People make me smile.
You know, they say women are fickle. I am not sure who ''they'' are and I'm sure men are as fickle as f*** at times.
We send out a mailing detailing a talented horse in Firepower, trained by Clive Cox, winning the 4:55 Salisbury.
Guess what?
Seven people unsubscribe. You have to laugh, hey. I'm sure all of those people have their reasons but if that's what success does then perhaps I'm in the wrong job. Yes, people can believe that. I know exactly what I'm doing and I don't need anyone's plus or minus to appreciate that fact. Perhaps I should just talk about horse racing in the United States and consider the Belmont Race odds for a change of tune.
Bizarre.
I was pleased with the performance of Firepower. They had the annoying split screen on the race which makes assessing the horses and race problematic. However, the colt is a decent looker and won ''readily'' as far as the Racing Post is concerned. I had more information about why this juvenile would be hard to beat but I couldn't detail that as it isn't in my interests.
Thank the Lord I do all these things to please myself because this is a thankless world where the takers take in abundance.
Sorry, if that offends anyone but for a few people that's the score. As my good friend Eric Winner says: ''There are too many takers...''
The number 7 means completion. So I'm taking a positive from those lesser disciples.
I really couldn't care if 700 people disappeared because I don't make a brass farthing out of the 1000 subscribers on my list.
Thanks for those who appreciate. Your interest is my motivation.
Let's take a look at tomorrow's two juvenile races:
1:55 Musselburgh -
No significant entrant.
2:35 Lingfield -
This looks more interesting. Well, there are a few entrants who register on the Richter scale.
Strong Power ran well in the Brocklesby Stakes when runner-up to Show Me Show Me. George Scott is one of those trainers I struggle to get to grips with on the stat front. Certainly, he has plenty of two-year-olds who disappoint at relatively short odds when making their debut. I must admit I like this son of Kodiac. He did nothing wrong at Newmarket if not going a fraction too fast but he was simply trying to make his experience count and it was nearly the case. Touching big odds-on in running, few would have believed he would have been out of the frame. It looked a decent race. I can imagine connections trying to lead all the way here. I thought at first glance this was on the all-weather, which, in my opinion, would have been a very good move. The horse to beat but there's always the worry someone will spoil the party.
Archie Watson's Illusionist doesn't have any significant entries at present but is in a betting guide which suggests this Irish-bred son of Hot Streak could be a live opponent.
Interesting to see how John Ryan's Sea Of Cool goes here. Silvestre De Silva has been booked and it is noteworthy this son of Sea The Stars was given a class 2 stakes entry. Most of his entered juvenile go on to win at two, which brings some interest. The downside is that very few of his two-year-olds win on debut. Could be a horse to keep an eye on the next two starts.
Just a quick update. We have a couple of two-year-old races going today:
2:15 Musselburgh -
Looks a competitive heat. Interesting to see how Keith Dalgleish' Gina D'Cleaner goes. Doesn't look fancied in the betting but this daughter Equiano held an entry for the Brocklesby Stakes. However, the stable can win on debut at decent odds.
2:30 Lingfield -
A couple running here who made their debut in the Brocklesby Stakes: Birkenhead and Here We Go Again. Not a great deal between the two at Doncaster. Racecourse experience is a big advantage at this time of the year, especially on turning courses where runners are prone to racing wide. Interesting to see how Archie Watson's Electric Ladyland goes from a very wide draw. This Irish-bred daughter of Cable Bay has been quite well backed. This 35,000 euro yearling buy could well have ability, especially of interest if strongly fancied at the off.
Picture: Keith Dalgleish
Just the one race of interest:
6:15 Lingfield -
An EBF Novice Stakes over 7 1/2f on good going. Nine two-year-olds take part. All have race experience.
A couple of these are worth a second glance. Global Warning is one of the best juveniles in the stable. This bay colt is a son of Poet's Voice out of a twice-winning mare. This April foal wasn't fancied on debut at 25/1 but showed promise. Gerald Mosse is retained by Dr Johnny Hon. Global Warning cost 155,000 guineas at the yearling sales. The form of that debut has worked out pretty well. However, I suspect this colt will improve significantly for his racecourse bow. Whether you want to take short odds is another matter. The tissue price details 11/10f. I wouldn't knock the chance of this horse because I think he is very likely to prevail.
The other horse of interest is David Simcock's *Wiretrap. This son of Charm Spirit has been gelded since his first start at Great Yarmouth. I'm pretty sure the stable expected this bay to go well. There was good money for this horse, who adorned the second colours that day for Qatar Racing Ltd. That was the race John Gosden sent out Legends Of War who won impressively. That juvenile has proven to be Group class. A very expensive breeze-up purchase at 900,000 guineas.
Wiretrap didn't achieve anything on debut. A slow start put pay to any real hope. However, his attitude looks a touch suspect and no doubt the gelding operation has been taken with hope of improvement.
This step up in distance may help. The 81- day absence may be a positive or a negative. The betting will most likely tell the story. If priced 13/2 & less SP this gelding has very good win and place claims. If outside this betting guide it would most likely be a negative.
Conclusion: I would let the betting settle before getting involved. It could well tell the story for Wiretrap. In truth, Global Warning looks a tough horse to beat. The stable rate this colt and should go well. If Wiretrap is in the best betting guide, he has very good claims and may be a threat. If considering betting each way you may be wise to bet a point on these two as a stronger bet.
*NR
It has been an extremely busy week. Rather than detailing each and every entered juvenile I will highlight what I consider to be the better types and chances. All the information is here so it isn't difficult to find everything. As the saying goes: Seek and you will find!
1:10 Chelmsford -
Micheal Appleby doesn't have the largest string of two-year-olds and few have much ability (although he has had a few). Aquarius is a fair sort, who won well on debut at Newmarket when 25/1 shot. Connections must have ben very upset when she reared and pretty much refused to race in the Princess Margaret Keeneland Stakes (Group 3). Interesting to see how this daughter of the Irish-bred Charm Spirit goes this third start. No bad habits, I hope.
1:45 Thirsk -
Kevin Ryan has Three Card Trick trying to make this third time lucky. This chestnut colt, a son of Piccolo, has run to fine races. He meets Bartie Hall, who beat him last time out, although better off in the weights as Michael Dods' filly has a winner's penalty. Three Card Trick holds a Gimcrack Stakes (group 2) entry. Racing in the familiar silks of Guy Reed Racing.
2:55 Doncaster -
Boitron won very well on debut for Richard Hannon and Middleham Park Racing Ltd. This bay colt has received a couple of significant entries and has to defy a win penalty but priced to do so.
8:05 Lingfield -
The Paddocks has to carry a winner's penalty but a well entered juveniles for Richard Hannon. Won narrowly on debut, outclassed at Royal Ascot, disappointed at Newbury and showed more last time out when runner-up to a fair horse.
A few races today.
Here's a quick rundown.
1:20 Lingfield -
No Way Jose is one of few horses Brian Meehan has entered this season. Ran well on both starts and unlucky last time out when stuck behind horses. A recent Lowther Stakes (Group 2) entry adds to confidence. Well drawn.
Charlie Fellows has been relatively quiet this two-year-old season. His two talents are both owned by Highclere Thoroughbreds Racing. Readers may remember Snazzy who has been highly tried after winning well on debut. Sibirica was fancied on debut but disappointed. There was an issue that day. I had my eye on this filly because she was entered for the Hilary Needler but didn't take that route. This daughter of Exceed And Excel was well backed last time out from 50/1 - 20/1. She contested the race finishing behind No Way Jose. This chestnut filly ran on with purpose at Newmarket. Interesting how she copes with this turning course. Perhaps a step up in distance may help. It is possible she will progress from that last start and could show more.
1:30 Ayr -
*Magical Wish was placed very well on debut by Richard Hannon. In fact, I suspect connections were very surprised he didn't take the spoils although doing little wrong defeated by short head. Second start saw the other side of the coin when winning by a nose. A win penalty makes live more difficult. the apprentice takes off a valuable 3lb.
* NR
5:10 Wolverhampton -
A nursery race. Just the one horse entered being Wolf Hunter. Richard Hughes' charge has shown glimmers of ability even racing at selling class. The hood is fitted for the first time. A 64 rating is pretty low detailing a horse of plating class. Not the easiest of races to assess.
5:45 Wolverhampton -
Rockin Roy has been a consistent type. A couple of wins, placed twice and a creditable performance at Royal Ascot when contending the Windsor Castle Listed race. A win penalty will make life harder but the type of horse to hold every chance at 2/5f.
Robert Cowell's So Hi Speed ran well second start and even traveled to France when behind winning stablemate Pocket Dynamo. This American-bred son of Central Banker disappointed at Chepstow. Interesting to consider if there was an issue that day because it seemed a dismal effort. There is a chance he has regressed. This turning 5f may well suit. He showed good pace on the all-weather at Chelmsford. Has something to prove. The visor has been applied most likely to bring improvement.
6:05 Windsor -
Across The Sea is interesting. She has been fancied on both starts to date. James Tate doesn't have too many entered juveniles and this daughter of Dubawi looked to have a great chance of winning at Kempton. She looked to hold every hope but tired quickly in the final furlong. She was keen that day and that definitely took its toll. This drop back to the minimum trip may be a good move. Interesting to see if she has enough pace to sit in a handy position.
6:40 Windsor -
John Gosden has Kessar running here. Ran well on debut at York when narrowly beaten. Disappointed when dropping in distance at Royal Ascot. The hood has been applied for the first time. Should enjoy this easier task.
2:00 Catterick -
Just the one entrant here, although the betting suggests this is a two-horse race. Both look fair sorts. Scott Dixon's Deia Glory has run four times and a speester. This bay daughter of Khyllachy nearly sprang a 50/1 shock when leading for most in the Hilary Needler Trophy Conditions Stakes. She was caught in the dying strides. On place, this March foal was a long way down the field in the Queen Mary Stakes Group 2 at Royal Ascot. Considering she led for most and beaten nine lengths it wasn't a bad effort. Not much of a price so a watching brief.
2:40 Lingfield -
Quite an interesting race. Chonburi has a significant entry although looks limited compared to the better types trained by Richard Hannon. Most interesting is Isaac Queen trained by Archie Watson. This bay daughter of War Command cost 42,000 euros. Watson has a few talents in his string and this bay filly is one of five entered for the Lowther Stakes Group 2. The number of entrants could slightly dilute the level although she is well fancied in the market and from a low draw is respected.
Six two-year-old races - from a claimer to novice stakes and nurseries too.
I'll have a quick look to note any significant entrants.
2:10 Catterick (Claiming)
No entrants of significance.
2:50 Yarmouth -
No entrants of significance.
3:10 Catterick -
Mark Johnston's Prairie Spy has won on both starts to date. Interesting that her trainer has opted to send this daughter of Sepoy to contest an nursery for this third start. The opposition are rated in the 60s, while she has an official rating of 87. A horse respected in the stable and one that will be contesting at Group class if winning here.
4:00 Lingfield -
A poor nursery for horses rated in the 60s (a couple rated 71). Wolstonbury and Habanera have been given entries but limited. This race wouldn't take much winning so they may have some chance. Not the type of race I would bet myself but intriguing nonetheless.
4:35 Lingfield -
No significant entrants
7:25 Kempton -
Interesting to see David Evans' One Kiss made her debut at Class 2 and wasn't disgraced. Stepping up in distance. This looks a fairly competitive field and it may be the case she was slightly flattered on that racecourse bow but looks a big price at 25/1.
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.
Not a great deal of time so I will simple detail the significantly-entered juveniles for Friday's four races.
2:50 Lingfield -
An EBF Novice Stakes over 4f 217y on good to firm going.
Ed Walker has a nice prospect with On The Stage. Interesting that Dark Panther has been noted by the trainer. This Irish-bred son of Dandyman was relatively fancied on debut at Brighton but ran horrendously. A huge price today. Sometimes the worse they look on debut the better they go second start. Needs a leap of faith.
5:10 Nottingham -
A Fillies' Novice Median Auction Stakes over 5f 8y on good going.
No significant entrants.
5:50 Ripon -
Novice Auction Stakes over 5f on good going.
Richard Hughes' charge is the only significantly entered two-year-old in this race. Wolf Hunter showed zilch on debut at Bath when trailing home in the mud. This son of Sir Prancealot ruined his chance when returning to Kempton in what looked to be a fairly hot race. He was keen and ran wide on the bend which all but ruined any chance of winning. However, this chestnut colt made eye-catching progress in the closing furlong suggesting he is capable of much better. This juvenile doesn't look the easiest horse to ride and temperamental which is never good news. Could go well but you are taking a gamble whether he settles or not. Slightly off putting.
6:00 Ascot -
An EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes over 5f on good to firm going.
No significantly entered juveniles.
A Novice Median Auction Stakes over 5f 6y on Standard going.
Eight debutantes take part: three colts and five fillies. This race type (class 5) details that most two-year-olds were relatively cheap purchases at the sales.
Not the easiest race to assess so I will just highlight a few which have been given significant entries.
Gay Kelleway's Induct was earmarked for the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes. This son of Pastoral Pursuits cost £5000 at the yearling sales.
Mick Channon has done well this early season with Izzer winning the Brocklesby and a Class 2 Stakes race at Bath. Jungle Inthebungle was entered for a Class 2 Stakes which gives some hope. The stable have indicated they have a decent string of juveniles.
Similarly, Dean Ivory's Penniesfromheaven had been entered for one of those two £12,000 races (Bath or Newcastle). This daughter of Lethal Force runs in the colours of his father, K T Ivory. The mare won on debut. Penniesfromheaven cost £17,000 when purchased from the yearling sales by the handler.
A watching brief.
It has been a busy time. Lots of interest in our websites regarding Cheltenham and the Grand National. Strange, in ways, when my niche is two-year-old racing. I've got slightly into the upcoming Festival at Prestbury Park. I've written about 50 articles leading up to this betting bonanza which runs from the 13th - 16th March.
But back to business.
Group Horse entries have proven time and time again they reveal a rich seam of gold. Even when these noted juveniles turn three they still come out all guns blazing. Charlie Appleby has been exceptional with his string.
Take a look at his significant two-year-old entries (now three).
With the inclement weather Flat racing has been pretty thin on the ground. Certainly thinner than the snow.
3:30 Lingfield - (Wednesday)
Novice Stakes 1m 2f on Standard going. Nine three-year-olds take part. I will keep this as brief as possible.
Nordic Lights is a chestnut son of Intello and expensive 2yo breeze-up purchase at 575,000G. Charlie Appleby had this March foal entered for the Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) and National Stakes (Group 1). These entries were given almost a year ago so it is worth keeping that point in mind. However, the class of many of Godolphin's debutantes - especially from Appleby - speaks well.
I'll just take a quick look to see if any of the field:
No other noted entrants.
So racing goes ahead at Lingfield.
I didn't think there would be much racing at all and then all three all-weather cards survive inspection.
3:30 Lingfield -
The Spring Cup Stakes is a Listed race over 7 1y on Standard going.
I can't say I've looked at this race too much. The first thing that popped into my head was Lansky, trained by Jeremy Noseda and ridden by Ryan Moore. This Irish-bred son of Dark Angel cost 300,000G at the 2yo breeze-up sales in the ownership of Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited. This bay colt has won twice in four starts. Beaten a couple of times when racing at Group class (Acomb Stakes Group 3 at York & Mill Reef Stakes Group 2). Two noble efforts placed third and fourth respectively beaten less than five lengths. He has total earning slightly shy of £20,000.
Interesting to consider how many of these six entrants where identified by Group Horse at two, the majority before they had made their debut.
Five of the six were identified early in their 2yo career.
Alibasher
Bengali Boys
Lake Volta
Lansky
Rufus King
Interesting to see who wins £25,520