Sometimes talented horses look pretty poor on debut. That was certainly the case for Clive Cox's Red Armada who didn't show much ability on debut over course and distance. Group Horse Daily detailed this son of Invincible Spirit. He wasn't disgraced but didn't set the world alight when finishing fourth of seven at odds of 14/1. I didn't know what to think second start at Ascot. Considering this colt cost 120,000 euros at the yearling sales and had been given a significant entry I hadn't lost faith but wouldn't have bet beyond a speculative poke. This April foal ran very well finishing second to Prince Eiji who is a class juvenile. He lost by half a length but clear of the third. Interesting why he hasn't been seen for a few weeks. There was a lot to like about that performance. If touching each-way prices looks a good bet to hit the frame.
Red Armada 7/2 3rd
Note: The favourite won well. Red Armada was stuck behind horses and lost place manoeuvring. Ran on with purpose but should have gone a lot closer. Only just got going at the line in third. Worth noting next start.
4:05 Leicester -
Richard Hannon has given Come On Leicester an unending list of significant entries. In fact, this bay daughter of Kodiac has received no less than eighteen. She has achieved one win from seven starts. As those entries state, she has been highly tried racing at pattern class four times. She was meant to make that five but withdrawn at Haydock when the going turned heavy. Come On Leicester has run well at Group class so this is a marked drop in class. Considering all five horses here have won before, the win penalty is negated. I would imagine Hannon has been disappointed that this 360,000 guineas breeze-up purchase hasn't won at the highest level. With a rating of 94, this looks a fine opportunity.
As always, there are no easy races. This Class 3 race details a few live wires.
Mick Channon has been in great form all season. Gospel is lightly raced. She won by a neck on debut before heading to Ireland at Listed class. A creditable run in seventh but beaten less than five lengths. Once again, one of the better fillies in the stable.
Aquarius is a big price. Michael Appleby must have had high hopes for this Irish-bred daughter of Charm Spirit won on debut. She has been outclassed since.
Come On Leicester 9/4 1st
Gospel 6/4f 2nd
Aquarius 16/1 5th
Note: Come On Leicester made the most of this drop in class and showed her class. A nice performance by a horse which drifted markedly in the betting.
6:15 Kempton -
Interesting to see one of few juveniles noted by Charlie Fellows. Thanks Be was priced 20/1 on debut at Newbury over 7f. It was a very stiff race won by Fashion's Star, trained by Roger Charlton, and detailed by Group Horse as a real superstar. This daughter of Makhadram looks a good breeze-up purchase at 65,000 guineas. Beaten less than five lengths that day. A prime draw and dropping back a furlong. Fellows is a decent trainer with a small string of two-year-olds. He usually makes the most of his chances and this filly should go well.
Thanks Be 4/1 5th
Note: Tried to make the most from a low draw by leading. Looked to hold every chance coming into the final furlong but went backwards fast as the favourite sauntered by. Probably ran it's race in 5th but a disappointing effort in ways.