Wednesday 11 September 2019

Charlie Appleby's Lazuli to Win at Doncaster


I guess I'm tempting fate with that title.

Charlie Appleby's colt made a sparkling debut at Newmarket well over a month ago. Readers may remember this son of Dubawi as he fairly hurtled home. 

His appearance coincided with the release of our respected 10 Dark Horse Mailing. 

The timing was no coincidence. 

As it happened, we had three class two-year-olds from our prized list competing in the same race. I'm sure you watched the performance. (Lazuli, Ziggle Pops & Skontonovski). They finished 1st, 3rd & 5th, respectively). Skotonoviski finished second next start when looking the winner, while Ziggle Pops managed, finally, to win in splendid isolation on his last start at Brighton. As the saying goes: ''There are no easy races''.

If you wish to learn more about our free 10 Dark Horse Mailing then take a moment to visit Group Horse. We have glowing testimonials. It's no surprise when you see the calibre of the horses we identify before debut. 

Lazuli, a good-looking colt, powered up the Newmarket hill to finish a comfortable winner. 

1:50 Doncaster - [Wednesday]

Only a four-runner race over 6f, but a fair test for Lazuli who is likely to go off favourite. I imagine he will start odds-on. 

These Class 2 Stakes races often lack in numbers. However, the first prize of £11,205 and Plus 10 Race (which gives an additional £10,000 to qualifiers) is up for grabs. The three horses in opposition are very talented in their own right. 

Lampang was fancied to go well on debut for Tim Easterby. Connections must have been hoping for a big run. In general, Easterby has a very poor strike rate with his debutantes, even those starting at very short odds. So it is a promising sign for this colt to win, coming from a long way off the pace, bursting on the scene in the final furlong to win well enough. The second horse, trained by Tom Dascombe, stepped up to a mile next start and won in style. 

I may be completely wrong, but I wouldn't be betting on Lampang to beat Lazuli. 

Mistry Grey is one of the better juveniles in Mark Johnston's stable. Those who take a look at the trainer significant entries will see this of Dark Angel has a list almost as long as your arm. He won impressively at Ripon before being highly tried at Group class. I can see him setting off at a bold pace and playing catch me if you can. A rating of 99 shows he is a Listed horse if not a Group winner waiting to happen. 

Brad the Brief is fielded by Tom Dascombe. A good-looking son of Dutch Art, he won on debut at Bath over five furlongs. This looks a step up in class. It never pays to limit a winner, but this March foal will need to be one of the best in the stable to lower the colours of the favourite. 

This is a fascinating race to enjoy. Hopefully, if Misty Grey sets a decent pace, it won't turn into a tactical affair. Will I be betting in this race? No. Simply because I feel I can find easier opportunities elsewhere at prohibitive odds. However, if Lampang is the major threat in the betting I think Appleby's horse will take some stopping. 

Very close!!!!!