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.
A couple of quiet days.
Avid readers would have noticed that Mark Johnston's Companion (pictured) won on the nod at Great Yarmouth on Wednesday [2:00]. This bay daughter of Dark Angel battled well to the line. She was backed from 11/2 - 4/1. The interesting point for this post is that this filly had been given a class 2 entry. From our analysis, this was a significant entry, which proved to be the case.
Let's take a look at tomorrow's racing. Do we have any significantly entered two-year-olds?
1:40 Beverley -
Tim Easterby has started this Flat turf season with verve. Eight two-year-olds have raced so far and Iva Go looks to be the star of the show so far. This daughter of Ivawood was very well backed on debut (although drifted to big odds on the exchanges before the money came). I was impressed with this filly would put down a serious challenge and led the eventual winner, Exclusively, who continued a victorious early season for in-form Archie Watson. This auction stakes, by nature, is a limited race type, which often favours experienced juvenile, especially those with an element of ability. Iva Go is a decent horse at this grade and it would be a surprise if she doesn't lead these a merry dance.
2:15 Beverley -
This may be the weaker of the two divisions. Time will tell. There is one significantly-entered juvenile going here in the shape of Gracie's Girl, trained by Mick Appleby. As detailed in one of the previous posts, he is a handler who can string a surprise with debutantes and we stated although we wouldn't bet on this horse on debut we certainly wouldn't have been laying it to lose. This daughter of Heeraat was hampered leaving the stalls but ran on with some spirit to finish third at odds of 25/1. This filly looks a great yearling purchase at just £4,000 considering she is out of a fair dam in Queen's Revenge who won on debut and raced at listed class. In truth, the debut of Gracie's Girl is difficult to assess. The winner, Copacabana Dancer, made the most of his experience while the rest of the field got in each other's way or disappointed. It will be interesting to see what Gracie's Girl can do today as she should improve for that first effort.
Photo: Gareth Coote
A quiet few days. Not always a bad thing in an age of too much racing.
Just the one race today detailing a significant entry.
7:00 Chelmsford -
Mark Johnston has Mister Chiang going here. This bay colt is a son of Archipenko. He has raced four times and shown a fair level of ability without being anything special. He has an official rating of 77. Not bad prize money for this Class 3 race at £7,763. By all accounts, this May foal hasn't been considered for any race of great merit. Just the solitary Class 2 entry is as basic as it gets. However, he has shown ability on his last three starts. Often employing front-running tactics, this turning course, from a low draw, may well suit. A drop back to one mile is no bad thing. I can see this colt leading and putting down a decent effort.
I will be watching.
Mister Chiang 4/1 1st
Note: With the two major favourites disappointing this was real hope for Mister Chiang. The drop in distance helps him finish the race although for much of the trip he looked on the edge of being outpaced. It is always a strength to finish a race. Touched 7/1 on Betfair and available at each way odds. Nice win.
Another horse detailed in Surfman, who wins well. You know you don't find this sort of consistency.
Let's have a look at today's 2yo races of interest.
5:15 Chelmsford -
Days Of Glory races in the familiar silks of high-profile owners Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith. This American-bred son of Scat Daddy cost $300,000 at the yearling sales. Trained by Richard Hannon, he wasn't fancied on debut when starting at odds of 20/1. It looked a typical back-end Maiden (Stakes) with Andrew Balding hitting the jackpot with a 50/1 winner called Landa Beach. Days Of Glory weaved a wayward path that day when veering sharply left leaving the stalls, soon recovered to track leaders, shaken up over 1f out, losing place when impeded entering final furlong, weakened final furlong [Racing Post]. A recent Class 2 entry may give a touch of hope for this second start. No betting at time of writing so we will have to see how this colt fares in the market. Update [tissue price] 7/1.
Days Of Glory 7/1 2nd
Note: ''A fair race by Days Of Glory. No threat to thee easy well-backed debutante but hot the frame.
6:15 Chelmsford -
Mark Johnston is always a powerhouse. An impressive string with talented juveniles. *Themaxwecan clearly likes a trip as detailed by his debut win at Bath over 1m 2f. This son of Maxios knew where the line was, too, when flaring his nostrils to win by a short-head. Connections must think something of this relatively cheap yearling purchase [50,000G] because he has received two Listed race entries of late. Interesting if he can shoulder the win penalty which must take some bearing over these extended trips.
* NR
2:35 Goodwood -
William Knight doesn't have too many juveniles in his string but a very capable trainer. Busker has proven to be a progressive horse, who looked to hold every chance second start when beaten by a talent. Then, seemingly, something of a surprise winner at Newbury when tasting victory at odds of 25/1. Has to defy a win penalty but a horse with plenty of pace who is likely to lead.
The only other entrant is Cookupastorm who won second start. Has to shoulder a win penalty. Cheek pieces have been applied for the first time.
Busker 9/4 2nd
Cookupastorm 10/1 6th
Note: Busker ran well under a penalty but outclassed by Mick Channon's Chairmanoftheboard who was very well backed. Cookupastorm didn't handle conditions.
3:45 Goodwood -
Mister Chiang isn't one of the better two-year-olds in Mark Johnston's stable but finished second last time out.
Mister Chiange 7/2 2nd
Note: Mister Chiang did all the donkey work and was beaten at the line. A creditable second and may have done a little too much in front.
Not a great deal of time so a quick look at Tuesday's significantly entered two-year-olds.
2:05 Beverley -
Mark Johnston has a number of talented juveniles in his string and Arctic Sound is worthy of note. This bay colt is a son of Poet's Voice. Fancied on both starts to date, he finished an admirable second on debut at Haydock and then justified joint favouritism when heading to Sandown. He has been entered for a Listed race , which is a measure of this March foal. A winner's penalty makes life tougher but if talented enough to take on higher class should go well.
A quick look at Wednesday's entrants of significance.
2:10 Catterick -
A couple of entrants here. Kuwait Station was meant to run the other day but withdrawn by David O'Meara. Last in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot but a horse who won well on debut. Has to shoulder a win penalty which makes life harder. A drop in class but whether you would want to jump in at odds on only time will tell.
Karl Burke must think something of Havana Ooh Na Na. This full brother to Havana Grey was fancied on debut at Hamilton but struggled to get competitive against more experienced rivals. In truth, this chestnut colt wasn't ready that day although I imagine connections thought he was. Stepping up to 5 1/2f in a good value race at York, he showed a little bit more. This 6f may be to Havana Ooh Na Na's advantage, although the course does often favour speedy types so he wouldn't want to be slow into stride. Burke had him entered for the Dragon Stakes at Sandown before making his debut, which indicates some hope. I feel this colt is a slow learner who may win when getting to grips with what racing is all about. Could hold each way claims.
3:10 Catterick -
Nursery races aren't may betting medium. However, we have a few significant entrant here. Amadeus Grey isn't one of Tim Easterby's better types but runner-up on a couple of starts.
Aussie View is top weight for Mark Johnston. He has been pretty consistent and achieved a win but disappointed at Royal Ascot when competing in the Chesham Stakes Listed race. A durable horse who battles.
Saeed bin Suroor still seems the poor relation to Charlie Appleby and must feel quiet despondent in ways. Jfoul is one of three entrant for the good man but one of the lesser lights. This bay colt has been fancied on all three starts. The step up to 7f show him win by a neck.
Other to receive entries: Ventura Bay.
3:30 Bath -
Anthem Of Peace held an entry early season but looks very disappointing. Unless something astounding happens, a horse to watch. Would be much better off in a nursery although will pick up some prize money so a master move by Meehan.
6:20 Sandown -
Heartwarming has been noted by Clive Cox, who has a decent bunch of juveniles. Ran well on debut at Sandown behind Kurious who is similarly owned by Hot To Trot Racing.
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.
2:00 Beverley -
Victory Command has proven a smart colt winning two races from five starts, placed on three other occasions. Mark Johnston has a decent string of juveniles ad this son of War Command enjoyed a step up in distance at Beverley, leading all the way and holding the runner-up even shouldering a penalty. None of these look likely to press this juvenile unless he disappoints.
Take a look at the Group entries and see which trainers have horses you can't afford to miss. Click here to see the dark horses of racing.
1:40 Thirsk -
Iain Jardine's Samantha James ran well on debut when finishing fourth in a pretty hot race at Thirsk. The form of the race has been franked. This daughter of an Australian stallion was quite fancied next start at Carlisle, again over the minimum trip. She finished fifth, beaten three lengths. The winner is heading to Royal Ascot and those in between look fair juveniles. Connections step up in distance to six furlong because she could never quite get to grips with the leaders last time out.
In addition, Evangeline Samos made her debut in the Marygate Listed race at York. This daughter of Foxwedge started slowly and finished down the field. This race will take a lot less winning and relatively fancied in the betting.
3:05 Royal Ascot - Coventry Stakes (Group 2)
A race to enjoy.
6:10 Brighton -
Richard Hannon's horses have been running well of late. Leoube ran disappointing at York on debut after missing the break and had no chance thereafter. This daughter of Kodiac was sent off a 25/1 next start at Windsor. She showed decent pace before tiring into fifth. A fair-looking juvenile. Interesting to see how she goes over six furlong.
6:30 Beverley -
Victory Commander is going for his second win although must defy the win penalty. Interesting to see how she fares with this extended trip. Horses stepping up in distance - after sprints - can be prove to pull.
2:15 Carlisle -
Mark Johnston has given Seductive Moment one significant entry. A winner on debut but disappointed next start when a beaten favourite at Carlisle. Gave the impression he was ridden a stride too fast that day and folded tamely. Joe Fanning takes the ride today. A win penalty makes life hard. Always a slight concern when a horse disappoints that it may have regressed. That's enough to bring a few question marks. Interesting to see how this chestnut colt goes.
5:50 Nottingham -
Another fair horse trained by the Middleham handler. Delft Dancer is a battling type who won at this course over 5f. Not been beaten too far in all four races but clearly needs this step up in distance. Ran exceptionally well last time out at Hamilton when running on after being outpaced. A battling, if not lazy, type who will appreciated this extra furlong. Needs to defy the win penalty but been running soundly under the burden so far.
Seems like a very long day.
2:00 Sandown -
Dark Shadow is the only entrant here. Clive Cox's son of Dark Angel was relatively fancied on debut at Ascot just over one month ago. He was well backed from 7/1 - 9/2. Unfortunately, the horse next to him in the stalls was unruly which done him few favours. There could be more to come.
2:35 Sandown -
A number of entrants taking part for this 7f race. Dancing Speed was wide drawn last time out at Goodwood but well backed. Didn't show as much ability as expected. This step up in distance should help. Hugo Palmer's Eagle Hunter ran a great race on debut after a slow start. The third horse hasn't been disgraced. Also, from a statistical point of view very good claims. If a marked drifter in the betting could be value. Richard Hannon has Glorious Dane (as well as Dancing Speed). He was a drifter in the market on debut at Leicester. That wasn't a surprise when reviewing the run as he was very inexperienced. This son of Olympic Glory made up a lot of ground to catch the leaders before tiring in the closing furlong. Could well improve for that debut.
6:25 Chepstow -
Steve has been highly tried and will appreciate this drop in class. Millman does well at this course. Has to shoulder a win penalty which doesn't make life easy as he is no world beater. Axel Jacklin has shown ability but his last two starts have looked pretty average. It wouldn't surprise me if he has regressed.
6:35 Goodwood -
Just Wolstonbury given the significant entry but looks to be second string to Sylvester Kirk's Nayslayer who was backed on debut and the form of that race has been franked by a number of horses.
Just a quick update.
2:30 Brighton -
Gay Kelleway has given Induct a few entries including the Woodcote Stakes. This brown gelding hasn't been seen since April. He didn't show any ability of debut when weak in the market. The entries give some hope but there needs to be a transformation. Stepping up to 6f will help.
Aisling received one significant entry but disappointed on both starts to date. In truth, this filly has been much too keen to do herself justice. This step up in distance will seem even harder work if pulling. Needs to settle to have any claims.
Just the three races today:
2:00 Hamilton -
Axel Jacklin has received a couple of entries from trainer Mark Johnston. He showed up well second time out at Newmarket when stepping up in distance. Finished fourth next start at Haydock, which looked a disappointing effort. However, the first two are probably fair types so may have run his race.
Tony Coyle's Broken Spear has been a consistent horse since an admirable second in the Brocklesby Stakes. He has been beaten by a number of talented juveniles and seems as good at 6f as the minimum trip. There's always a slight concern that a horse may regress after a few hard race (which they often turn out to be when placed) so worth being cautious at short odds although respected.
2:20 Wolverhampton -
Barend Boy looked the type of horse to lose his maiden tag with haste after a fine debut effort at Leicester. He didn't do much wrong when placed at Newmarket, stepping up to 6f. This son of Oasis Dream disappointed at Nottingham. He bucked when leaving the stalls which may have been a sign the saddle pinched. He traveled ok but tired quite tamely at the furlong pole and somewhat eased. It was a poor effort which leaves question marks. The form of the race is decent with the winner, Cool Exhibit, likely to go to Royal Ascot, while the second wasn't disgraced next time out. At best, Barend Boy has claims but you need to forgive a lackluster run, which may be a sign of regression.
Saeeb bin Suroor will be hoping this season is better than last; it can't be worse. Burj is the only two-year-old from his string to receive entries to date. This bay son of Dansili ran well on debut at Newbury when placed third. He is a professional type who looks sure to run his race. A leading player.
6:00 Kempton -
Ralph Beckett does pretty well with his two-year-old debutantes at Kempton. Cruck Railie is a 60,000G yearling purchase. Interesting to note she was given a significant entry a few weeks ago so may be one of the stable's better fillies. A prime draw may be a blessing if well educated. Worth noting if backed.
6:10 Wetherby -
Missed this race at the time. Pink Flamingo had been given two or three entries and looked well fancied around even money with bookmakers. Could hold the winning Cocoabala who shouldered a penalty and showed a much better attitude today compared with last time out when getting hot and bothered.
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.
Five two-year-old race for Monday. I will try to keep this as brief as possible because I am trying to do a million things at once.
2:05 Redcar -
Mark Johnston has been in very good form and details the only significant entry for with Aisling. This race type is restricted which usually favours proven form horses.Big Ace ran well last time out and looks a tough horse to beat. However, Johnston's daughter of Dream Ahead - a very cheap buy - has been given an entry of note so it will be interesting to see how she goes.
2:15 Carlisle -
Once again, Mark Johnston has the sole entry here with Hard Forest. A wide draw isn't ideal. She must be held in some regard by connections as received a couple of entries including a Listed race. This American-bred daughter of Hard Spun has looked a short runner but ran ok on a couple of occasions. She was readily outpointed at Yarmouth although the form of that race has been franked. Has plenty of pace so may try to get to the rail from this high draw. A slight concern about her tiring in the final furlong.
From a statistical point of view, True Mason could go very well. A wide draw isn't ideal. He ran in a decent race on debut and may have been bogged down with the mud or slightly in need of the run. The stable have been out of form which doesn't bring confidence but their fortunes will change sooner or later. Definitely one for the short list.
Cosmic Law was the more fancied of the two Fahey runners at Doncaster, where the outsider of the two prevailed. Cosmic Law was slow away from the stalls and never really involved. However, this son of No Nay Never stayed on in the closing stages without being pressed. I was quite taken with that effort and a horse who will progress. If drifting to each-way prices is worth a small bet.
6:00 Leicester -
No significant entries.
6:15 Windsor -
Quite an interesting race. Richard Hannon's Come On Leicester cost 360,000gns at the breeze-up sales and ran well when making her debut at Ascot. She has a plum draw in stall one and a recent entry for the National Stakes Listed races gives the impression this should be a stepping stone to bigger fish.Whether you want to jump in at 4/5f is the only concern. Definitely the horse to beat.
Gay Kelleway's Elieden was a bargain buy at the breeze-up sales. An excellent purchase at £4,000. Interesting to note this small filly was entered to run at selling class but also higher profile races such as the Lily Agnes, a Class 2 contest and the National Stakes Listed. She was sent off a huge price on debut at Chester. A wide draw and slow start didn't help. However, she ran very well, finding trouble in running down the straight, but finished with some verve. There is always a chance she could have been slightly flattered. Recent entries suggest connections fancy she has ability. A wide draw isn't ideal here and she wouldn't be helped by another tardy start. If starting on terms, could well hold each-way claims at 12/1. The favourite looks hard to beat so if betting you may be wiser to have a point on the favourite and Elieden and just hope the jolly has a disaster.
Richard Hughes has a number of two-year-olds. They often struggle to win but show form. Kadiz traveled well on debut but went a stride too fast and looked to hate the testing conditions at Salisbury. If back to her best, could hold claims. A wide draw isn't ideal but she should have the pace to sit handy if her rider chooses. A hood has been applied which is a slight negative.
6:45 Windsor -
Not significant entries
A long day, so I will quickly detail the significant entries for these races:
2:10 Thirsk -
Interesting to note just one horse entered here being Brian Ellison's Antico Lady. Priced 33/1, the bookies must think this is a tough debut. Ellison is a difficult trainer to assess with debutantes although they can win at big prices. He had Pearl Of Qatar do just that at Beverley at 25/1. Antico Lady is a daughter of Dandy Man and cost 45,000G at the yearling sales. Not sure what to think of the apprentice jockey being on board. It suggests, in ways, they think this filly will need to run. I'm simply detailing her here because she was given a significant entry. Queen Of Burmuda looks a tough nut to crack. Interesting to see what happens. At least with nine runners there are three places for those who want to dabble at speculative each-way odds. You will be hitting and hoping. A big price is the only factor which may entice.
2:45 Thirsk -
Interesting to note that, again, we have two significantly entered juveniles here at big prices. Lady Kinsale was entered for the Lily Agnes but took a different race at Chester. She led for much of the way before tiring into eighth. She has pace to burn and may appreciate this straight course and may well be fitter for that experience. Eric Alston doesn't have many two-year-olds in his string and most are limited. Not impossible but unlikely at 20/1. Oxygenic is the same price for David O'Meara. This daughter of Showcasing was relatively fancied on debut when showing little. She was a big price at Musselburgh in what was a fair race. Interesting that she was entered to run in the two-year-old Listed race at York but didn't take that opportunity. That may be a sign that better is expected.
3:50 Newmarket -
A tough looking race with a few horses with mighty price tags. Just the sole entry at present - although some of these will be going places. New Winds has received an entry from Mark Johnston.
6:20 Doncaster -
Just a quick mention as running out of energy. Arcadian Rocks has been given a significant entry by Mick Channon. Victory Command has been given a couple of entries by Mark Johnston.
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.
2:10 Beverley -
A Novice Stakes Div I on good going.
Nine two-year-olds take part. Deep Intrigue is the only horse with significant entries. A beaten favourite on his last two start - short odds - Johnston will be hoping this is third time lucky. This grey son of Dark Angel cost £200,000 at the yearling sales.
Read more: Mr Angry (Johnston) Derides new plans for racing
2:30 Beverley -
Nine two-year-olds entered for this Novice Stakes Div II.
No horses with significant entries.
5:15 Chepstow -
A Novice Auction Stakes over 5f 16y on good to firm going.
A restricted race type which often favours form horses.
Bill Turner's John Betjeman has run well on two starts. He seemed to enjoy the testing ground conditions on debut at Bath. He may be better with a bit of give in the going description but a horse with enough ability to go close in a race of this nature. Finley Marsh takes off a valuable 5lb. Rod Millman does well at this course.
Swan Street hasn't got an entry at this stage but not a bad looking juvenile who ran fair enough on debut at Kempton.
In addition, Whataguy is a rare two-year-old runner for Paul Nicholls. This son of Mayson ran in a competitive race on debut at Salisbury. Quite a nice looking juvenile who will improve with racing.
Stuart Kittow is a very good trainer and Mayfair Madam did little wrong when beaten a neck at Windsor. This chestnut daughter of Mayson traveled well that day even though she had unseated her rider going to the start. The form of that race is respectable for this grade with a couple franking the form.
Clive Cox has made a great start to the season with his two-year-olds. A couple look very talented. Molly Blake races in the familiar silks of Peter Ridgers. A £24,00 yearling purchase. May well be under priced after a few successes but interesting as their debutantes have decent each away claims when priced 13/2 & less SP. Even more so when 7/2 and less SP.
Read more: Clive Cox's Harry Angel returns to racecourse in the Duke Of York Stakes on Wednesday at York
4:35 Ascot - (12th May)
A Novices Staked Class 3 over 5f on good to firm going.
Ten two-year-olds take part: three with racecourse experience.
Probably a fair race with a number of big trainers. Just two significantly entered horses here.
Blown By Wind won well on debut at Windsor and supporters of Mark Johnston's colt must have been confident of making it two wins from two when priced 4/11f. There is no such thing as a certainty, and that was the case when Emaraaty Ana cruised past to win comfortably. Blown By Wind had to shoulder win penalty as he does today. This is no easy challenge against a previous winner and one or two expensive purchases.
The other horse noted by the trainer may go well at a price. Robert Cowell has a bigger string of two-year-olds and they have been running thick and fast this season. Sir Ox cost $215,000 at the yearling sales. This American-bred son of Oxbow wasn't fancied in the betting on debut at Kempton when priced 25/1. He had a wide draw which didn't help. Funnily enough, he started well but then dropped anchor (or something) and seemed to be instantly outpaced. This bay colt - in the ownership of Khalifa Dasmal - had no particular chance thereafter but show some sparkling in the final furlong. Interesting that Silvestre De Sousa is booked to ride. At odds of 16/1 he may be worth a small speculative bet. I'd rather him be contending a lesser race because one or two of these are likely to have ability (the two favourites to start).