Sunday 25 February 2018

Menuisier a Dark Horse with 2yo Talent

David Menuisier is a horse trainer which many punters may refrain from mentioning because his surname is difficult to pronounce. It has taken me about five attempt to spell his surname correctly. 

The French-born trainer is based at Coolbelands Racing Stables, Pullborough, West Sussex. He has enviable work experience with a number of outstanding trainers including Christian Head-Maarek & closer to home John Dunlop. 

I can't say I'd taken much notice of Menuisier until 2017. Group Horse is all about two-year-old horses so if a trainer doesn't have many or they lacking ability they don't register. 

I took the blinkers off last season because I noticed he not only had a string of juveniles but talents including a debut winner. 

Who is this French man?

Group Horse noted 4 two-year-olds last season. There was a fifth given a Stakes entry, which looks less significant. 

Nuits St Georges

This chestnut son of Mount Nelson ran well on debut when runner-up at odds of 33/1. With an official rating 78 this horse is worthy of note.  Could progress at three.

History Writer

As far as entries go this Irish-bred son of Canford Cliffs looks an inspired purchase. Going through the sales ring twice but fetching so little money he was never sold. Clearly, someone put their hand in their pocket - Clive Washbourn & Partner have a lovely prospect for this three-year-old campaign. I was very interested in this February foal when he made his debut at Sandown in September over 7f. I had a small each-way betting on the exchanges  at huge odds but I was feeling less than confident because of the price and lack of data on this trainer. After being slow away, History Writer ran on well to take third and given the tag ''encouraging debut'' which is a moniker few horses/trainers receive. This colt was given the following entries:

Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2)
Racing Post Trophy Stakes (Group 1)
Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1)
Convivial Maiden Stakes 

Danceteria

Another horse in the ownership of Clive Washbourn. This bay colt is a son of Redoute's Choice who cost 90,000G at the yearling sales. This May foal hasn't hit the highs although another who has run with credit in three starts at two. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Danceteria progress at three. Certainly, each of those starts showed ability illustrated by a third place at Ascot and fourth place at Nottingham.

Vintager 

This Irish-bred son of Mastercraftsman made me sit up when winning on debut at Newmarket at odds of 33/1. I think many punters said: ''Who is this Mensuisier bloke?'' Considering this 65,000G yearling buy won ''comfortably'' must have made connections smile and feel they proved they can train and have a smart horse on their hands. The fact this horse unseated his jockey to post, probably made a few layers feel Vintager would be easy prey. Next start saw him run a fine race when fifth in the Solario Stakes (Group 3). His third start at two saw Vintager fancied in the betting. He finished fifth in the Horris Hill Stakes (Group 3) when beaten less than four lengths. 

David Mensuisier is a trainer who could make a mark this new turf season. It wouldn't be a surprise to see a string of two-year-olds which flourish and this quartet of three-year-olds (a couple of fair sorts) worthy of your time and money.