Bahrain Pride Wins Ripon Champion Two Year Old Trophy Stakes (Listed Race)

It's always great to see a class two-year-old horse, especially at the Garden Racecourse. 

Bahrain Pride, trained by Simon & Ed Crisford proved a star turn when taking Ripon's headline juvenile contest in sparkling style. 

This bay colt, a son of Kodiac out of an unraced mare [Life Of Pi], made it two from two wins, following up from a battling debut win at Windsor when holding the late charge of Andrew Balding's Fivethousadntoone by three-quarters of a length. 

Crisford has a quality horse on his hands with Bahrain Pride who races in the familiar silks of KHK Racing Ltd. This £300,000 Tattersall's Craven Breeze-up Sale 2020 purchase by Stroud Coleman Bloodstock. 

This March foal travelled with ease throughout the race pulling clear of Internationaldream by one-and-three-quarter lengths and quote as ''impressive'' by the Racing Post in their race analysis by David Orton. Interesting to note that Simon Criford won this race back in 2018 when Sporting Chance won by a head from Gypsy Spirit. 

See the full result here. 

Previous winners of the Ripon Champion Two Year Old Trophy include:

2019 - Platinum Star, trained by Saeed bin Suroor
2018 - Sporting Chance, trained by Simon Crisford
2017 - Enjazaat, trained by Owen Burrows 
2016 - Alicante Dawn, trained by Brian Smart
2015 - Whitman, trained by Richard Spencer
2014 - Izzthatright, trained by Richard Fahey
2013 - Supplicant, trained by Richard Fahey
2012 - Deauville Prince, trained by Tom Dacombe
2011 - Geronimo Meadow, trained by Brian Meehan

The largest winner of this race in the last ten years is Sporting Chance at 6/1.

Bahrain Pride has taken both his starts and victories in style and connections may well look to the Mill Reef Stakes Group 2 which takes place at Newbury over 6f. Last year's winner, Pierre Lapin, trained by Roger Varian.   

Two from two for Bahrain Pride who runs out a ready winner of the Listed feature at @RiponRaces under @the_doyler for Simon and Ed @crisfordracing pic.twitter.com/nzr8slSzHT

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 31, 2020

Good luck to connections. 

Faora Looks the Real Deal for Cool Silk Partnership

Richard Fahey started the two-year-old season feeling disappointed with his lot. 

Why?

Because he was noted as saying his early-season prospects just didn't live up to expectation. From a stable that is used to making a flying start it was a bitter pill to take.  However, with such a huge string of juveniles it was only a matter of time before Mews House, Musley Bank, Malton, struck gold. 

Followers have seen the stable hit a good few two-year-old wins. 

Horses such as Internationaldream, Fev Rover, Escape Route & Umm Kulthum have made up for these earlier disappointments. 

It's good to see that the Fahey team have another potential star two-year-old in their ranks. 

On a blustery day at Great Yarmouth, Faora made a sparkling debut in the 3:55 Yarmouth - Follow At The Races On Twitter Fillies' Novice Stakes (Plus 10/GBB Race) (Class 5) (2yo) (6f3yds) 6f Good to Soft.

Faora was an expensive breeze-up purchase for The Cool Silk Partnership at 375,000 g. This daughter of Hard Spun out of a winning mare was seriously backed for her debut. Ridden by Barry McHugh, she cruised past her rivals winning in ready fashion by just over one length. 

See the full result here. 

Quite a late foal born 21st April 2018, she is a good-looking filly with a professional approach and a horse who will be competing at pattern class sooner rather than later. 

The Cool Silk Partnership have been blessed by a number of exceptional talents including Sands Of Mali and Summer Sands. 

Take a look The Cool Silk Partnership Twitter Profile.

A Few Horses Noted by Their Trainers for Monday (6th July)

There are a number of two-year-old horses running at the following meetings who have been noted by their trainers as future winners. 

Please note these are not tips, it is just an opportunity to see how these juveniles progress, especially the *debutantes. 

I will give an update on the statistical chances of these horses at 12 O'Clock (Monday).  

Post updated 13th July 2020

12:40 Ayr - 

*Twilight Lucy 

This daughter of Twilight Spirit has been noted by Mark Johnston as a talented juvenile. 

Note: Ran no race on debut although relatively fancied in the betting. Something went amiss whether injury or more than likely due to soft ground. Definitely keep an eye on this horse next time out as it could bounce back to life. 

4:40 Windsor - 

A few of these have been noted by their trainers so keep on eye on the form as a number will be winning in future.

Caroline Dale, trained by David Loughnane. 

Mahale, trained by Mick Channon. 

*Shrara, trained by Ralph Beckett. 

Note: Looked clueless although quite well backed from huge odds. Finished down the field but interesting to see how this filly fares on her second start. She will show much more.   

Note: What did I say about Shrara! She wins well second start. Time after time horses that look next to useless on debut transformed. Wins at 6/1sp. 

*Thank You Next, trained by Richard Hannon. 

Note: A lovely-looking filly and she will be winning this season. Hannon's filly ran in a very tough race on debut and a wide draw didn't help her chance at all. This daughter of No Nay Never will come on for the run and improve for a step up in distance. Won second start 7/2. 

5:30 Thirsk - 

Mamba Wamba, trained by Adrian Nicholls. 

5:45 Windsor - 

*Unbutton, trained by William Haggas.  

Note: This is a prime example of what I said about debutantes. Unbutton did little on debut at Windsor. However, she was a different proposition second start at Kempton when very well backed in a tough race and finished second best only to a very talented winner from Mark Johnston. You wouldn't have expected anything after debut but this performance shows the truth of talented horses.  

Fools Rush In, trained by Tom Dascombe. 

If You Want to Build an Engine You need to Get Your Hands Dirty

The first month of the two-year-old Flat turf season has come and gone. Considering there has been nothing normal about these times or the resumption of horseracing I am happy enough with proceedings. 

In ways, I was impressed by how well ''Royal'' Ascot went. I had fears of small fields and a lack of racing before the start, because let's be honest, it was getting pretty close to the bone and a few days or week later and there could have been a fear of the likes of the Coventry, Norfolk & Queen Mary Stakes (et al) being represented by a field of debutantes. 

Thankfully, that wasn't the case. 

The cavalry charge was those first two or so weeks before the big day. 

In fairness, the Ascot nominations have been a good line to above-average two-year-olds from trainers big and small. 

I haven't updated the Group Entered 2YO page on this website simply because I have been a little bit peeved at random people coming along and stealing all the info and some people even selling it. I had one wise guy trying to sell me my own information which basically meant it was time to stop the entries on here. 

It's not a problem as you can find the information as easily as I can and if you wish to spend numerous hours updating the records for your insight (which I recommend) then you will have something most don't. This is one reason why you will know more than most by investing a little bit of time and effort. I am sending mailings via our subscriber list so please don't think I have deserted you. This is old news so nothing to concern your beautiful heads about. 

You know, you really should do the work yourself. Not because I am being selfish or stupid, but simply the best way to learn is to get involved and understand what you are seeing and reading. That just doesn't happen when the information is plonked in front of you. 

Sure, I could do all the work, and most subscribers and readers are very appreciative, but if you want to understand how to build an engine you need to get your hands dirty. 

Just about all juvenile races had been detailed as Class 5, but I have noted a few Class 2 races which make for interesting reading and worthy of you taking notes. Why? Because they are generally the best of the trainer's juvenile string. In addition, we have a few pattern races which bring further insight. 

These aspects help build a picture. 

I would advise all readers to take note of the two-year-old entries because, as seen with the Ascot Nominations, it is worthy information of your time and, literally, comes straight from the horse's mouth (I do hate that saying). 

Have a good weekend.

Two-Year-Old (2YO) Ascot Nominations & Entries (16th - 20th June)

Good news on the racing front. 

Readers will be aware that due to the late start of the Flat season, horse trainers nominated their better juveniles. If memory serves, about 160 colts, fillies and geldings were detailed from the great and the good. 

I must admit, I wasn't quite sure what to think of these preliminary findings, basically sifting the wheat from the chaff. However, on average, the nominations have detailed a number of winners.

Initially, I wasn't sure how Ascot, which takes place from the 16th - 20th June, would pan out. 

Looking at the Racing Post race declarations, I was pleased to see the traditional first entry stake of the Ascot races being made for the week ahead. 

This is good news for Group Horse, which uses this information to help readers and subscribers of our mailing list identify the best two-year-old horses in training. 

The Ascot two-year-old races include:

17th June

4:10 Ascot - Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed Race) 5f 

34 entrants 

See a full list of entrants here

Previous winners 

18th June 

3:00 Ascot - Chesham Stakes (Listed Race) 7f 

19 entrants 

See a full list of entrants here 

Previous winners 

19th June 

1:50 Ascot - Albany Stakes (Group 3) 6f 

20 entrants 

See a full list of entrants here

Previous winners 

2:25 Ascot - Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) 5f 

26 entrants 

See a full list of entrants here 

Previous winners  

20th June 

12:40 Coventry Stakes (Group 2) 6f

23 entrants

See a full list of entrants here

Previous winners

1:50 Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) 5f

24 entrants

See a full list of entrants here 

Previous winners 

Which trainers are heading to Ascot? 

We have a varied mix of potential runners from trainers far and wide including Wesley Ward, Aidan O'Brien, Archie Watson, Saeed bin Suroor among leading stables. 

How many runners will be allowed in each race?

Interest, that the two-year-old races allow a maximum of 24 runners, so the traditional cavalry charge will be seen.  

Subscribe to our free mailing list here to get 10 Dark Horse and Easy Professional Gambler Mailing Series 

Your Quick Guide to Royal Ascot Two-Year-Olds (2yos) 2020

Well, we have lift-off. 

The Flat racing started on 1st June as anticipated and it has seen a lively start to proceedings with Royal Ascot 2020 on the horizon from the 16th - 20th. 

Without question, this has been a frantic return but that is the nature of the beast with trainers large and small desperate to get their two-year-olds out and a little bit of experience under their belts before heading to Ascot. 

I can't say I like this fast and furious resumption as it doesn't sit so tranquil as the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster. However, times must and we cannot be too conflicted by the state of affairs. It could have been a lot worse so I am thankful for the opportunity to bolster the racing industry and see a bit of sport returning to television. 

The two-year-old racing is coming thick and fast and we have seen over 20 races in the first week of the Flat season 2020. Who would have believed the first race would be over 6f and that one week has gone a 7f race just to add to the melee?

Here is a quick rundown of two-year-olds who have caught the eye and won on debut:

Army Of India, trained by Mark Johnston 

This strapping son of Sepoy was inexperienced on debut but led all the way to hold the late challenge of Archie Watson's Science. After the success, Joe Fanning [jockey] detailed this March foal will be heading to Royal Ascot, over 6f. 

Dandalla, trained by Karl Burke

This bay filly was a real drifter in the market but it didn't stop her winning well. A lovely physical specimen, she looks a horse to follow in the ownership of Nick Bradley Racing 28 & E Burke. Connections states she will be kept at five-furlongs but will be better at 6f and likely to go to Royal Ascot. 

Sacred, trained by William Haggas

Not overly fancied in the betting but an easy winner for Cheveley Park Stud. This daughter of Exceed And Excel is a rangy type and sure to improve with racing. There was a lot to be liked about this winner. Maureen Haggas said they would think about Royal Ascot. 

Might Gurkha, trained by Archie Watson 

Fair to say this wasn't the strongest of maidens, being auction stakes, but Hollie Doyle rode this son of Sepoy like she was sitting on a rocket and he stormed clear of the field to win impressively by almost eight lengths. Watson didn't detail future plans, but it looks likely this colt will be heading to Berkshire.

Lauded, trained by Tom Dascombe

In what looked to be a quality race at Haydock but Lauded ground out a comfortable success by some four-and-a-half lengths from some well-bred types in second and third. Jockey, Richard Kingscote, spoke of the colt in glowing terms and suggested he is worth his place at Ascot. 

There will be plenty more to come.

Horse Racing to Resume on 1st of June

Well, we finally have a date.

The 1st of June has been detailed for the resumption of horse racing. That is a blessing as long as the Coronavirus (the dreaded R) doesn't increase beyond 1 and bring further problems. 

Only time will tell, hey. We don't know what the future holds and we can only cross our fingers and hope that once racing starts that it continues, progresses, and, sometime soon, gets back to normal. 

Newcastle is scheduled as the first fixture. 


The first eight days: BHA's proposed fixture list 

June 1 Newcastle 
June 2 Kempton, Newcastle 
June 3 Kempton, Yarmouth 
June 4 Newcastle, Newmarket 
June 5 Lingfield, Newmarket 
June 6 Lingfield, Newcastle, Newmarket 
June 7 Haydock, Lingfield, Newmarket 
June 8 Chelmsford, Haydock, Lingfield

We have 14 two-year-old races over the eight days. 

It's great to see Yarmouth has a fixture on June 3rd. I hadn't considered they would be part of the list of meetings. 

I still have concerns about Roal Ascot scheduled for the 16 - 20th June. The Berkshire course has 6 pattern races:

Coventry Stakes (Group 2)
Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)
Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)
Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)
Albany Stakes (Group 3)
Chesham Stakes (Listed)

As we know, Royal Ascot's two-year-old races have never lacked in numbers. In fact, the size of fields (20+) has always been a problem for me as I think it takes away from the races. 

This year will see a stark contrast with the proposed race size of 11 runners or so because of welfare and social distancing. 

If Royal Ascot takes place on the suggested date (I hope it doesn't) I think the two-year-old racing will be a letdown. We have, basically, two weeks and a couple of days for the two-year-olds to race at pattern class.  

The restricted race sizes at the Royal meeting will bring about problems because the number of entrant at the first declaration stage will be many. How on earth will they decide which horses take part? 

If, mysteriously, it the big stables and wealthy owners, many smaller stables will suggest it is them and us. To be fair, the larger stables with wealthy patrons and horses with giant price tag are more likely to be true contenders. But with just 30 two-year-old races leading up to the big day very few horses will have experience or form. It is unlikely many will have two runs under their belts. 

Also, with the restricted race size of just 11 or 12 runners per race, how will authorities decide which horses are to be given their prized opportunity to run?

If it is just balloted or numbers out of a hat it will be pure luck who races and not. But what can we say? It is what it is. So time will tell. 

We can only cling to the positives and be thankful for what we have. 

Good luck to all. 

A Royal Balls Up With Ascot on the Cards

It's a necessary hardship that the hope of the resumption of horse racing in May is no longer an option with the Government indicating that there is no chance of racing taking place until June 1st. 

Reading the Racing Post. 

Not sure what to think about the resumption of racing in ways. I feel there will be a big difference between resumption in Mid May (as hoped) to early June. Especially when I read that Royal Ascot is being scheduled for June 16 - 20th. 

Blimey. 

When no two-year-olds will be running and in about 16 days we are meant to be ready for Royal Ascot and the Coventry Stakes, Norfolk Stakes & Queen Mary et al. 

This doesn't read well to me. 

How on earth are the trainers going to have the time to assess their two-year-olds, how many are going to have a run under their belt when it seems the world and his wife will be desperate to get their juveniles on course. If only training horses was so simple! So basically, we have a period of two weeks where everything has to be concluded and we are ready for the spectacular of Royal Ascot?

It seems ridiculous to me. And that is if racing resumes on the 1st June, which is debatable.

I'm all for tradition but I think the juvenile racing is going to be rushed and everything will be a knee-jerk reaction. 

It would make sense for these races to be postponed until a later date. With every delay imposed by Government, it's like we have an increasing backlog of high-profile races vying for their place on the racing calendar. 

Time will tell what happens but this is all beginning to look like a disaster waiting to happen. 

The Dirty Dozen in First Week of Resumption of Racing

We are still awaiting an update from Boris Johnson regarding the possible relaxing of the lockdown rules. 

We should get news on Sunday. 

When racing resumes, there will be 104 races, with the majority some 72% being handicaps. 

As far as the two-year-old (2yo) racing goes there are 12 races scheduled for the first week. 

Take a look at the fixture programme for the first seven days in number (source: Racing Post)

13 meetings - 7 in the South, 4 in the North, 2 in the Midlands
104 races
75 handicaps 
12 two-year-old races 
17 maiden or novice races for three-year-old or over
8 races for each meeting  

2YO Season 2020 (Fingers Crossed)

Well, we have heard that the two-year-old Flat season may begin on the 15th of May. I think that's the date, struggling to find the article I read it.

Time will tell. 

If/when it starts we will be on a learning curve. What will it be like? I think there will be three racecourses: two all-weather and Newmarket on the turf. No doubt the latter is to keep the people with vast sums of money happy. It makes sense being the headquarters of racing and plenty of horses in training. 

To be honest, we will all be happy to see racing resume after being sidelined since the Cheltenham Festival. 

It is difficult to know what to expect. 

It seems like there will be nine races per meeting. A field of no more than 11 or 12 runners. 

Will the season start as if it is the start? I'm not sure. I keep thinking, will the Brocklesby be the first race of the season? Probably not, but in my little mind, I'm thinking and hoping it will be. 

I guess we all get into the routine of the Flat turf season following a set pattern. We will see the Guineas (1,000 & 2,000) scheduled for a different date along with other big races. I think we all appreciate that the racing is about saving the racing industry which is paramount. I could go a whole year without a bet if it secured the industry and people keep their jobs, the horses are looked after and their welfare not put in jeopardy. I am thankful for the owners who have supported trainers with the finances they need to keep the wolf from the door. It is truly a generous act and I hope this point isn't forgotten. When you consider even a lot of money people are considering a precarious future it takes something to keep putting your hand in your pocket. 

So what are we to expect this turf season?

No one really knows, hey? It may seem remarkably normal (apart from the silent crowd) or it may seem alien and far from the norm. 

Pretty much like life at this moment. 

I will drink a toast to the new season and thank God for all who have made it happen and those who continue to support the greatest racing in the world. Punters are an integral part of the racing machine and I am sure they will be as positive as ever. 

Time will tell how this affects the plans we have for Group Horse. It is unknown and we can only deal with the situation at hand. 

I am forever positive about life and opportunities. 

The winners will continue and I, personally, will be cheering twice as loud for the season and all who make it happen. 

**KNOW THE BEST HORSES IN TRAINING (BEFORE THEY RACE!)**

Horse Trainer Quotes: Do They Pinpoint Winning Tips?

Looking for decent horse racing tips? Well, OLBG has today's free horse racing bets at the ready. 

I guess many punters associate the best racing information with trainers and their respective stables.

I mean, they look after the horse on a daily basis. If they don't know, who does? From working in my niche of two-year-old horse racing I've had a lot of people come to me detailing what ''inside info'' they have. Whether these people are connected to stables, owners or trainers. I don't want to know! 

Sounds strange, hey. Why wouldn't I want to know this ''valuable'' information? To put it bluntly, I don't want or need to rely on anyone to afford information.

However, each and every trainer is very different. Some are very good judges. They are usually the ones who keep their mouth shut. You often hear trainer comments when being interview by At The Races or Racing UK. You can also find a 'wealth' of information from various publications.

A few trainers do give you a straight answer. Bill Turner is as honest as they come and doesn't mind giving truthful interviews.

I used to love Clive Brittain for his optimism. The funny thing about being a glass half full man is that you can strike it lucky. Think back to Terimon in the 1989 Epsom Derby. Who else would have entered this son of Bustino? He finished runner-up to Nashwan at 500/1. Brittain was a master at ''getting lucky''. It had nothing to do with luck. 

In truth, you don't need to be phoning a horse trainer to know lots of good info. To some extent, they are not the best people to ask at all. Consider these pointers for the two-year-old horse: 

• Some trainers are poor judges of ability 
• They have a limited string which makes assessment difficult 
• The world and his wife know – little value 
• They do not understand or appreciate the opposition 
• Some are blatant liars 
• Why would they tell you? 

For that reason, I never listen to others. I've had people say the trainer told them about a horse. Often they run terribly. I have known a few trainers, and not being nasty, what they have told me didn't help find winners at all. Even if you own a horse many trainers are unwilling to say too much because they have little to gain. People expect every horse to win which is crazy. But give a few losers and the owner may get the huff and go elsewhere.

Probably the best way to learn about any horse trainer is to observe. They are creatures of habit. How many times have you seen a trainer target the same race with an exciting two-year-old? 

Each has strength and weakness but the key to their understanding isn't as hidden as you may suspect. With a little bit of homework, you will reap rewards and benefit greatly.

**KNOW THE BEST HORSES IN TRAINING (BEFORE THEY RACE!)**