The two-year-old racing season has started. Not in the Brocklesby Stakes 2019, but over the Channel, Saint-Cloud, France. Not the biggest surprise as a few 'early-bird trainers' are looking for every angle to win decent prize money and £10,360.36 tempted three British trainers to the bog-like conditions of this racecourse situated near Paris. The racecourse has a rich heritage dating back to 1901, built by politician and horse/owner-breeder Edmund Blanc (1856-1920). In French, it is familiarly called the Hippodrome de Saint-Cloud. It hosts a number of high-profile races including the Group One Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud held in late June or the first week of July. Readers may remember the Criterium de Sant-Cloud takes place in November. Today's action saw three British raiders send two-year-olds to take part in the Prix le Marche (Claimer) over a four-and-a-half furlong, on heavy going. See the full result 1:00 Saint-Cloud (FR)
Twelve two-year-olds competed in challenging conditions in a winning time of 56.37s (slow by 7.17s). In a blanket finish, Throttle Control, trained by J-V Toux won by a short neck from The Nile Song who was a nose in front of favourite Wedding Proposal (41/10f). The best of the British trio saw Jo Hughes' Panthera Tigris, ridden by Georgia Dobie (3lb claimer), who finished sixth, beaten just over four lengths. This daughter of Heeraat (not two until the 31st March) gained the following race comment: ''Chased leaders on inner, outpaced and driven halfway, kept on under hands and heels final furlong.'' Next best came George Bakers' Captain Tatman (58/10) who finished seventh, ridden by Theo Bachelot, who was just a quarter of a length behind Panthera Tigris. This bay gelding is a January foal, sired by Olympic Glory is out of an unraced mare. Race comments detailed: ''Midfield towards centre of track, outpaced and driven halfway, stayed on inside final furlong, never in contention.'' Mick Channon, who won the Brocklesby Stakes in 2018 with Izzer, fielded Gift Account (11/2) an April foal, sired by Captain Gerrard out of a poor mare who raced five times without being placed. Gift Account finished ninth, beaten over ten lengths. Race comments stated: ''Pressed leaders, driven and edged right 1 1/2f from home, weakened final furlong.'' Gift Account showed good pace until tiring in the closing stages. It will be interesting to see if any of these early two-year-olds go for the 2019 Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster's Lincoln Meeting. It would seem an ideal opportunity making use of this vital racecourse experience. If you want to know the best two-year-old racehorses in training, learn more by visiting Group Horse, experts in understanding the best horse from stables big and small.
A quick rundown of Wednesday's noted juveniles: 2:00 Catterick - A restricted race type. The sole significant entrant is Gingersdunthelot who has shown limited ability in five starts to date. With a lowly official rating of just 61 (selling class) there seems little hope David Loughnane's son of Sir Prancealot can do much here. This chestnut colt ran down the field in the Brocklesby Stakes after showing good pace. That was the first and last of his significant entries. In truth, this update is simply for reference. Gingersdunthelot hasn't run for nearly three months which may give a glimmer of hope for this 33/1 shot. Connections may decide to make the running, so, potentially, could touch shorter prices in running. However, you would have to be an optimist to bet. Simply interesting to see how this juvenile fares after this lengthy absence.
1:55 Doncaster - 6 1/2f (Good to firm) New Winds ran well to win on debut. He was given an entry for the Woodcote Stakes but takes his chance here for Mark Johnston. This chestnut filly - a daughter of New Approach - has to defy a winner's penalty. Richard Hannon has the expensive breeze up but Fox Champion making his debut. This son of Kodiac cost 420,000G. In the familiar silks of King Power Racing Co Ltd. 2:30 Doncaster - 6 1/2f (Good to firm) Artistic Rifles was meant to run the other week but withdrawn before going into the stalls. Charlie Hills isn't a trainer to give his juveniles entries for no reason. I think there was a bit of money for this colt when a non runner. Interesting to see what Langholm can do after a two month lay-off. Readers may remember he was made favourite for the Brocklesby Stakes. He was struggling in the early stages and finished last. There must have been an issue. The absence gives evidence to that point. Interesting to note that this son of Dark Angel steps up in distance. 7:00 Chepstow - 5f (Soft) Just four runners but three entrants: Big Boots, Temple Of Wonder & Tizwotitiz. 7:10 Lingfied - (Good to soft) Thegreyvtrain races yesterday at Bath so she is unlikely to take part.
The Wooden Spoon Charity Stakes over 6f on good to firm going. One of eight two-year-olds will receive the wooden spoon. Two horses with racecourse experience. One horse has a significant entry. Scott Dixon isn't the easiest trainer to second guess but Champagne Mondays was given a Brocklesby Stakes entry but didn't take part. This chestnut son is sired by Milk It Mick out of a ten-time winning mare (who wasn't a talented but a battling handicapper). This home bred is priced 20/1. Be interesting to see if there is any money for this horse as the stable like to bet if they have a chance. Scott Dixon won the Brocklesby back in 2014 with Cock Of The North, who raced at a high level including placed at Group 2. Not the type of horse I would rush out to bet but interesting in its own way.