Saturday's 2YO Update (20th October)

Not a bad day yesterday with most noted going well. It is worth noting that these are just detailed without even being selected as tips. The main horse on interest was Boston George who ran out a nice winner. I'm never too keen betting at short odds because you can never be sure. However, those who put the money down had few worries. A talented horse for everyday auction stakes. 

A quieter day. Just three two-year-old races for a Saturday. Unusual. In truth, it is good to have an easier weekend. Just one race with noted entrants.  

2:25 Catterick -

William Haggas has Ice Gala heading to Catterick Bridge. This bay filly is a daughter of Invincible Spirit out of a three-time winning mare, who achieved Listed success. Summerville Lodge has been in fine form all season. This March foal races in the familiar silks of Cheveley Park Stud, not surprisingly a homebred. She has run three times to date. I imagine connections are scratching their head why she hasn't won thus far. A beaten favourite on her last two starts. To be fair, she has been unlucky to bump into a few good horses. A half-length loser on debut at Newmarket. Then returned to headquarters, stepping up to 7f, and losing by a head to Sir Michael Stoute's Layaleena. Most recently, found another deep race when fourth behind Fashion's Star who looks a Group Horse [as we detailed before debut]. So, on balance, Ice Gala has a little more than antifreeze running through her veins. A short price here. Soft ground. Not my kind of bet but really should lead these a merry dance. 

Interesting to note Arletta Star. Tim Easterby gave this filly a Listed entry before her debut. This British-bred daughter of Bated Breath has shown glimmers of ability in her three starts to date. Intriguing why connections are racing here when she has an official rating of just 64. It would make sense to go the handicap route. However, there may be a reason for this curve-ball approach. The only real hope for this filly showing more today is stepping up to 7f, especially with the testing going. Five furlongs has been too fast. A better effort at six furlongs behind a couple of decent types. That race may have flattered her although it may have hidden an element of ability. All I can say is that if you see this filly is priced huge odds on the exchanges, she may be worth a small each-way bet. It is a longshot but not impossible especially if the going churns up. 

Ice Gala 4/11 1st
Arletta Star 10/1 3rd

Note: Effortless victory for Ice Gala. Arletta Star ran a fair race to take third. She was quite well backed from 20/1. 

No 2yo racing on Sunday