Monday's 2YO Update (3rd June)

It has been a very busy day, as I keep writing articles for the umpteen blogs I run. I really should just take a break and forget half of the stuff I do. However, I am one of those productive people who just want to push forward. 

Four two-year-old race for Monday. 

I will have a quick rundown of the three major races, simply pinpointing the entered juveniles and giving my thoughts on any form horses or those with significant stats. 

To be fair, a couple of the races look very strong for the grade and I can imagine most of the trainers were fancying their chance until they looked at the opposition. 

Still, someone has to win. 

2:15 Thirsk - 

Maybe worth letting the betting settle if you want to get stuck into this as it looks a tough nut of a race to crack. 

Toro Strike ran in a very good race on debut. This son of Toronado was thrown in the deep end by Richard Fahey but this attractive colt ran a fine race for connections Al Shaqab Racing. Although a 33/1 shot, this March foal found his stride after showing inexperience to finish just three lengths behind Temple Of Heaven et al. As far as form goes, this horse will take some beating. However, at short odds I wouldn't fall into the trap of thinking there will be little in the way of opposition. 

Michael Dods' Leapers Wood, racing in the familiar silks of David Armstrong, ran a sound race on debut at Carlisle, a race that had a little bit of class. This son of Garswood was slow away but finished with panache. The winner, Rayong, was earmarked for the Woodcote Stakes, while the second, Dragon Command, took its chance at Epsom, although beaten a long way by the winner, Pinatubo, who could be a class act. In some respects, that result shows a slight weakness in the form. However, Leapers Wood was finishing well on debut and looks certain to enjoy this extra furlong. 

To add to the mix, Oso Rapido was fancied to go well on debut at Ripon, when steamrollered by Misty Grey, who ran in the Woodcote Stakes, finishing third, after showing bright speed for most and may have gone a stride too fast. David O'Meara has a decent string of two-year-olds and I'm confident they like this son of Kodiac. He wasn't given a hard time when Misty Grey had the race won after going clear at Ripon. I imagine connections of Oso Rapido thought they were heading to the Garden Racecourse to celebrate a win. In addition, the stable has decent stats for their fancied juveniles second start. 

It doesn't stop there. 

Karl Burke has been a little bit hit and miss this season with his two-year-olds but they are worthy of respect on their second start. No Mercy is an attractive if not a small son of Sepoy. He looks well put together and in good condition for his debut at Hamilton. He was half fancied in the betting that day but struggled to keep tabs on the more experienced favourites, but ran on with some spirit to suggest this extra furlong would be in his favour. Once again, if fancied in the betting, holds respectable stats. 

Bryan Smarts Dancinginthesand couldn't cope with Archie Watson's Exceclusive, who won well on debut at Beverley. Smart's youngster may improve for this step up in distance and could be a threat today if priced 13/2 & less SP. That looks unlikely but if it happens, it would add to the competitive nature of this race. 

Conclusion: It is often the case there are no easy races. And this race is very much an example of this point. Toro Strike may have ample ability and beat these horses without much fuss. However, this race isn't uncompetitive, which is what you want when betting short odds if not odds-on. Leapers Wood, Oso Rapido and No Mercy have ability. If all are priced 13/2 & less SP I would respect them to put down a challenge. Even Dancinginthesand may be involved although I suspect it will be out of the four. A fascinating race. There will be winners coming from those who hit the frame. If Toro Strike is backed to odds on, it may give some hope for others as an each-way alternative. That may be the safer option although I do respect Toro Strike as being a hard horse to beat. 

No time to write about the other races other than a quick note: 

6:00 Windsor - 

Paul Cole's Atlantic Crossing has been given a significant entry. This 55,000 guinea yearling purchase is in the ownership of Christopher Wright, who is no fool when it comes to talented two-year-olds. I can't imagine they gave this colt an entry for a laugh. Also, Cole has a few two-year-old with a touch of ability, which must have helped give a line. In general, very few of their debutantes win when priced over 8/1 SP. The stable do well at this course and a horse I would respect. 

Gypsy Rocker showed no ability on debut but worthy of a second glance. It is interesting why Meehan gave this Irish-bred son of Slade Power two Class 2 entries. It suggests the horse had been showing ability. It may be the case it just disappointed on debut and better will be seen today. A low draw is not a bad starting point and priced at 40/1 may be worth a speculative punt if drifting to crazy odds on the exchanges. I really don't know what to think about this colt but he may show more this time. 

6:15 Wolverhampton - 

Significantly entered juveniles: Homespin, is liked by connections. Sun Power ran in a Class 2 race at York on debut and could be better than seen, especially as he started favourite that day. Stepping up in distance may be the key. 

Although unentered at this time, Royal Council is likely to show more today. James Tate's son of Clodovil is a handsome colt with size and scope.  

Friday's 2yo Entrants (17th May)

Good to hear from a few readers this week. I appreciate people taking the time to give their feedback. I have detailed the entrants, horses of interest and those of statistical merit. Given the time restraint, I cannot give any more information about today's runners. I am sure this will be a pointer. 

I hope this helps.  

Three two-year-old races for Friday:



1:50 York - 

5f Langley's Solicitors British EBF Marygate Fillies Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (2yo)

This Class 2 race so all juveniles are significantly entered. 

Never an easy race to pin down. As I often say, it isn't a good idea to limit a  winning horse and there are a good few going here. 

This isn't the type of race I would bet, preferring lower grade races. If hard pressed, I would side with Lady Kermit, who is very fast and likely to set the pace and could well hold any late challengers. This course should suit and the going should be to her liking. She hasn't raced on the turf, so that is a slight unknown although I don't think it will be a problem. 

One horse who may have a chance at bigger odds is David Evans' Good Vibes. What do I like about this daughter of Due Diligence? She is a good-looking filly, with size and scope to improve. She was pretty keen for a couple of furlongs at Salisbury but still managed to win. May have each-way claims at 14/1. 

I won't be betting on this race as it isn't appealing to me. 


2:45 Newbury - 

6f Starlight Raceday Maiden Stakes (Plus 10) (Class 4) (2yo)

Let's take a look at the significantly-entered two-year-olds going here. 

William Haggas has his first significantly-entered two-year-old going here in the shape of Baadirr a 180,000 guinea yearling. 

Richard Hannon is warming up, although winners have been hard to find. Ziggle Pops has received two entries of late, which brings some hope. This Irish-bred son of Zoffany cost 55,000 guineas at the sales. 

Gypsy Rocker is worthy of note. This Irish-bred son of Slade Power cost 38,000 euros as a yearling (cost more as a foal). Interesting this chestnut colt has been entered for two class 2 stakes races. Meehan's juveniles have been few and far between this season although Top Buck ran well in the Lily Agnes and Aroha ran well on Thursday when second at Salisbury. Brian Meehan is an interesting trainer as, strangely, his speculatively-priced debutantes often run better than his fancied horses in the betting. At odds of 25/1, this juvenile isn't without some hope. 

Charlie Hills makes a return with Walton Thorns, who didn't show a great deal in the Brocklesby Stakes. He was relatively fancied that day but showed little. The apprentice onboard may be a sign that there isn't too much expected but time will tell. 

Readers may notice a couple of horses that do not, at this moment, have entries but worthy of note. Light Angel, trained by John Gosden, ran well of debut when a narrow loser. This son of Dark Angel isn't the biggest, but a good-looking grey colt who will take some stopping here. With valuable experience and stats which detail a big run, I would fear this youngster if betting against it. 

Heaven Forfend is the first two-year-old runner for Sir Michael Stoute in the Cheveley Park Stud silks. The betting guide is helpful. About 80% of Stoute's 2yo debutantes win priced 7/1 & less sp. In fact, priced over 9/2, the win stats are pretty poor. However, it is interesting this colt is making his debut at this time, which may indicate Royal Ascot is on the cards. 


5:55 Hamilton - 

Keith Dalgleish has Glasvegas noted as a significant runner here. This bay colt was a narrow loser on debut at Musselburgh. 

Penmellyn ran in a tough race on debut when a long way behind Lady Kermit. That was a Class 2 stakes and this could be easier. That entry may signify more is to come.

Taxiwala doesn't have any significant entries at this time but ran well on debut, a race I think will prove to be decent. From a statistical point of view, this horse is the one to beat. 

As we have said so many times before - you won't find better 2yo info anywhere on the internet.