Makes a change as there is far too much racing for my liking.
The only race with significant entries is:
6:15 Chelmsford -
6f totepool Cashback Club At totesport.com Novice Stakes (Plus 10 Race) (Class 4) (2yo)
Going: Standard
Runners: 10
Analysis:
Not bad prize money for this race at £6,081. It's perhaps a touch surprising that the favourite, Fognini, hasn't been given the nod. I guess Archie Watson is happy enough to contest these Novice Stakes for now.
We have two significantly entered juveniles here. Both look less than promising in their formative starts. However, I've seen plenty of horses look pretty mediocre before flapping those Pegasus wings.
Sir Michael Stoute noted Khafooq, although this son of Kodiac hasn't really shone so far. He isn't anywhere close to the better talents in the stable that readers have noted such as Snagarius, Laylaleena & Almania. Khafooq was a marked drifter on debut and finished last. As I have said before, very few of Stoute's debutantes win when priced over 13/2 SP. Obviously, some do but they are usually the exception to the rule and often very classy horses. I think punters gave this bay colt the benefit of the doubt when returning to Leicester. He showed pace for a few furlongs but dropped away tamely. He was given a few hefty reminders which helped for half a furlong before all was lost. It was a pretty lifeless performance to be fair. Unless he has disappointed on both starts [not impossible] improvement is needed. A low draw is a positive. I wouldn't be interested in betting.
The other juvenile noted here looks even less inspiring. However, even the best of horses can run poorly on debut. I've seen plenty finish last on debut and turn out to be very talented juveniles. It is a strange fact that when a horse finishes a disappointing last [especially when fancied in the betting] they are worth noting the second start. So who are we talking about? Shining Armor, trained by John Ryan. This bay gelding, a son of Morpheus, is out of a limited but four-times winning mare. Breeding would suggest he wants further. He cost just £16,000 at the breeze-up sales, now in the ownership of Gerry McGladery, who is a good patron to this stable. Ryan sent this horse to make his debut at Yarmouth over 5f. He showed up for a while before dropping out of contention. He wasn't fancied in the betting at 20/1. This gelding was given an entry for the Champagne Stakes (Group 2). Is that a sign of ability? Time will tell. At odds of 50/1 it is a huge price. A wide draw isn't ideal for this turning course.
Interesting.