Whenever we mention a potentially talented two-year-old on our 10 Dark Horse Mailing it is simply a matter of time before they win. It sounds a bold statement, but all of our readers (even the quiet ones) are looking at our list and thinking: ''How do they do it?''
I'm sure many readers were eagerly awaiting the 2:10 Leicester because we had one of the ten going.
William Haggas sent Surf Dancer to the East Midlands course to take part in the Longines Irish Champions Weekend EBF Novice Stakes (Plus 10). Racing over 7f on the rain-softened ground (good to soft), this bay colt, a son of Lope De Vega, and 260,000 euro yearling purchase, pleased connections with a dominant performance, stretching clear in the final furlong under a confident ride from Daniel Tudhope. The owners, China Horse Club/Ballylinch Stud will be eyeing up the Racing Calendar for a tilt at Group Class before long.
Surf Dancer made amends for a slightly disappointing debut at Ascot, over 6f, where the 13/2 shot had no luck in running when short of room and checked when making a challenge.
Those who have been following our 10 Dark Horse Mailing have witnessed the strength of our approach in detailing not just talented two-year-old horses but those which make the headlines and fulfil their potential by competing at the highest level.
The majority of these horses were given before setting hoof on the racecourse, while the likes of Surf Dancer had one run and still unproven on course.
What did we say about Surf Dancer? Next two starts result in two authoritative wins. William Haggas' two-year-old will be going for a Pattern race very soon.
Surf Dancer (William Haggas) 5/11
Here is a list of the horses to have run:
Lazuli (Charlie Appleby) 11/10F 1ST
Effortless winner on debut at Newmarket and will be racing at pattern class soon.
Surf Dancer (William Haggas) 4/7F 1ST
Noted after disappointing on debut as a potentially smart two-year-old and one of the best in the stable. Won ''comfortably'' the second start by three lengths.
Ziggle Pops (Richard Hannon) 15/2 3RD
I specifically detailed this son of Zoffany after finishing nearer last than first on debut and hoping he would be a big priced winner. Backed from 12/1, he ran a fine race, finishing in the third position behind Lazuli.
Form update: /34 (capable juvenile will be winning)
Persuasion (Charles Hills) 16/1 1ST
If the other horses didn't impress (I know they did) then Persuasion was named to make an impact. Racing in the familiar silks of Mrs Susan Roy, this expensive son of Acclamation won with authority on debut at Goodwood, making his presence felt in a Class 2 Stakes with win prize money of £18,903. I received a lot of comments about this horse and readers astounded by the quality of our information. I had a decent bet on this horse and he will be competing at the highest level.
Form update: 16 (raced at Group class)
Skontonovski (Richard Spencer) 7/2 5TH
Would you consider this a disappointing effort? In all seriousness, I don't think so because this son of Harbour Watch will most likely win on his second start. He was very well backed on debut at Newmarket when (you guessed it) competing against Lazuli and Ziggle Pops. He ran a fine race after being impeded at the start and made steady progress in the closing stages to finish a creditable fifth with the race comments: ''Capable of better''.
So there you have it, the first five horses of our 10 Dark Horse Mailing have performed exceptionally well. To be honest, if you asked any top-class tipster or racing pundit to pick 10 two-year-olds and compared our list with theirs I'm pretty sure you would be interested in more of Group Horse.
Form update: 52
Throne Hall (Kevin Ryan) 11/4 3RD
I forgot about this runner, so an update to the original post. This son of Kingman was well backed for his debut at Haydock over 7f on good to firm going. Andrea Atzeni gave this colt a positive ride and for a debutante, he showed few signs of inexperience. Throne Hall led at the furlong pole and looked to hold every chance but pegged back by a couple of fair juveniles finishing third, losing by just over one length, beating the fourth in good style. Will be winning this season.
Looking forward to the next four.
Join our mailing list by visiting Group Horse.