Four two-year-old race for Monday.
I will have a quick rundown of the three major races, simply pinpointing the entered juveniles and giving my thoughts on any form horses or those with significant stats.
To be fair, a couple of the races look very strong for the grade and I can imagine most of the trainers were fancying their chance until they looked at the opposition.
Still, someone has to win.
2:15 Thirsk -
Maybe worth letting the betting settle if you want to get stuck into this as it looks a tough nut of a race to crack.
Toro Strike ran in a very good race on debut. This son of Toronado was thrown in the deep end by Richard Fahey but this attractive colt ran a fine race for connections Al Shaqab Racing. Although a 33/1 shot, this March foal found his stride after showing inexperience to finish just three lengths behind Temple Of Heaven et al. As far as form goes, this horse will take some beating. However, at short odds I wouldn't fall into the trap of thinking there will be little in the way of opposition.
Michael Dods' Leapers Wood, racing in the familiar silks of David Armstrong, ran a sound race on debut at Carlisle, a race that had a little bit of class. This son of Garswood was slow away but finished with panache. The winner, Rayong, was earmarked for the Woodcote Stakes, while the second, Dragon Command, took its chance at Epsom, although beaten a long way by the winner, Pinatubo, who could be a class act. In some respects, that result shows a slight weakness in the form. However, Leapers Wood was finishing well on debut and looks certain to enjoy this extra furlong.
To add to the mix, Oso Rapido was fancied to go well on debut at Ripon, when steamrollered by Misty Grey, who ran in the Woodcote Stakes, finishing third, after showing bright speed for most and may have gone a stride too fast. David O'Meara has a decent string of two-year-olds and I'm confident they like this son of Kodiac. He wasn't given a hard time when Misty Grey had the race won after going clear at Ripon. I imagine connections of Oso Rapido thought they were heading to the Garden Racecourse to celebrate a win. In addition, the stable has decent stats for their fancied juveniles second start.
It doesn't stop there.
Karl Burke has been a little bit hit and miss this season with his two-year-olds but they are worthy of respect on their second start. No Mercy is an attractive if not a small son of Sepoy. He looks well put together and in good condition for his debut at Hamilton. He was half fancied in the betting that day but struggled to keep tabs on the more experienced favourites, but ran on with some spirit to suggest this extra furlong would be in his favour. Once again, if fancied in the betting, holds respectable stats.
Bryan Smarts Dancinginthesand couldn't cope with Archie Watson's Exceclusive, who won well on debut at Beverley. Smart's youngster may improve for this step up in distance and could be a threat today if priced 13/2 & less SP. That looks unlikely but if it happens, it would add to the competitive nature of this race.
Conclusion: It is often the case there are no easy races. And this race is very much an example of this point. Toro Strike may have ample ability and beat these horses without much fuss. However, this race isn't uncompetitive, which is what you want when betting short odds if not odds-on. Leapers Wood, Oso Rapido and No Mercy have ability. If all are priced 13/2 & less SP I would respect them to put down a challenge. Even Dancinginthesand may be involved although I suspect it will be out of the four. A fascinating race. There will be winners coming from those who hit the frame. If Toro Strike is backed to odds on, it may give some hope for others as an each-way alternative. That may be the safer option although I do respect Toro Strike as being a hard horse to beat.
No time to write about the other races other than a quick note:
6:00 Windsor -
Paul Cole's Atlantic Crossing has been given a significant entry. This 55,000 guinea yearling purchase is in the ownership of Christopher Wright, who is no fool when it comes to talented two-year-olds. I can't imagine they gave this colt an entry for a laugh. Also, Cole has a few two-year-old with a touch of ability, which must have helped give a line. In general, very few of their debutantes win when priced over 8/1 SP. The stable do well at this course and a horse I would respect.
Gypsy Rocker showed no ability on debut but worthy of a second glance. It is interesting why Meehan gave this Irish-bred son of Slade Power two Class 2 entries. It suggests the horse had been showing ability. It may be the case it just disappointed on debut and better will be seen today. A low draw is not a bad starting point and priced at 40/1 may be worth a speculative punt if drifting to crazy odds on the exchanges. I really don't know what to think about this colt but he may show more this time.
6:15 Wolverhampton -
Significantly entered juveniles: Homespin, is liked by connections. Sun Power ran in a Class 2 race at York on debut and could be better than seen, especially as he started favourite that day. Stepping up in distance may be the key.
Although unentered at this time, Royal Council is likely to show more today. James Tate's son of Clodovil is a handsome colt with size and scope.