1:45 Redcar -
A lowly Claiming Stakes. I hardly dare mention Elieden, trained by Gay Kelleway. This two-year-old has been given a few significant entries over the season but now target the bottom of the barrel. This bay daughter of Camacho is proving very hard work. I wouldn't advise a bet but detailing this juvenile simply because she is the only significant entry in the field. She was half fancied at Wolverhampton. A slow start, hampered and running wide on the bend, gave no chance at all. Stepping up to 7f. At least this is a straight course so it may give less opportunity to find problems. Ten starts and no wins don't impress. It will be interesting to see what happens.
Elieden 3/1 2nd
Note: Elieden proved she is just about up to winning a race but, still, not today. Ran a fair race in second. She isn't the biggest of horses but seemed to be unbalanced for most not sure if that was jockey or horse.
3:20 Redcar -
Andrew Balding's Fox Leicester has run twice this season. Fancied on debut when disappointing but showing much more second start at 20-1. A couple of Class 2 Stakes entries give some element of confidence although far from one of the better juveniles at Kingsclere. This 310,000 euro purchase races in the ownership of King Power Racing Co Ltd. This step up to one mile should help.
Hugo Palmer has Barend Boy. This gelding has raced eight times. Looked to have ability on debut when favourite but proved very unreliable this season. He did manage to win at nursery level when rated 79. At best, this son of Oasis Dream has some standard (proved by the highest official rating of 89). However, he didn't run very well at all last time out over one mile. That run must have been too bad to be true because Eeyore the donkey wouldn't have been that far afield. The visor has been applied. Another horse who has had a long season which always brings concern.
Fox Leicester 9/4 2nd
Barend Boy 28/1 5th
Note: Fox Leicester ran a sound race but couldn't match John Gosden's debutante who put in a classy display. Not a bad run in second place. Barend Boy led for a long way and wasn't disgraced in 5th place at 28/1.
4:05 Haydock -
William Haggas has had a fine two-year-old season. Plenty of winners. Coup De Gold has been noted by the stable but proven disappointing on two starts to date. A couple of placed efforts doesn't sound too bad but 10 lengths+ defeats don't sit so comfortable. This son of Maxios cost 155,000 euros at the yearling sales. Priced 3-1 on both runs. He is stepping up to one mile which may help. The betting suggests he is still fancied so punters haven't given up the ghost just yet. Many will be hoping that run was too bad to be true. It was soft going that day. I wondered if that was the reason! However, the going today is heavy. That in itself is enough to put me off. If strong in the betting, it would suggest better is expected. These disappointing horses are difficult. If they are short odds you are sucked into thinking they are decent but is that value? Conversely, if they are a huge price you have a price but figure little chance of success. Interesting. I'll be watching.
Coup De Gold 3/1 2nd
Note: Ran a fair race in second. Always looked uncomfortable hanging and looking an awkward ride. Not sure if it was the ground, but didn't seem very straightforward to me.
6:15 Newcastle -
These restricted auction races often make a good betting medium. Boston George is very interesting. Trained by Keith Dalgliesh, this bay colt is a son of Raven's Pass in the ownership of Weldspec Glasgow Ltd (who have some decent types with the stable). This March foal cost just $7,000 when purchased at the yearling sales. He ran well on debut when competing in the Convivial Maiden Stakes. In addition, he has received a couple more significant entries. He is held in some regard by connections. Looks to have respectable claims. Very unlikely to drift to each-way prices, but if it happened a very good bet.
Boston George 4/5f 1st
Note: Always going to be a hard horse to beat here. Not much of a price but a professional display to win well.
A lot of two-year-old race and a few horses which are worthy of note.
I think we have three which feature on our 10 Dark Horse mailing. You will notice a few other significantly entered horses are running. I will simply detail the races of most interest. I will do my best to point you in the right direction. These are general pointers being so in advance of the race. When I bet, I use information right up to the race. Whether you wish to use this information to bet or not is your decision.
5:25 Newmarket -
A few of these are noted by trainers as talents. Andrew Balding's Firelight is a decent filly although I am always slightly fearful of horses shouldering a win penalty. Interesting to consider the chances of Michael Bell's Lady Aria. This daughter of Kodiac is considered quite favourably. Bell's best debutantes are usually well found in the betting but he does have a few that win at big odds. This filly is priced 14/1. Looks a pretty tough race in many respects but a horse who could make into a decent juvenile.
6:15 Haydock -
We have one of our 10 Dark Horses running here. *Kadar, trained by Karl Burke, is certainly worthy of note and with eight horses could well prove a fair bet for each-way backers. This son of Scat Daddy is in the ownership of Phoenix Thoroughbred Ltd and 700,000 euro breeze-up purchase. This juvenile is definitely one of the best in Spigot Lodge. There is always a fear that debutantes will disappoint due to inexperience, lack of fitness or trainer unwilling to give their best prospects a hard race. However, this February foal is very interesting. John Gosden's Beatboxer is well respected in the yard and won in tidy fashion on debut. That experience is worth a lot from a horse which has proven ability. Once again, defying a win penalty is no easy task against decent opposition.
*NR
6:35 Newmarket -
Another two-year-old on our 10 Dark Horse list. Albert Finney is relatively fancied in the betting over this 7f trip. This home bred son of Kingman is owned by Rachel Hood. The stable debutantes often go well when priced 13/2 & less SP. They often go significantly well when priced 5/2 & less SP. A few of their debutantes disappoint. That is always the trouble with betting horses making their racecourse bow. Just about every trainer has better statistics with fancied two-year-olds on their second start. It's a fact. Still, an interesting juvenile if fancied in the market. Andrew Balding's Bye Bye Hong Kong could well be a danger and a horse worth following if not winning today. Their two-year-olds are often very good bets second start. This American-bred colt is a son of Street Sense and cost 575,000 guineas in the ownership of King Power Racing Co Ltd. You can pretty much guarantee this horse has ability. Strangely, the majority of Balding's debut winners are priced 7/1 & less SP.
6:50 Haydock -
Another of our 10 Dark Horses taking part in this 7f event. Commanding Officer is priced 14/1. This son of Poet's Voice wasn't overly fancied on debut when priced 10/1 and finished fourth beaten a good few lengths.He took at keen hold at York and should be more settled on this second start. It wouldn't surprise me if this colt is backed, so it could be a good move to bet early. Once again, there are a few talents in opposition such as *Motafaawit who has run well on two starts to date for Richard Hannon. A win penalty is a test at short odds, even for a talented juvenile.
*NR
Most interesting:
6:15 Haydock - Kadar
6:35 Newmarket - Albert Finney, Bye Bye Hong Kong
6:50 Haydock - Commanding Officer
Good luck.
A quick update of the significantly entered juveniles.
2:40 Haydock -
Just the one entrant here being Richard Hannon's Moyassar. This chestnut son of Tamayuz ran well on his first two starts, losing narrowly. However, he won with ease when dropping back in distance at Chelmsford at 4/9f. A win penalty makes life more difficult. His major rival has a penalty too so it will be an intriguing battle.
6:05 Sandown -
Charles Hills fields Mutawaffer who has been well entered and nice winner second start before disappointing at Royal Ascot. Leading chance.
6:35 Sandown -
John Gosden has a few decent types in his yard and Too Darn Hot should take some stopping over this mile trip. Frankie Dettori in the saddle. This son of Dubawi is exceptionally well bred being out of the super talented mare Dar Re Mi who won six of her seventeen races and over £2 Million in prize earnings. Winner of the Prix Minerve (2009), Pretty Polly Stakes (2009), Yorkshire Oaks (2009) & Dubai Sheema Classic (2010). Too Darn Hot has received an entry for the Champagne Stakes (Group 2) in the ownership of Lord Lloyd-Webber. Looks a potentially star juvenile who will come into his own at three.
3:00 Haydock -
The first two-year-old nursery of the season. I can't say this is my favourite race type, although if I do have a fancy they usually go well. I will detail the significantly entered. Not sure if I will bother to do this for all the nursery races because those higher rated are likely to feature many. It proves the principle of Group Horse Daily that, amazingly, we detail the best horses in training. No surprise to those who follow and appreciate.
Significantly entered horses in this race.
High Horse
Finoah
Dancing Speed
Five Helmets
Ventura Bay
Leoube
Conclusion: Too many featured here to take the race seriously. I usually look for horses who haven't shown their hand in this race type in the hope they are on a good handicap mark. A couple who may have some hope, one not entered, are Leoube and Triple One, who is progressing well and must win races off 68. Time will tell.
3:30 Haydock -
Critical Data won well last time in a restricted auction race. Has to shoulder a win penalty which makes life harder. Pablo Escobarr ran well on debut when a beaten favourite to a fair juvenile in Certain Lad. Mark Johnston's charge has received a National Stakes (Group 1) entry for the big Irish race.
6:15 Newbury -
A rare entry for Henry Candy, who isn't the type of trainer to waste his time with foolish hopes. Layla's Dream has received a Class 2 entry a while back. This daughter of Assertive is a home bred for Lady Whent. The mare was a triple winer over sprint distance but a limited horse in some respects. Interesting horse. Candy can ready a debutante and it wouldn't be a surprise to see this February foal go well. On the opposite side debutantes can make you look very foolish at times.
6:45 Newbury -
A well entered and talented juvenile here in The Paddocks, trained by Richard Hannon. Finished last in the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot. This son of Charm Spirit has to shoulder a win penalty. This will feel a lot easier but competitive.
David Evans has been patient with Disruptor who was meant to make a return to racing the other day but a late non runner due to going. He didn't have much go right on first and second start. Very much in need of the experience on debut when running on and pushed wide on the bend at Lingfield when a beaten favourite. I think that race was decent and the fact he started the jolly positives. There was money for this chestnut colt the other day at Chepstow so I wouldn't be writing him off. I get the impression connection are looking for slightly better ground so could be a non runner. However, a horse who should run a race if starting.
Hugo Palmer has been quiet this season and not hitting the high notes as yet. James Street was meant to run at Yarmouth the other week but withdrawn on a vet's certificate. There was a little bit of money for this son of Gale Force Ten. A 130,000G breeze up (2yo) purchase in the familiar ownership of M M Stables. They have stablemate Never Back Down, who is pretty smart and a note two-year-old for us last season.
Been a couple of quiet days as I fly back from America. Still feel like my watch tells the time of West Palm Beach.
2:10 Newmarket -
Flash Sentry was entered for a Class 2 race on debut at Musselburgh but showed little. John Ryan has decided on this marked step up in distance to 7f. The betting of 66/1 says no chance.
Richard Hannon has a couple of entrants worthy of note. Neverland Rocks cost 480,000 euros and fancied on debut at Newbury over 6f 1/2. Gave the impression there would be more to come on this second start. Mordred received an entry for the Chesham Stakes Listed race at Royal Ascot. The only horse to be entered for the stable which suggests this son of Camelot, a 175,000G purchase, has ability. Interesting to consider how these two are viewed. Perhaps one needs the run or the stable are trying to blur the lines. If Mordred is backed, it could be significant.
7:15 Haydock -
Another Hannon charge who is progressive if not luckless is Glorious Dane. This Irish-bred son of Olympic Glory was a big drifter in the market on debut at Leicester. Very slow starter but showed a glimmer of ability. Next start, stepped up to 7f at Sandown, and relatively fancied in the betting. A slow start and hampered in the early stages saw this bay colt run on with real purpose. Must have got close if starting on terms.
8:00 Lingfield -
Just for good measure, another Hannon two-year-old with a significant entry. Critical Data ran with credit on debut at Leicester (the same race at Glorious Dane) and although a 33/1 chance came 4th. Made his return in a Class 2 race with decent prize money when third behind a couple of fair juveniles. A beaten favourite that day. Didn't do much wrong and stepping up to 7f should help. Looks a great purchase at just 20,000G.
2:40 Haydock -
New Winds, trained by Mark Johnston, ran out a decent winner on debut, a race where the form has been franked. He missed the Woodcote Stakes to go to Doncaster but trailed home last. Whether the soft ground was an issue or he went a stride too fast for conditions, only time will tell. Connections will be hoping his daughter of New Approach can get back to the winner's enclosure.
3:00 Yarmouth -
Course and distance winner Artair comes back to the Norfolk coast with a winner's penalty but high hopes of making his presence felt. He come unstuck when stepped up to Listed class when competing in the National Stakes. Spencer led that day, and it was a stiff task against a decent field. This drop in class will help connections see where this colt is at.
6:30 Hamilton -
A restricted auction stakes. Diviner won second start and has to defy a penalty.
Five two-year-old races for Friday. I will detail the significant entrants and form horses worthy of note.
2:00 Goodwood -
Just a couple of entrants. Big Boots is a son of Society Rock and tidy winner on debut at Bath. He was slightly disappointing at Windsor racing under a penalty when favourite. It will be interesting to see if he can show more without an apprentice. A high draw is an advantage.
Robert Cowell has been kept busy this early season with an increased string of two-year-olds. Blame Roberta has received a couple of significant entries. This daughter of Blame races in the ownership of Khalifa Dasmal. She looks a good yearling purchase at just $27,000. She ran a respectable fourth place on debut at Yarmouth. The form has been franked with the first three horses either winning or narrowly denied. This bay filly wasn't too far behind or given a hard race. Looks capable of better.
This looks a difficult race to assess so I would advice a watching brief.
2:20 Haydock -
Mark Johnston has been in fine form this season. Axel Jacklin looked disappointing on debut but fared much better at Newmarket when stepping up to 6f. This leggy son of Iffraaj battled hard when runner up to Usain Boat. Should go well.
Five Amarones is one of a number of horses Tom Dascombe has entered this season. This son of Alhebayheb was entered to run in the Lily Agnes but didn't take part. He was fancied on debut at Pontefract but slowly into stride even though he had a prime draw. In truth, he ran on pretty well to chase home Carey Street. Five Amarones ran a similar race at Bath over the minimum trip. Always slightly outpaced, he didn't have the pace to get to grips with Barbill or Ginger Nut. That third place did suggest some limitation. The major hope here is stepping up to 6f.
Arthur Kit hasn't received any entries for Tom Dascombe, but this debutante is well bred, the mare being Ceiling Kitty who won the Queen Mary Stakes Group 2 (2012). The betting details that this colt is first string. The stable do well at this racecourse.
2:45 Bath -
No significant entrants although New Queen and Country Rose may well be in the very near future.
3:55 Bath -
An interesting Class 3 EBF Novices' Stakes over 5f 160y on firm going.
Hua Hin is well regarded by the Hannon stable. This son of Dandy Man ran well to win on debut, although tiring in the closing stages. He was entered to run in the Lily Agnes but didn't take that route. This February foal has to shoulder a 6lb win penalty and reason why Gary Mahon takes off a valuable 5lb. I would expect Hua Hin to improve for that first start after a month off course.
Charles Hills has a few decent types this season. Ynys Mon ran in a Class 2 race on debut when stuck in the mud. This son of Olympic Glory is a good-looking colt but has temperamental issue. He has been too keen on both his last starts which may have become a habit. That is a problem. He may enjoy this firm ground and this small field shouldn't bring about traffic problems which didn't help at Chester. However, I would be worried if he is keen over this extended five furlongs especially at even money. If going a stride too fast it makes winning difficult.
7:30 Pontefract -
The best race on the day this Class 2 with win prize money of over £15,000. Just the five runners. Looks a trappy heat. Will be taking a watching brief.