6:00 Newcastle -
Interesting. This is why you need to take note of Group Horse. It details potentially smart juveniles - before they have raced. Roger Charlton has a few nice prospects this season, especially the likes of Fashion's Star who we detailed on one of our 10 Dark Horse Mailings along with other gifted two-year-olds (most before debut). Headman has been on our radar for some time. This British-bred son of Kingman is out of a French-winning mare who raced just three times. Headman is definitely one of the better juveniles at Beckhampton House Stables. Most of Charlton's debutantes go well when starting favourite.
As I always say, there are few easy races. That point can be seen with another significantly entered horse in opposition. Repaupo has the advantage of two runs, setting the standard. This bay colt, a son of Quality Road, is owned and bred by George Strawbridge. Big odds-on backers may have shivers running down their spine as we reflect on his last defeat at 1/5f. The problem of betting prohibitive odds is that you can't really return from such a loss. Time may tell that he bumped into a rare talent in Tom Dascombe's Metatron who was fancied in the marked. Repaupo never looked like a winner that day and pushed along mid-division. By the time he found his stride, the winner had flown with Pegasus wings. Gosden's charge ran better on debut and he may simply have disappointed. There will be no excuses today.
Headman 8/13f 1st
Repaupo 15/8 2nd
Note: ''What did we say?'' Once again, Group Horse proves its class with an effortless less debut winner. Repaupo finishes second.
7:15 Wolverhampton -
Simon Crisford is a talented trainer. He is good at placing his juveniles. Aluqair was given a Class 2 Stakes race entry before his debut at Nottingham over 6f. This son of Kodiac run well considering he was hampered at the start. A touch of inexperience, too. The first four that day were clear of the fourth. Looks the type to put down a decent effort.
Aluquair 5/2 5th
Note: Well backed but ran a very disappointing race. Difficult to see in running but keen, which didn't help. I know riding a horse isn't easy but when going four wide on a turning course a Group Horse would struggle to win. A combination of factors details that this run is best forgotten. Much better than this which should be seen next time out.