6:25 Beverley Race Analysis (22nd July)

An EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes over 5f on good ground. 

Twelve two-year-olds take part. 

Interesting to note we have a few significantly-entered juveniles taking part. Unsurprisingly, they are at the head of the betting. 

From a betting point of view, this doesn't look the easiest of races to assess. 

Karl Burke is a fantastic trainer and all the more interesting when they field a two-year-old in the ownership of Phoenix Thoroughbreds Limited. Compared with some of the horses this group own Seize The Time is a relatively cheap purchase at 120,000 Euros. Readers of Group Horse [Daily] will remember this owner/trainer duo had Kadar and Mistress Of Love winning last year for Spigot Lodge. 

This chestnut daughter of Siyouni is out of a winning mare, who was placed at Listed class. 

She has a prime draw in stall one. 

Karle Burke can win with his debutantes. The best juveniles usually win on debut. We have seen this to be true with Lord Of The Lodge, Rayong, Classy Moon & Never In Paris. 

From a betting point of view, Seize The Time [9/4], with regard to the general two-year-old trainer statistics, is likely to be underpriced. The stable has decent win and place claims when priced 13/2 & less SP. Only two debutantes have won when priced over 16/1 on debut. This covers a number of years of research. Those who take an interest on these pages will note that Seize The Time has an entry for the Lowther Stakes (Group 2). Three other horses from the stable have this potential engagement: Macho Touch, Living In The Past & Never In Paris.  

Last year, they had two horse entered for the Lowther: Little Kim and Lady In France. The former finished 5th of nine. The latter didn't race at two but won on her debut at three. 
  
I had intended to write about this race more fully. However, time is never on our side. 

Other significantly entered juveniles include: 

Dream Kart trained by Mark Johnston. She has received a solitary Class 2 stakes entry on Group Horse Daily detailing she is far from one of Kingsley House's better two-year-olds but a very capable filly. This daughter of Dream Ahead is a small filly, very lean but strong as a weasel. She has shown bright speed on most starts, which she will need to do here from the disadvantaged stall 10. In addition, she has to shoulder a win penalty after cruising home at Windsor. The Johnston horses continue to run well. Whether she can defy a penalty against a strongish field we will have to see. 

Stars In The Night has been entered for two Class 2 stakes races. Kevin Ryan's charge ran in one of them on debut at Newcastle. This daughter of Starspangledbanner is a nice-looking filly with size and scope. She was made favourite last time out when disappointing at 6/4f. The same race as Dream Kart ran, so they have similar claims at best. She just looked to run out of steam in the testing going at Carlisle. The fact she has been off course for over 50 days could well indicate there was an issue that day or simply given a rest and time to strengthen up after a couple of hard races. If bouncing back has claims even from a wide draw. 

Three Coins is another filly who has been tested at a higher level. She won on debut at Ripon. She started at odds of 7/1 when competing in the Hilary Needler Trophy when a disappointing 7th. Once again, this daughter of Fountain Of Youth hasn't been seen for over forty days which suggests she didn't show her running at Beverley. 

To add to the mix Michael Bell fields a filly in the ownership of Clipper Logistics called Spring Campaign. This daughter of Dandy Man cost 60,000 Euros at the yearling sales. She is out of a twice-winning mare who competed at Group class. From a betting point of view, Bell's debutantes can win at all prices and most priced 13/2 & less SP have ability. 

Conclusion: This is an intriguing but thoroughly difficult race to assess. Seize the Time is interesting but could well be underpriced from a statistical perspective. A prime draw is positive if lively from the stalls. However, to achieve the level of ability of a few of these form horses is no easy task for even a gifted horse. Dream Kart has her work cut out with a penalty, especially being so small. However, I can see her trying to lead and may well tire in the closing stages. Stars In The Night and Three Coins have proven ability but need to show their wellbeing after a disappointing display on their last start. Three Coins has to defy a win penalty, which, again, takes some doing. Spring Campaign is interesting. Bell has a few talents to judge this one's ability. In general, the stable do not feature the best strike rate on debut with their fancied juveniles. 

I would have to take a watching brief. 

3 Reasons to Use Betfair in Favour of Traditional Bookmakers?

It's interesting how seasoned gamblers bet.

I know a couple of professional gamblers who aren't the slightest bit interested in using betting exchanges to place their bets. After years of gambling, I know one thing: ''There isn't really a right or wrong when it comes to the individual. There's isn't a Henry Ford approach of any colour will do as long as it is black. Because each and every gambler has, over time, appreciated that their way of working is best for them.''  

I would be a fool to question that. It would be the same as me saying that someone can't make money betting just because I don't understand what they are doing or how they do it. If they have polished that stone, it may well shine like a diamond. It could well be the most expensive form of carbon - clear and sparkling rather than a hunk of dusty coal. 

I respect seasoned gamblers. 

I recently met with fellow blogger Jerry Banks. It's funny as we have been working together on our respective horse racing blogs for many years. We have come close to meeting a few times at Great Yarmouth racecourse. I'm pleased to say last month we met and had a drink with his friend in the beer garden of the Troll Cart. It was lovely to meet Jerry, someone who I have always respected. He is a good man and I know he knows his horses. He's very much informed.

He said that he doesn't bet via the exchanges as the liquidity on the early markets is so poor that it simply doesn't work. That is true for those who like to get their money on and get some value, especially if they are confident the horse is going to be backed. I know Betfair have the Sportsbook as the traditional bookmaker option. I don't know about you, but I'm lucky if I can get more than a fiver each way before some red-printed message appears ''Your maximum bet is £1.50...'' I'm not sure if that is the norm but a Blue Chip company can't even take a few notes. 

I know another friend of mine doesn't use the exchanges. He isn't keen on them at all for a number of reasons.

Without question, every platform has its pros and cons. 

I've used Betfair for many years. In addition, I have a few bookmaker accounts. There are 3 main reasons why I use Betfair in favour of traditional bookies.

1) Betting on outsiders

If you have bets on horses beyond the first three favourites there is a good reason to think about betting on the exchanges. If you fancy a 20/1 shot and you can double the price on the exchanges it just doesn't make sense to opt for the shorter odds. 

2) Your Horse Has Been Seriously Backed

Let's say you bet on a horse at 10/1. There is a crazy gamble and it is backed to 6/4f. Wouldn't you want to lay the stake to cover your bet? A potential win of £250. You could lay your stake for £37.5 to have a no-lose bet to win £212.5. You may well be happy to just go with the bet. However, to me, the option of laying your stake money is a worthy consideration and option when a horse is backed off the boards. 

3) Using Your Expertise to Win more

There are lots of gamblers who know their stuff. However, there are a lot more who don't. And many of them are trying to make easy money laying horses on the exchanges. It's a competitive world. To try and get money in their pocket they need to push the betting odds to the limit. And lots of the time their lack of understanding sees them lose their cash. For instance, if you know a horse is very likely to be outpaced but run on at the finish. These horses often touch huge odds in-running because it looks like they literally have a mountain to climb. If the layer isn't aware the horse needs time to get motoring then they may be at the mercy of the bettor who is dangling the carrot on a stick. In this way, you are simply using your knowledge to make even bigger profits. This simply couldn't happen with the bookmakers.   

What is your favourite way to bet?

Group Horse Is Hotting Up

Well, I have kind of settled into being at West Palm Beach, Florida. No, that's not me sitting on a deckchair at sunny Brighton with Pimms in hand. 

I'm always busy so the websites and racing keep me interested. Obviously, the five-hour time difference means I get up at 7am, if not earlier, to get ready for the day's racing. 

In some respects, it works quite well, as I don't feel I am waiting for the racing to start early afternoon. It's more like 8am. 

I have been going to the park in the evening as they seem to be a lot more accommodating in the US with basic exercise equipment such pull-up bars and you can walk or jog (run if you like) a mile circuit and there are 20 exercises stations (can't think of a better word) dotted around. I am not very fit. I really need to get fitter, so this is helping. I think most people struggling with fitness is related to being a little (or a lot) overweight. As they say in horseracing terms ''weight stops trains''. It stops people, horses and I guess even a pollen-laden bumblebee if it has had a good day. 

The significant two-year-old (2yo) entries are hotting up, too. I've added four or five race entries over the last week and although many detail horses who have shown their cards (so to speak) there is a number who are worthy of a look. Simply click the link and check out Group Horses 2019. 

That's as simple as it gets. 

Sure, I could detail the significant runners on a daily basis. However, I am a very busy person and I hate to be a bit of a grumpy old man, but I don't see too many people doing much for me. It is sad to think that many people read our websites and don't really consider the time and energy it takes. I thought the same when the Racing Post went offline today for an hour or so. Lots of comments on Twitter about it being offline. ''Is there something wrong with the APP?''  

But how many people ever say thanks for a free website. Sure, if you are paying for the service you have every right to complain. But if you are using all the info for free then a little appreciation goes a long way. 

I wonder how many times people have even shared a post on here? 

It says it all, hey. 

Thankfully, I do things because I want to. I use the information on here to help with my betting. It is very good, saves readers lots of time and you've all seen the winners. 

By the end of the month, I should have the first lot of 10 Dark Horses ready to mail. I have been very slow sending any mailing. I forwarded a couple early season. 

Check out the Group Horses 2019 page and you will see a few two-year-olds of note.

Thanks for your support.  

From The Fens to West Palm Beach

If you thought I had been a little quiet it's because I have been travelling.

I left from my home town of March in the windswept Fens on Tuesday afternoon. Via train from March, Peterborough, Kings Cross, St Pancras...finally to Gatwick Airport. Got there about 4pm, just in time to stop in the Bloc Hotel, which is situated in the airport. 

I would rather simply turn up on the day and as John Denver once said: ''I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back home again...'' 

However, a 10am flight doesn't give any time to travel or get to Gatwick late so I always stay overnight. Not that I sleep very well. I am worried I will oversleep and wake up to find I have missed the flight. I guess it happens. So, I don't sleep that well and then feel half ill because of lack of sleep and early mornings which I don't mind to a point but not keen on after a poor night. 

I had to check in about 8am. Some grumpy women on the Norwegian Airlines desk looking like she smiled once sometime back in 1973. I don't know what it is with customer service these days. Perhaps it has always been the same. No one seems to give a toss that you actually pay part of their wage with travelling here and there. After a recent nightmare experience with the ticket lady from hell when travelling to Great Yarmouth (if she wasn't some kind of man-hating witch I don't know what she was) I am slightly unnerved by any person sitting behind a desk or with a ticket machine in hand. East Midlands Trains thanks for fuck all. 

Anyway, the women behind the desk at Norwegian (the one who doesn't know how to smile) tried to inform me that I'm getting close to the limit of my visa. As if I didn't know that! I can count up to 90 my dear...and 75 days or whatever it is isn't three months not even in your embittered world. 

So I got on the flight after security checked my bags for drugs. (Like they do). 

I really don't like travelling alone. I'm not one of these chatty people, so I don't like to force my ''chat'' on people. I sat next to a couple of lads who probably came from Norway or Sweden (not sure) but they were polite and kind of friendly in a non-talking way. Flying for nearly ten hours to the USA isn't fun. I've only got little legs and I was jiffling about like some old gran in her nineties. I kept trying to sleep. I may have got an hour or two. I would hate to be an air steward or cabin crew in this age of political correctness. Compared with the women on the desk they were joy personified. I had a meal. It was ok. I didn't take any water onboard and two small cups of orange juice left me in a state of dehydration.

I wasn't sorry to hear we were 30 minutes from Miami. I usually get a flight to Fort Lauderdale but they have changed routes so it is Miami. I guess it sounds better and more of a touristy location than FL. I was simply pleased to get out of that seat. Stretch my legs and await the rigmarole of security. I don't know if it is just me, but if I had a bag of sugar in my rucksack by the time I met security it would turn into a bag of cocaine. Or, at least, feel like it. 

It was quite straight forward. The man on the desk asked me a few questions. Seemed to ask a few times why I only had hand luggage. I have lots of clothes there. He asked: Are you staying at a hotel for over two months?''

I don't know if this was a trick question. I felt like saying: ''Yes, I'm sharing with Bill Gates.'' However, I don't want to get on the wrong side of anyone who can be a pain in the arse. Like these customer service women. I said I am staying with the other half. He simply said: ''Have a good stay.''

I was met by this little drug sniffer dog on the last stretch of the security. I put my bag on the floor so the beagle could get a good sniff. I knew the bag of ''sugar'' was airtight, so I wasn't concerned! (Yes, that is a joke).I am as clean as Mr Sheen. 

Next, I had to find my way to level 3. Sound like somewhere from a page in the book 1984, written by George Orwell. For all I know, they may well have a room 101 somewhere up and down. I was trying to find the Tri Rail train. 

I hate going to places and not having the slightest idea of what is going on. I followed the signs. I was pretty sure I was getting there. I saw this thing that didn't look like a train. It was a monorail thingamebob which took me a short distance to Tri Rail. I asked this Mexican bloke, who looked as though he worked there if I needed a ticket to get on this funny-looking contraption. 

I think he thought I was having a go at him as I kept asking questions trying to work out what was going on etc. He said: ''I'm just answering your questions!'' I said: I appreciate your help but I haven't got the slightest idea what I am doing and it is the first time I have been to Miami Airport and the need to travel via Tri Rail. 

I wanted to save Marlene time from driving from West Palm Beach to Miami, so I had the bright idea I would just do it. 

I finally got off the monorail thingamebob and a short walk to the Tri Rail station. I had a slight issue with the ticket and thought the customer service women was kind of helpful but a touch ''where is this bloke from'' attitude. ''She said: ''Do you live in Miami?'' I felt like saying: ''Do I sound like I live in Miami?'' But didn't as I've had enough with confrontations of late. 

I said: ''I'm from the UK (England).''

I keep thinking about these people. I just think if you arrive at Gatwick, need to get to Kings Cross (on your own) and then travel to March in the windswept Fens you may have a moment of realisation that being somewhere new isn't plain sailing. (Thank God a boat wasn't involved!). 

So I got on the train. A big hulking double-decker of a train. I sat down. I got up and put a timetable of the route in my bag just in case I feel like stressing the life out of myself any time soon. 

It made me smile as I watched a selection of commuters get on and off. Many had cycles. The ticket man came along. I noticed he had a gun in a holster. Thank the Lord the old bag on the Yarmouth train wasn't given one of those for ''assisting'' travellers (to an early grave). He didn't say much. Just looked at the ticket. I like quiet people. Sometimes you don't need to hear an opinion. 

I noticed a couple of locals hadn't got a ticket. I wondered if the gun might be needed. They were issued with a fine. One didn't have identification. I can only imagine the ticket man new the residence of Mickey Mouse. Joking. The man gave a name, address and whatever. 

My ticket cost $6.51 or something like that. Quite good value. 

I saw places come and go. Opa-locka Station, Hollywood Station, Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth and finally West Palm Beach.

After a long, long journey which lasted over one and half hours in all, I was getting pretty tired and fed up. 

My phone doesn't have internet in the US. I am worried I might forget about this roaming thing and come back to a bill of four figures. I managed to get the free internet on the train after messing about with the bloody thing for 20 minutes. 

Oh, the joys of travel. 

It went off. I manage to get it back on for a minute and tell Marlene I would be at West Palm Beach at 5:55pm. She isn't the best with times. I was waiting at the station boiling up in the sweltering heat for over an hour. 

I didn't have wifi and I didn't dare find my way from there to City Place or somewhere with free wifi just in case Marlene turned up and wondered where I was. 

Eventually, she arrived. My beautiful, Marlene.

Thankfully I am here.

And I thought horse racing was complicated. 

Monday's Update

2:30 Pontefract - 

Watching 

3:15 Wolverhampton - 

Dark Kris should take all the beating but no price. Slight worry he could be a bit keen stepping up to 7f. 

6:00 Catterick - 

Not the easiest of races to assess. Mia Diva has a good draw, considering the two favourites don't. She is a small filly taking on colts which isn't easy. She was keen on debut. Hopefully, settles after a lay off and fit and ready. John Quinn's horses can win at speculative odds on their second start. She looks quite fancied in the betting. She may be worth an each-way bet but difficult to assess. The Class 2 stakes entry is positive.

6:15 Windsor - 

Looks a tricky race with the three major hopes probably price to chance. Both Sneaky and Dream Kart are fast. Both have to come back from disappointing efforts, which isn't ideal for any horse of relatively short odds. 

Dream Kart is small and may just have regressed after a couple of hard races. May well come back to form. 

Microscopic is a good-looking filly and big and strong. Physically, she is better than the other two. She has good pace and was well clear of the third at Lingfield when matching strides with Ocasio Cortez. A well-balanced horse, with pace, although tired in the final furlong when beaten by a fair but not a talented horse. Microscopic will run a race, while the two favourites have questions to answer, but may be susceptible to Sneaky and Dream Kart if coming back to form. I would rather bet Microscopic each-way if prices allow, which doesn't look likely. 

Conclusion: Dark Kris will be hard to beat but short odds. Mia Diva could be a fair each-way bet but a difficult horse to assess. I get the feeling she will either win well or struggle. Microscopic is a good-looking filly who will run her race but would be better at each-way prices.

Willa Goes well at Newbury for Richard Hannon

I always say: ''keep an eye on the Group entry page because it is the answer to the question.''

That question is to help find winners. 

The entries are building and this point on there will be lots of information to help keep you informed. Yesterday, I added a Listed race and Class 2 entry. You can see by the horse names marked in pink 

Example: Summer Romance 4, L

The majority of significantly-entered juveniles win. 

Simply click the link to review Group 2019 Page. 

Readers may have noticed Richard Hannon's attractive filly Willa racing on the 25th June, at Newbury. This daughter of Dutch Art wasn't fancied on debut at Newmarket. She ran in a hot race. The winner, Daaheya, went on the win the Albany Stakes (Group 3) at Royal Ascot. Will was beaten just under 12-lengths in eighth place.

On the evidence of that first race, there wasn't too much to get excited about. However, the entries detailed that Richard Hannon & connections held this March foal in some regard. The Class 2 entries added to the proof. At its biggest price, Willa was 20/1 (may have been bigger on Betfair). There was money for her at one point as the price was slashed to 10/1, before drifting back to an SP of 12/1. 

I'm not sure if you watched the race, but Willa travelled exceptional well and I thought she held an outstanding chance of winning at the two-furlong pole. In fact, in-running, she touched prices as low as 1/2. Coming into the final furlong, she was pressed by Picture Frames, trained by Saeed bin Suroor (this bay filly will be receiving entries) who ran out an easy winner after a disappointing effort last time out when racing over five furlongs. Willa was clear of the third horse by over three lengths. 

What I'm saying here is that you should keep an eye on the entries [2019 Group] because they are the key to finding winners. 

It literally takes a few minutes a day to find them. It's exactly what I do on a daily basis and it isn't difficult and you certainly don't need me to detail them on a daily basis. 

See Full Result here. 

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.