Just to give people a freebie (because normally these posts are hidden until after the result) I will show one post every Friday, until the end of the year 2018.
Let's take a look at the significant horses going today.
12:50 Lingfield -
Difficult to know what to think about Orange Blossom. I have little doubt this chestnut filly has shown a high level of ability at home and reason why James Givens had her compete at pattern class. This daughter of Showcasing was dropped in class at Catterick last time out. Whether the soft(ish) ground didn't suit it is difficult to tell as it wasn't a particularly slow time. However, Orange Blossom was never travelling and ran pretty hopeless. She had the blinkers applied that day which have been removed. Were they the problem? It's a big question mark. Perhaps the all-weather surface will suit. At best, she has a leading chance but with a wide draw and so many unanswered questions you may be a brave soul to bet. I suspect, she will either win or be unplaced. Interested in seeing how this horse goes today because it is intriguing if not frustrating, too.
Orange Blossom 9/2 5th
Note: Another poor effort from Orange Blossom who has clearly regressed. Just shows how horses can go from talents to lesser lights all too quickly.
7:45 Wolverhampton -
James Park Wood is a decent two-year-old and well respected in the Beckett stable. This son of Australia was relatively fancied on debut but found himself in a very hot race (it was Group class). Stepping up to one mile second start, he did little wrong when losing by a head to a talented winner. Should go well although taking on a horse in Metatron who looked stunning on debut. Has to defy a win penalty.
James Park Wood 1/1 6th
Note: A disappointing effort. May have regressed.
8:15 Wolverhampton -
Readers may remember I noted Cadeau D'Amour because he was entered to run in the Brocklesby but wasn't seen until October! He didn't show any ability on debut and must have needed the run. However, there was a glimmer of hope next start at Nottingham when 66/1. It was a competitive enough race and this son of Camacho ran well in sixth, and given a relatively easy ride - pushed out hands and heels. There is always a fear that horses on their third start will be angled to nurseries. This factor may be a problem or not for this day. Isn't without a chance at 20/1 against a number of fancies who are racing for the first time.
Cadeau D'Amour 33/1 7th
Note: A big price and never really in contention. Looks like a nursery horse.
Let's have a look at today's significant entrants.
12:40 Nottingham -
We start with William Haggas' son of Kingman - Dalaalaat. This bay colt was fancied to go well on debut at Sandown over one mile. This May foal (quite late) was priced 3/1 He was quite weak in the betting that day drifting from an opening price of 9/4. In many respects, that indifference may have detailed that he needed the run. This strong colt finished fifth, beaten just over four lengths.
Cadeau D'Amour held an entry for the Brocklesby Stakes but wasn't seen until October. There must have been issues along the way He didn't show anything on debut. Sometimes horses can look horrendous on debut and spring a surprise next start. It is interesting he started his career at York. Priced 33/1. You'd have to take a watching brief unless a thrillseeker.
Dalaalaat 11/10f 1st
Cadeau D'Amour 66/1 6th
Note: A nice performance from Dalaalaat. A good-looking juvenile. Cadeau D'Amour ran better at huge odds in 6th.
5:45 Kempton -
Mark Johnston's Sky Defender has always been entered as though a very talented juvenile. I guess, within reason, this British-bred son of Farhh ran a great race on debut when a narrow, if not unlucky, loser. The second start saw him favourite for the Convivial Maiden Stakes at York. He clearly disappointed that day. Next time out at Musselburgh. I must admit I thought he would take a world of beating. He won at 8/11f but it was a matter of holding your breath and closing your eyes with a neck win. A stride or two more and it would have been bad news (for those who bet). An official rating of 88 saw his first nursery effort which proved a disappointment. Back to Auction Class with a win penalty. Just looks too many ifs and buts for my liking. Time will tell.
Sky Defender 7/2 3rd
Note: Sky Defender led but headed at the furlong pole. Tired in the closing stages and has some limitation under the penalty.
Plenty of class 2yo races to consider today.
Here is list to recap:
1:50 Newmarket (G)
2:05 York (N)
2:25 Newmarket (G)
3:15 York
3:35 Newmarket (G)
4:45 Newmarket
5:00 York
5:20 Newmarket
6:15 Wolverhampton (S)
7:45 Wolverhampton
Key: (G) Group race, (N) Nursery & (S) Selling race
We don't consider Group races as betting races (rarely) but simply enjoy them as a conclusion to the two-year-old journey for many quality horses (that we detail throughout the year).
3:15 York -
A Class 3 race so a good number of these are likely to have been given significant entries at some point. I am writing and reviewing at the same time - so we will see!
Exalted Angel was noted by Group Horse Daily before making her debut for Karl Burke. Starting her career over 5f at Nottingham, saw a pleasing first start. This Irish-bred daughter of Dark Angel ran well, closing nicely in the final furlong. Inexperience may well have cost her victory that day. This February foal should be wiser today. From a statistical point has very good each-way claims.
Decent price money going here so there is likely to be some opposition.
Richard Hannon's Spell is quite well regarded. She ran well on debut when narrowly foiled. Beaten at Listed class over course and distance. This Irish-bred daughter of Slade Power was outpaced but run on well that day. She had a prime draw at Kempton when stepping up to 6f. Travelled well and clung to the rail but was caught at the furlong pole. It was a slightly disappointing effort in ways. Considering Spell had been off course since early May it is possible she was in need of the run.
Broken Spear has been very busy this season. A true speedster, this gelding has run nine times and achieved one win when scooting clear by seven lengths. He has been a credit to Tony Coyle and been placed on numerous occasions. Most recently, far from disgraced at Listed class. Coming back to stakes class means having the win penalty as a burden which doesn't help matters. Likely to lead and hope to steal a few easy lengths, trying to hold on to grim death.
Tim Easterby does well at this course. Arletta Star was entered for a Listed race earlier in the year but didn't take that race. She wasn't fancied on debut but ran with some promise in fifth. Then beaten pretty easily into third by a couple of decent sorts over 6f at Haydock. Interesting to see this horse drop back in trip. Needs to find a lot of improvement but I do get the impression connections think she has some ability.
Conclusion: An interesting race. Exalted Angel has a decent chance and if an each-way price worthy of respect. Spell is difficult to assess. She may be better than seen as connections must think a bit of her. Broken Spear will do well to defy the win penalty. Probably set the pace and tire in the closing furlong. While Arletta Star needs to find a lot of improvement. A couple of other form horses [Angel Alexander & Skeetah] make it a race of some depth.
Broken Spear 4/1 1st
Angel Alexander 11/8f 2nd
Spell 7/1 3rd
Arletta Star 25/1 6th
Note: Broken Spear showed his pace and literally had the opposition on the ropes. A great performance under a penalty. Spell ran on well but needs a stiffer course. Exalted Angel proved disappointing.
4:45 Newmarket -
Charlie Hills has noted Rhossili Down. She ran well behind the ultra-talented Fashion's Star (who we noted in advance of debut).
Rhossili Down 11/2 9th
Note: Rhossili Down didn't do much. Interesting to see if she bounces back next start as this looks too bad to be true.
5:00 York -
Ralph Beckett has been in good form with his juveniles. Sam Cooke ran well on debut when beaten by a fair talent in Artois. Punters were left reeling when he was beaten by Ticklish at 2/5f. The pair beat the third by over ten lengths so it may have been the case Mark Johnston's winner is fair. That race was at auction class, as is this, so it should give plenty of opportunities to hit the frame.
Couldn't help but smile when I noticed Cadeau D'Amour running. Richard Fahey's son of Camacho was entered for the Brocklesby Stakes. See, how many people could tell you that piece of information? He cost £35,000 at the yearling sales. Now in the ownership of Middleham Park.
Sam Cooke 2/1 1st
Cadeau D'Amour 25/1 unp
Note: Sam Cooke had shown a level of ability and enjoyed a tidy success.
5:20 Newmarket -
William Haggas has Night Secret. This Irish-bred daughter of Dark Angel looked in need of the experience on debut. Been entered for a Class 2 stakes race which gives some confidence although far from the best in the stable.
Another filly with a similar entry is Richard Hannon's Star Of War. A big price on debut at Leicester behind stablemate Canton Queen. Ran a great race when stepping up to one mile at this course three weeks ago. The first two beat the rest well. She lost on the nod after a sustained battle with Peter Chapple-Hyam's Sh Boom. Interesting to see how this drop back in distance goes.
Star Of War 5/1 5th
Night Secret 10/1 8th
Note: Night Secret was very weak in the betting which suggested she wasn't good enough. Star Of War ran a respectable race.
6:15 Wolverhampton -
We don't, generally, take much notice of Selling races. Often it is to do with time so you should keep checking yourself. A couple of noted entrants. Bill Turner's Arthur's Spirit. Interesting to see Gay Kellway has Elieden still trying to get that first win after nine starts. Will it be tenth time lucky?
Elieden 5/1 8th
Arthur's Spirit 12/1 9th
Note: Elieden was slow away, bumped and then ran wide. No chance. Maybe capable of winning at this grade if/when something goes right. Arthur's Secret was very weak in the betting and out of form.