniles. However, she is a very capable trainer. She has sent out a few debut-winning two-year-olds, often going in at big odds. In recent years, she has had four debutantes win and all of them were in May or June. The fact she gave this horse a Class 2 Stakes entry may well be significant. There has been a little bit of money for this April foal which adds to the discussion. 

4:40 Leicester - 

A large field of two-year-olds racing over 6f. 

Tom Dascombe has a few fair talents in his stable (2yos). Javea Magic is an Irish-bred son of Society Rock out of a pretty limited mare, who didn't win in her eleven starts. Dascombe gave this 52,000 euro yearling purchase a Class 2 entry although a big drifter in the betting at the time of writing. Priced 25/1, this colt isn't given much hope by bookmakers. All I can say is that Dascombe is one of few trainers who can win with a big-priced two-year-old debutante. 

Time will tell. 

6:35 Sandown (23rd May) Matchbook Betting Podcast National Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (2yo)

The National Stakes at Sandown. 

This Class 1 Listed race has a history which dates back to 1889. It was known as the National Breeders' Produce Stakes until 1959. In fact, in 1932 it was the ''most valuable two-year-old race of the English calendar''. 

Previous winners include the exceptional Pretty Polly (1903), The Tetrarch ((1913), Tiffin (1928), Myrobella, (1932), Tutor Minstrel (1946) & Belle Of All (1950).

Readers may remember modern-day winners including Bill O'Gorman's Superpower (1988) who won his first six races including the Norfolk Stakes and later in the two-year-old season the Phoenix Stakes (Group 1), Ireland. He was ridden in his first 8 races by Tony Ives. Superpower concluded his formative campaign when fourth in the Flying Childers when ridden by Willie Carson, behind Paul Felgate's Shuttlecock Corner (1988), who beat Sir Michael Stoute's Kerrera who went on to finish runner-up in the 1,000 Guineas at three-year-olds. 

Other exceptionally gifted two-year-old National Stakes winners include: 

1991 Marling (Geoff Wragg) 

(Went on to win the Irish 1,000 Guineas)

1992 Lyric Fantasy (Richard Hannon) 

(Went on to with the Nunthorpe Stakes)    

2013 Rizeena (Clive Britain) 

(Moyglare Stakes Group 1 winner, Ireland) 

2014 Tiggy Wiggy (Richard Hannon)

(Top-rated European two-year-old filly) 

Last year saw Tim Easterby's Vintage Brut who won on by a neck at 7/2 joint-favourite after thrashing his opponents by seven lengths when flying home on his debut at Thirsk.

2019 National Stakes Listed Race

This sprint over 5f 10y on good going has win prize money worth £17,013. From 13 paid entrants we see a field of just six two-year-olds take part. 

Full Authority, trained by David O'Meara, may start odds-on favourites after winning emphatically on debut at Chester by six lengths. Willow Farm Stable has a hot string of juveniles this season. 

Bryan Smart fields Proper Beau, who ran a cracking race on debut at Musselburgh when beating Alminoor by a neck. Mark Johnston's two-year-old ran out a tidy winner at Pontefract second start to frank the form.

Archie Watson's juveniles have been in flying form this season with smart two-year-olds such as Lady Kermit, Littledidyouknow & Execlusive. 

Electric Ladyland won her first two starts before heading to the Lily Agnes at Chester. A wide draw wasn't the best starting point and veering to her right when leaving the stalls gave little chance of success finishing in sixth place.

Robert Cowell's Strive For Glory did just that when winning on debut at Newcastle. By all accounts, that looked a weak race and marked improvement will be needed against a few speedy types. 

Charles Hills Flippa The Strippa won on her second start. This grey filly races in the familiar silks of Christoper Wright. More is needed here. 

Mark Johnston is a trainer always worth a second look. The first thing you will notice about Jm Jackson is that she is a very big filly. This daughter of No Nay Never ran pretty well on debut when a beaten favourite to Ventura Rebel who will be heading to Royal Ascot with high hopes after winning at Ascot last time out, when running on with gusto to beat a Wesley Ward speedster, who had trounced his rival on debut at Keeneland, USA. Jm Jackson could improve a good deal for that first start and over a month on the sidelines. 

Conclusion: Full Authority showed ample ability on debut at Chester. Proper Beau is a battling type and beat a fair opponent at Musselburgh. Jm Jackson could well improve for her first start and may run better than her odds.