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!!!!!

2YO Update: Mark Johnston's Iffraaz Shines on Debut at Carlisle

It's been a few quiet days since our last update. 

Life isn't as leisurely as it seems with so much work going on behind the scenes. However, as readers, I know you want to learn more about the best two-year-old (2yo) horses in training. I have little doubt you will appreciate the information we detail on these pages does just that. 

Whether I am serene or shouting from the rafters, all the information you need lies within this website.

Let's take a quick look at a few significantly-entered juveniles that have shown ability over the last few days. 

31st May - 

Iffraaz made a smart debut in heavy ground at Carlisle [1:10]. A big drifter in the market from 11/4 - 4/1 didn't stop this son of Iffraaj from winning comfortably by two-and-a-quarter lengths. A depleted field of six two-year-olds probably set a decent level with Hurstwood, finishing runner-up, while Declan Carroll's Kilham, who received a Brocklesby Stakes entry early season, weakened into third place after setting the pace. I think both Johnston's and Carroll's juveniles here will be making their presence felt this season. It is very likely Hurstwood will receive a significant entry, too.   

Take a look at the race result here. 

31st May - 

The Woodcote Stakes always fields talented early juveniles and this year was no exception with a small line up but a worthy test. The race featured very good win prize money of £37,350. Which must be on par with Listed races, if not Group class. 

Charlie Appleby has a nice string of two-year-olds (they keep winning) and Pinatubo had scored nicely on debut when clear of the second, who has since franked the form. This son of Shamardal started even-money favourite for this Class 2 Stakes. Hold-up tactics were employed as Misty Grey set the fractions with a bold front-running performance. I wonder if he went a stride too fast! Anyway, Pinatubo ran past Johnston's charge in the closing furlongs, to win, from a fast-finishing Oh Purple Reign. 

Another win for Pinatubo who could be heading for the Coventry Stakes 2019. Check out the betting with you local bookmakers. 

1st June - 

Another Class 2 Stakes race. It's a funny thing how trainers complain about prize money and so often these more valuable prizes feature a poor turnout. No doubt this had something to do with the ground turning to good to soft at Musselburgh. Just three entered juveniles took part. The outsider of three is a maxim often used to find a winner (statistically it is wrong). John Ryan is a canny trainer who knows the score and his entered juveniles on Group Horse are mostly up to winning a race in their two-year-old career. Bill Neigh, a relatively cheap 2yo breeze-up purchase at 27,000 guineas, was backed from 25/1 on the exchanges and returned 7/1 SP with bookmakers. This son of Mustajeeb must have a touch of ability winning by three lengths. Karl Burke's She Looks Like Fun disappointed so, in truth, it was a two-horse race, with My Kinda Day to beat. It will be intriguing to see how Bill Neigh goes next time out. The opportunity is there but still much to prove. 

Always plenty to consider. 

2:10 Nottingham - 

Just one race for Sunday. 

I will take a quick look to see if we have any significantly-entered two-year-olds running. 

Richard Hannon has Beignet taking her chance on this third start. This daughter of Canford Cliffs can run well enough on debut while her second start at Nottingham looked slightly disappointing. The form of that race has been franked with the likes of Lady Fanditha (Clive Cox), Daddies Diva (Rod Millman) & Flippa The Strippa (Charles Hills) all showing ample ability. This fast five-furlongs should be in her favour as she has plenty of pace. Likely to lead. 

The only other significant entry in this race is Charles Hills' Walton Thorns who actually raced in the Brocklesby Stakes. This son of Zebedee was priced 10/1 on debut at Doncaster but failed to show much ability at all finishing second from last [a seventeen-strong field] some 31 lengths behind the winner Show Me Show Me. 

Perhaps that run was too bad to be true. I can only imagine it was. Second start Walton Thorns was made a 66/1 shot, stepping up to 6f. This bay colt was very keen that day but held the lead until tiring rapidly in the final furlong. 

Not the easiest horse to assess and the stable may well be thinking about nursery races rather than trying too hard here. I am interested to see how he goes as there may be a glimmer of hope if some crazy prices are available on the exchanges.  However, it would be a leap of faith and the type of horse to either win or lose miserably. 

Although not receiving a significant entry, as yet, William Haggas' Al Aakif has very good claims if starting favourite. The stable debutantes' details statistics which suggest they either win or finish unplaced. 

Saturday's 2yo Update (18th May)

Friday's post showed the power of not only Group Horse but analysis. 

Four two-year-olds races for Saturday. 

4:15 Newbury

A Class 2 race so all these are significantly entered. Looks a hot race with five winning debutantes and unbeaten so far. Interesting to see Wesley Wards Joker on Jack who won ''very easily'' on debut over four-and-a-half furlongs at Keeneland, America. This son of Declaration Of War will have plenty of speed to burn. 

Other winners include Well Of Wisdom, Fort Myers, Temple Of Heaven & Firepower, who we forwarding on our first mailing list. 

 An exceptionally difficult race to assess. I enjoy these contests from a purists perspective, as I would suggest you should have bet on these to win on debut rather than second time out. However, each to their own. 

The winner will have big claims when heading to Royal Ascot 2019. 

The only other significantly-entered two-year-old running today can be found in the following race:

2:10 Thirsk - 

Richard Fahey has a decent string of juveniles and a few fair winners. 

Jaunty is the sole entrant noted here. This bay daughter of Acclamation races in the familiar ownership of Cheveley Park Stud. She is out of a winning mare who raced at Group class when trained by Jeremy Noseda. This homebred is of interest as this owner/trainer partnership often go well and notably at this course. 

What do we make of Jaunty's chance here? The betting at the time of writing has this filly priced 10/1. The stable do have a few debut winners go in at big odds which is more than many handlers. They can win at 10/1. In fact, they have had over a dozen two-year-old debutantes win from 14/1 - 40/1 over the last few years (not saying how many years as I don't like to reveal too much data). If priced 13/2 & less SP would increase hopes. 

This looks a difficult race and I would need to assess the betting to appreciate the strength and weakness of the leading fancies who, at this time, don't have significant entries. It doesn't mean they won't - most will. 

To appreciate the assessment of any race brings many variables and reason why a horse may win or lose. In addition, all horses have the potential to defy the odds. 

Charlie Appleby is a trainer who can win with debut two-year-olds. You don't need me to tell you that. Although there are many high-profile trainers who you may think take all the beating when fancied in the betting which I can prove isn't the case. Althiqua is a homebred daughter of Dark Angel. From a statistical point of view has strong claims. 

This factor also applies to Archie Watson's Endless Joy. I was at Great Yarmouth with my brother when this daughter of Showcasing was sent off 4/6f. I think connections Clipper Logistics thought she would win well. This 90,000 guineas yearling purchase is a good-looking bay. She travelled like the winner for most. However, inexperience proved costly and by the time she got organised the race was lost - beaten by a couple of fair juveniles in Companion and Quiet Place. Both have been beaten since, although they are very capable horses in their own right. Endless Joy will be wiser for that first start and you will see a more vigorous ride on this occasion. 

To add to the melee we have another debutante worthy of note for James Tate. This bay daughter of More Than Ready is a recent breeze-up purchase costing 230,000 guineas. Nasaiym has been backed on the exchanges, with a few punters taking odds as big at 10/1. The betting for this stable's debutantes is often revealing. I'm not going to say the betting guide because it isn't in my interests. As with all information and understanding it doesn't just appear and that is why you keep coming back to read what we detail because it goes far and above what others detail as ''information''. 

Conclusion: A fascinating race. To understand to a higher level I would be looking at the betting closer to the off. It may give enough support to see a weakness in one of the favourites. Unless Althiqua and Endless Joy drift markedly in the betting they are the horses to beat. Nasaiym could well be a major player if certain factors come into play. Jaunty may hold claims. Richard Fahey is one trainer who can win with debutantes at big odds, which gives her some hope. 

A very intriguing race. 

3:50 Newmarket - 

Interesting to see that Richard Hannon has Willa here with a couple of Class 2 stakes race entries. A huge price here at over 30/1 on the exchanges. I imagine it is seen as their second string to Falconidea. Willa may well be second string, although Hannon's aren't beyond pulling a number at times. 

If you enjoy reading these posts then please remember that giving and receiving are a two-way road. Simply share this post because it makes a difference to why I should bother to write. I don't mean to be blunt, but I don't need to write any of these posts. I do it for those who read. 

George Scott's Strong Power takes on Godolphin Quartet

2:25 Newmarket - 

As detailed many times thus far, we have just one significant entry to glean information and that's the Brocklesby Stakes. Don't worry, we will have much more information coming as the season progresses. To be fair, the Brocklesby has detailed a few winners including Show Me Show Me, Zulu Zander & Birkenhead, alongside placed efforts such as Heer We Go Again, Paddy Elliot & Bendy Spirit. 

George Scott's Strong Power finished second in the Brocklesby Stakes and did little wrong, a battling type who was passed in the closing half furlong, beaten by three-quarters of a length. As the form has proven, this son of Kodiac is up to winning a race. Whether he is good enough to deny not one but four horses representing Godolphin only time will tell. Saeed bin Suroor and Charlie Appleby have a couple of juveniles each. I've never seen the fourth colours (black hat) (so I wonder if they have some kind of blackhat magic going on...lol). That's a joke, of course. But it is interesting to imagine if they have ten runners in a race what coloured hats would be seen for the first time! Anyway, little things for little minds, hey. 

Charlie Appleby's Well Of Wisdom (black cap) is, at the time of writing, the most fancied of the quartet. 

We have another experienced horse who didn't run in the Brocklesby but was entered who made his debut at Windsor. Interesting to see how Richard Hannon's Lexington Quest goes here. He was very well backed on his racecourse bow but didn't achieve a great deal. It could well be the case this son of Ivawood disappointed. That may well need to be the excuse because this looks a tougher race. I wouldn't be holding my breath but neither would I lay this horse to lose at 20/1. I do think it was a significant entry being earmarked for the Doncaster race and I suspect a better performance will be seen today. 

In truth, it looks a tricky race and I would take a watching brief unless you fancy a speculative punt on Lexington Quest if you can get some crazy odds on the exchanges and cross your fingers and toes. He may be backed if the sound of the Thames got to him that day at Windsor.

5:25 Chelmsford - 

Just a quick note detailing any Brocklesby runners/entrants here. Michael Appleby has Gracie's Girl taking part. She held an entry for the Brocklesby and since been a non-runner for whatever reason. This daughter of Heeraat is out of a debut-winning mare [Queen's Revenge] who looked quite promising for Tim Easterby and competed in the Hilary Needler Trophy Conditions Stakes at Beverly and raced at Listed class at two and three. Gracie's Girl cost just £4,000 at the yearling sales in the ownership of Robin Oliver, who is a loyal patron of The Homestead Stables in Oakham, Leicestershire. This Novice Auction Stakes is a pretty restrictive race which means it shouldn't take the world of winning. Appleby had three entered two-year-olds last season: Loch Ness Monster, Aquarius & Walkman. Loch Ness Monster & Aquarius proved capable juveniles achieving winning status, the latter on debut, and competed at Group class. 

In truth, Appleby doesn't have the largest string of two-year-olds and they can be the good, bad and ugly. Would I bet on Gracie's Girl at 20/1? No. But it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see her run a race. 

Please note all three horses noted are forwarded simply because they held an entry for the Brocklesby Stakes.  

Chasing Dreams Hot Favourite at Newmarket for Charlie Appleby

4:10 Newmarket - 

5f (Row) bet365 British EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes (Plus 10 Race) (Class 4) (2yo)

Arasugar is the only significantly-entered juvenile in the field. Seamus Mullins bay daughter of Arakan was sent off a 100/1 shot when making her debut in the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster. She showed good pace before tiring in the closing stages when finishing fifth behind Show Me Show Me who looks a fair type for Richard Fahey. The form of the Brocklesby has been franked by the third-placed Zulu Zander winning at Leicester, while the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth have been placed on their next starts. Arasugar isn't without ability, but this looks a tough heat with a very expensive horse in opposition. 

If money talks, Chasing Dreams, trained by Charlie Appleby, should take all the stopping. This chestnut filly is sired by Starspangledbanner out of a winning mare. She cost 750,000 gns at the yearling sales. 

Wednesday's 2YO Update (28th November)

A quiet couple of days. Heading back home from West Palm Beach, Florida. Will get home about 1pm on Thursday. I will post this early as a freebie. If you like the info then give us a shout via social media. As they say, in giving we receive.  

2:15 Wolverhampton - 

Interesting to see just one significant entrant racing here in the shape of Charlie Appleby's Ophelia's Dream. This homebred daughter of Dubawi is out of a talented mare (Hibaayeb) who ran fifteen times, winning on four occasions, and placed six times. A horse that won the Fillies' Mile at two (group 1), when trained by Clive Brittain. In fact, such a quality filly that all her four wins came at pattern class. She achieved the highest official rating of 114 and total prize earnings of £402,638. 

A prime draw in stall one, if starting on terms. A potentially smart filly who deserves respect on her debut. 

Ophelia's Dream 7/2 Unp 

Note: A slow start and inexperienced. A disappointing effort. Be interesting to see if this filly livens up next start. 

Saturday's 2YO Update

Well, yesterday was something quite exceptional. I will detail today's horses of significance but don't expect everyone to be a winner! 

We can only try, hey.

1:35 Ascot - 

We start off with a horse that's been detailed on our 10 Dark Horse Mailing. Charlie Appleby's Magical Illusion. This bay colt is a home-bred son of Dubawi is out of a talented mare in Pimpernel, which many of you may remember when trained by the disgraced Mahmood Al Zarooni. She won four races from eleven starts including a Listed race. Total prize earnings just under £100,000. Magical Illusion is definitely one of the better two-year-olds in the stable. Debutantes are never easy to assess but this April foal is likely to go well. 

Richard Hannon's Production won on debut and clearly held in some regard by connections. This British-bred son of Oasis Dream will appreciate a step up in distance. A win penalty does make life difficult. A good few horses have struggled to give weight away this season and if Magical Illusion is very classy it will be even more difficult. However, he is a proven winner with valuable experience and that counts for a lot. 

As usual, no hiding place. Repaupo has been noted by John Gosden. This American-bred son of Quality Road races in the familiar silks of George Strawbridge. He is homebred. Gosden's debutantes can go well when priced 13/2 & less SP. 

Fox Power is well respected in Hannon's stable A beaten favourite on both starts. 

Sheila's Showcase has been noted by Denis Coackly but has a stiff task with a winning penalty. 

In addition, Fox Leicester has been noted by Andrew Balding. Was quite fancied in the betting but ran no race on debut. Has been off course for one hundred plus days. A huge price but may be capable of better. 

Conclusion: This looks like a stiff race. Plenty of respected juveniles. Magical Illusion is well regarded and sure he has ability. Whether you want to bet at 6/4 is a matter of opinion. An intriguing race. 


2:00 Thirsk - 

Although not significantly entered, Lieutenant Silver has respectable win and place claims. Maybe of interest if available at each-way prices. 


2:10 Ascot - 

George Margarson doesn't have many two-year-olds in his string but Model Guest is a lovely filly who deserves to get a win under her belt. This daughter of Showcasing has run a number of sterling races. With an official rating of 93, she is a consistent type. 

Shambolic was made favourite on debut and won by a neck. Gosden has given this daughter of Shamardal a significant entry. Once again, life gets more difficult when shouldering a winning penalty. 

Air Force Amy has been entered for a Class 2 race, which gives an aspect of confident. However, very few of their debutantes win when priced over 8/1 SP. 

Conclusion: Doesn't look much value regarding the two favourites. I would take a watching brief.  

Sunday's 2YO Update

I hope you are taking note of all these quality horses we are identifying. Saturday saw Sir Mark Prescott's Brassica cruise to a tidy victory. Looks a horse going places. Then, later that evening, we saw Court Poet win on debut for Charlie Appleby. Just two of a list of quality two-year-olds that win. 

At the end of the turf season 2018, this website will be for subscribers only. If you are interested in keeping the information to yourself then drop me an email at jason@professionalgamblers.co.uk

Sunday 

2:30 Brighton -

A restricted race type which usually goes to horses with experience. Gay Kelleway doesn't have the strongest of string but noted Global Goddess. This bay daughter of Morpheus races in the silks of Dr Johnny Hon, who is no stranger to winners. Beaten a long way in the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) when a 200/1 outsider. Ran half respectable last time out at Hamilton when cheek pieces were applied for the first time. Not run since July although a non-runner on a couple of starts with ground issues and vet's certificate. 

The only other entrant, which details the low level of this race, is Wolstonbury, trained by Sylvester Kirk. This horse is capable of winning at the plating class and has achieved an official rating of 60.   

Not really a race to get excited about. Global Goddess has about as good a chance as seen but limited. Should run thereabout 

3:30 Brighton - 

7f (6f210y) Chandlers BMW & Mini 68 Plate Novice Stakes (Plus 10 Race) (Class 4) (2yo)

A much better race. Sir Mark Prescott fields his best two-year-old. Miss Celestial won on debut. Last time out ventured to Deauville, France where she contested at Group 3 race. Ran well enough in fourth place after being reluctant to enter the stalls. Has a weight penalty which makes life harder and faces a field of colts. Prescott has applied the blinkers for the first time. She may be a little bit lazy although you don't want too many issues when priced 6/5f. 

Friday's 2YO Racing Tips

A very quick update detailing a few significantly entered juveniles running today.

1:50 Ascot - 

Godolphin and Charlie Appleby have an interesting contender here with Ceratonia. This bay daughter of Oasis Dream is well bred and noted as a decent two-year-old.  

George Margarson's Model Guest may have her work cut out but isn't without ability. She showed more than her finishing position on debut at Yarmouth. Second start was only a three-horse race but, again, this daughter of Showcasing showed ability. A big price because it's a competitive field. 

2:00 Thirsk - 

Sosume is noted by Karl Burke as having a fair level of ability. He was a bit ring rusty on debut but finished with a rattle. Has been backed from bigger price to favourite and looks a real chance on this second start. 

6:20 Chepstow - 

Mick Channon has done well this season with his two-year-olds and I'Letyougonow ran well on debut when a beaten favourite. This step up in distance will help. The stable think a bit of this filly and she should make her mark at this auction class. 

7:00 York - 

Not bad prize money for this Class 3. Commanding Officer is worth noting for Karl Burke. This son of Poet's Voice looks a good purchase at 34,000 euros for owners Clipper Logistics. 

Monday's Racing Tips 2yo Update

Just a couple of 2yo races today:

2:10 Leicester - Maiden Auction Stakes (Good going)

No entries 

6:15 Windsor - EBF Novices Stakes (Good going)

A competitive heat. Quite an intriguing race for Windsor with a number of leading trainers and form horses on show. 

Just the one entry being Charlie Appleby's Fly The Nest.  

I would take a watching brief. 

Thursday 2YO Update

2:10 Salisbury - 

Novice Stakes over 5f on good to firm going.

Four juveniles with racecourse experience and four debutantes. 

Two-year-olds with significant entries. High Horse was expected to win on debut but found a decent opponent in Big Boots who was somewhat disappointing next start under a penalty. The other entrant is Well Done Fox. A very expensive yearling at 255,000G. This son of Acclamation was a beaten favourite that day, tiring in the closing furlong. Perhaps he was slightly in need of the run. Both horses should show their worth today. 

5:05 York - 

An EBF Maiden Stakes. A Class 2 race so all significant entrants on good to firm going. Ten two-year-olds take part - just one with racecourse experience. A couple with multiple entries will be detailed, below. 

I Am A Dreamer was entered for the Brocklesby but didn't take that contest but well beaten as even money favourite at Musselburgh and then at Newmarket. Looks to need improvement. Probably more interesting is Charlie Appleby's True Belief. This bay colt is a son of Excelebration out of a once-raced mare. He cost £95,000. 

5:45 Newmarket - 

Novice Auction Stakes over 6f on good going. Fourteen two-year-olds take part. Just two horses have racecourse experience. Those of most significance include Axel Jacklin trained by Mark Johnston. This bay colt wasn't that fancied on debut, giving the impression this extra furlong would help. Usain Boat ran well on debut at Yarmouth behind easy victor Artair, who looks to be a fair type for Michael bell. George Scott's son of Casamento wasn't best away and just pushed out to take second place. He is another horse who will benefit from this extra yardage and up hill finish.

Thursday's 2YO Update

5:50 Chelmsford - 

A Novice Stakes (Plus 10) Class 4 on Standard going. 

Seven two-year-olds take part: four with racecourse experience. 

Two significantly entered juveniles here. So Hi Speed wasn't too fancied on debut at Newcastle but ruined any chance by pulling much too hard. The form of that race is difficult to assess and by all accounts this American-bred son of Central Banker needs to settle and find improvement. Trainer, Robert Cowell, has Pocket Dynamo in the field and shorter price so So Hi Speed may be here for a supporting role. However, the significant entry does suggest more is expected and that could be the case. This looks a competitive heat with the Appleby favourite likely to be short odds. Nonetheless, the Cowell runner is worth noting. 

*Hard Forest is the other horse who has received a significant entry. She ran well on debut, but tired slightly in the closing stages to finish a creditable third. She looked to be going great guns at Newmarket but tired markedly in the closing stages. The going was testing and she may have gone a stride too fast. The race time was slow and she looked a short runner. Third start at Yarmouth was a disappointing display in ways unless the form of that race proves decent. It could be the case that it will because Michael Bell's Artair ran out a tidy winner. A wide draw isn't ideal. I can see Mark Johnston's youngster making the most of her experience and getting to the lead. These turning courses are better for horses who may well struggle to get home. She is likely to lead and if gaining a few easy lengths may take some pegging back. 

A trio of debutantes who could go well. Certainly, most punters will be looking to Shellbrook to rule the roost. If talented, could win well. However, a turning course isn't the best starting point for any horse which may make one or two here value. Shame this wasn't three places. 

On balance, I will take a watching brief. 

NR: Hard Forest, One One Seven

Full result

Walk In The Sun trained by Jeremy Noseda

I hate to say it, but we told you so. 

However, no one likes a show off. And we are very unassuming with our big heads, trying to walk through small doors. So what are we talking about? 

Walk In The Sun, trained by Jeremy Noseda. 

As you may realise, Group Horse is all about detailing the best two-year-old horses in training. Often, as is the case for this colt, he didn't run until three. 

Sometimes you have to wait patiently for something good to happen. 

This American-bred bay colt is a son of Street Sense (pictured) in the ownership of Phoenix Thoroughbreds Limited. These owners have very deep pockets and not afraid to put the money down. Purchased by Kerri Radcliffe Bloodstock (vendor Mocklershill) for 1,400,000 euros at the 2yo breeze-up sales. Basically, a suitcase full of money. 

Interesting to note the mare won on debut in France, tasted victory at Listed class and placed at Group 3. She ran at Group 1 level for Andre Fabre. The sire didn't win on debut but achieved 6 wins from 13 start in the States taking 3 Grade 1 races and total prize earnings over £2m. 

Jeremy Noseda always rated Walk In The Sun. The Newmarket handler was in no rush to get this April foal out at two although three significant entries suggest they had plans to do something in his formative season. 

In fact, we had to wait until January 26th to see what all the fuss was about. Ryan Moore was booked to ride and starting at 5/4f told the dogs had been barking. It turned out to be a cracking race, battling to beat First Contact who was burdened with a win penalty. Godolphin's charge made a sturdy opponent. Walk In The Sun ran on well and won a shade cosily.   

Noseda has Walk In The Sun entered for the 2000 Guineas which suggests he will be heading towards the Classic race trials if winning this sort of race well. 

The 2:30 Lingfield  (Tuesday) doesn't look the hardest of fights. With just three horses in opposition punters will need to be a wedge to fill a purse. This should be a walk in the (park) at 1/4f.

Interesting how easy he goes with the win penalty to give some measure. Connections will be expecting a tidy success with lofty plans in the pipeline.

A Profile of Ghost Serge Trained by Archie Watson

Trainers come and go. Rookie trainers can find they have a limited shelf life if backed by others money. It must be a hard-fought existence when your success or failings rest on each horse achieving something to keep the devil off your back. 

One thing every newbie trainer needs is a touch of luck or a bloody good horse to prove they know their job. 

Archie Watson must have thanked his lucky stars that he had not one, two, three but more talents at Saxon Gate, Upper Lambourn, West Berkshire. 

Looking at today's racing I see Ghost Serge takes part at Lingfield (1:30). 

This grey son of Zebedee was always held in some regard by Watson, receiving a number of significant entries through his two-year-old season. An impressive 7-length winner on debut then following up under a penalty at Carlisle. Ghost Serge did little wrong when heading to France when beaten in the final strides at Listed class. In some respects, he disappointed thereafter. The latest performance when fourth at Kempton saw him struggle to give weight to a couple of horses with huge reputations noted on Group Horse (Daily) with Walk In The Sun (Jeremy Noseda) and First Contact (Charlie Appleby) cruising clear of the field by 8-lengths. 

Ghost Serge has been somewhat hindered by the win penalty and finds himself racing for a prize of £3,752.02. 

Watson entered a number of juveniles last season and they have continued to show ample ability. 

Corinthia Knight  - OR 105
So Hi Society  - OR 98
Yabass - OR 84

Other entrants:

Shimmy Shoes
We Are The World 
Amazing Alice
Herecomesthesun