Trainers vary in the assessment of their two-year-olds. Some are too optimistic, while others are exacting to a point where you can bet with utmost confidence.
Understanding the capability of a horse is as much to do with the trainer's opinion - both need to have ability to shine.
In that sense, identifying the best horses isn't just about the horse but the trainer.
The intention of the trainer is pinnacle in deciding when it is likely to win. Without understanding how a trainer works will leave you frustrated and missing those elusive winners. These are just a couple of aspects which help punters realise that winner-finding is akin to finding pieces of the jigsaw puzzle. That last piece may be hiding somewhere (hopefully not down the back of the sofa). There may be a few missing but if you can read most of the word winne (just leaves you wondering the whereabouts of the letter r) which may be revealed at the finishing line.
Bryan Smart is a trainer who I hold in very high regard. To a level where a significant entry is worth noting. In fact, I have made some good money backing his two-year-olds over the years. To be fair, Smart doesn't have a string of horses like the good, old days. He detailed just four two-year-olds of note last season. Three have raced and proven talents if not star performers.
Excellently Poised (1064)
Palmer (63323327)
Alfa McGuier (513170)
One juvenile who didn't make it to the racecourse last season was Lever Park. This British-bred daughter of Camacho held an entry for the Lowther Stakes (Group 2). This March foal is out of an unraced mare and cost 52,000G at the 2yo breeze-up sales. It is another positive to see Lever Park is owned by David Armstrong.
As said, this bay filly didn't race at two but she is likely to be held in some regard when making her debut at three. Smart's debutantes can win on their racecourse bow, especially when strong in the betting. However, they are often primed to win on their second start. This filly is worth noting.