We can only try, hey.
1:35 Ascot -
We start off with a horse that's been detailed on our 10 Dark Horse Mailing. Charlie Appleby's Magical Illusion. This bay colt is a home-bred son of Dubawi is out of a talented mare in Pimpernel, which many of you may remember when trained by the disgraced Mahmood Al Zarooni. She won four races from eleven starts including a Listed race. Total prize earnings just under £100,000. Magical Illusion is definitely one of the better two-year-olds in the stable. Debutantes are never easy to assess but this April foal is likely to go well.
Richard Hannon's Production won on debut and clearly held in some regard by connections. This British-bred son of Oasis Dream will appreciate a step up in distance. A win penalty does make life difficult. A good few horses have struggled to give weight away this season and if Magical Illusion is very classy it will be even more difficult. However, he is a proven winner with valuable experience and that counts for a lot.
As usual, no hiding place. Repaupo has been noted by John Gosden. This American-bred son of Quality Road races in the familiar silks of George Strawbridge. He is homebred. Gosden's debutantes can go well when priced 13/2 & less SP.
Fox Power is well respected in Hannon's stable A beaten favourite on both starts.
Sheila's Showcase has been noted by Denis Coackly but has a stiff task with a winning penalty.
In addition, Fox Leicester has been noted by Andrew Balding. Was quite fancied in the betting but ran no race on debut. Has been off course for one hundred plus days. A huge price but may be capable of better.
Conclusion: This looks like a stiff race. Plenty of respected juveniles. Magical Illusion is well regarded and sure he has ability. Whether you want to bet at 6/4 is a matter of opinion. An intriguing race.
2:00 Thirsk -
Although not significantly entered, Lieutenant Silver has respectable win and place claims. Maybe of interest if available at each-way prices.
2:10 Ascot -
George Margarson doesn't have many two-year-olds in his string but Model Guest is a lovely filly who deserves to get a win under her belt. This daughter of Showcasing has run a number of sterling races. With an official rating of 93, she is a consistent type.
Shambolic was made favourite on debut and won by a neck. Gosden has given this daughter of Shamardal a significant entry. Once again, life gets more difficult when shouldering a winning penalty.
Air Force Amy has been entered for a Class 2 race, which gives an aspect of confident. However, very few of their debutantes win when priced over 8/1 SP.
Conclusion: Doesn't look much value regarding the two favourites. I would take a watching brief.