A few significantly-entered juveniles running today.
2:40 Southwell -
Bendy Spirit was given a Brocklesby Stakes entry. This son of Helmet wasn't particularly fancied in the betting on that occasions when the stable's first string [Show Me Show Me] won well for Ontoawinner syndicate. Bendy Spirit showed good pace but tired rapidly in the closing stages and finished nearer last than first. Better was seen next start at Pontefract. Alminoor ran out an easy winner. However, Bendy Spirit ran creditably, held up off the pace and finished with some spirit. A nice-looking colt, progressive, and is likely to show improved form today. The form of the Pontefract race has been franked to some extent. If Bendy Spirit drifts to decent odds [8/1+] could hold each way claims.
Mark Tompkin's Prosecutor is the other entrant and been backed from over 100/1 on the exchanges.
2:50 Newcastle -
Robert Cowell is a fair trainer and it is worth noting Strive For Glory has been given an entry for a class 2 race. In fact, this bay colt, a son of Dialled In, who cost $80,000, was earmarked to run at Ascot. Last year, Cowell had eight two-year-olds he identified as having a touch of class and the majority won in their formative season. It is telling that very few of Cowell's two-year-old debutantes win. Even when pretty fancied in the betting they have about a 10% chance of winning, although fair place claims. Strive For Glory is worth noting today but more for the future.
5:25 Windsor -
Interesting to note Jamie Osborne's two-year-olds this season have shown up pretty well on debut, which isn't always the case for his juveniles. Emten is a bay daughter of Bungleinthejungle in the ownership of Melbourne 10 Racing and a £36,000 yearling purchase. Once again, Osborne isn't known for two-year-old winners on their racing bow. However, he can hit the mark when they are priced 9/2 & less SP. If outside this price guide it is unlikely they will prevail.
Once again, Group Horse shows its worth with two winners on the day.
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.