Monday 15 April 2019

Bendy Spirit Returns after Brocklesby Stakes Debut


2:20 Pontefract - 

The Brocklesby Stakes is the only significant entry we have to work with at this moment. However, the race has resulted in a couple of fair types. Certainly, the winner Show Me Show Me, in the familiar silks of Ontoawinner, looks a decent prospect and David Evans Zulu Zander ran out an easy winner at Leicester. In fact, the Brocklesby Stakes sixth, seventh & eighth has all run respectably on their second and third starts. That brings us to Bendy Spirit who finished ninth on debut at Doncaster. Similarly trained as Show Me Show Me by Richard Fahey, this son of Helmet showed bright speed but tired markedly in the closing stages to finish thirteen lengths behind the winner. As far as form goes, it didn't look the most illuminating result. On the upside, Bendy Spirit was priced at odds of 14/1, which may suggest he was in need in the race. The style of the run gave that impression too. Being on the sidelines for just over two weeks should be ample time to have this colt primed for the day and that valuable experience will be to his advantage. 

Richard Fahey's Brocklesby entrants/runners from previous years have been up to winning standard, which gives Bendy Spirit some hope. Also, Pontefract is a course the trainer has done well with his juveniles, especially on their second start. 

I suspect Bendy Spirit will run a better race today although there is plenty of competition from the two favourites with Mark Johnston's Alminoor looking a talent when narrowly foiled on debut at Musselburgh, while Danny Ocean, trained by Karl Burke in the Onetoawinner silks, is sure to improve a good deal on his first start at Leicester where he looked ring rusty but ran on with verve.

All three horses are worthy of respect. Shame this race isn't for three places because it would bring a few options. Personally, I will be taking a watching brief unless Danny Ocean or Bendy Spirit drift to much bigger odds.