A few races to review:
2:00 Goodwood -
Richard Hannon has a vast string of two-year-olds. I get the feeling Al Wafi has been a touch disappointing. This son of Helmet was backed on debut but never figured at Lingfield. Clearly, the trip was too short. This bay colt showed improvement next time out when stepping up to 7f. Connections gave this juvenile an entry for the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) but that looks a misjudgment. However, the stable is trying to find the key to improvement and this distance over one mile may bring further hope. Not without a hope.
3:25 Yarmouth -
Racing on the Norfolk coast. Brian Meehan hasn't really hit the high notes this season with his two-year-olds. That factor shows in the limited number which has been given significant entries. No Way Hose is just one of five horses worthy of note in the stable. He managed to win the third start after two creditable finishes at headquarters. His victory over Shorter Skirt was a fair effort. A win penalty will make life harder, especially if one of the newcomers has a level of ability.
The first of the debutantes worthy of note is William Haggas' Mubtasimah. This bay daughter of Dark Angel cost 160,000 euros at the yearling sales (65,000 Guinea foal). Now in the ownership of Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum. Interesting to note this is the only filly Haggas has entered for the Cheveley Park Stakes (Group 1). He does well at Yarmouth and looks well found in the betting. Debutantes are difficult to assess and trainers rarely want to give them a hard race. Definitely one of the major hopes.
Jeremy Noseda isn't having a vintage year with his two-year-olds. That point alone brings a few question marks and may limit the ability of Quasar. However, even a relatively poor string can unveil a talent and reason why this American-bred son of Orb is worthy of some interest. The owner, Marc Keller, is no stranger to very talented horses which adds to significance. This breeze-up purchase cost $250,000 (actually bought by the owner). A Rockfell Stakes (Group 2) entry gives further hope. The stable can ready a juvenile to win on its racecourse bow. The betting is the best sign here. Very few of the stable's debutantes win when priced over 8/1.
Conclusion: An intriguing race. No Way Hose sets a decent standard - fit and ready to roll. The weight penalty is the issue. It seems hard work for winners to defy these penalties. Whether a winner or not depends on the quality of the debutantes. I'm confident Mubtasimah has the ability to win this season. If touching each-way odds could be a decent bet. It's difficult to know what to think about Quasar. The lack of quality two-year-olds in the stable may indicate a lesser juvenile. However, he was a relatively costly buy, well owned and a good jockey booking. If priced 8/1 & less, I would give this horse the benefit of the doubt.