There's always a good reason to follow the 2019 Group Horse Entries even when it's 2020. Sometimes you have to wait a long time for a horse to show its ability, even though it has only raced twice before. That was the case for Mick Channon's three-year-old Aweemaweh who won on the 14th March at Wolverhampton when competing in the Betway Maiden Stakes over 6f. This chestnut son of Bungle Inthejungle out of an unraced dam started his career back in August 2019 when quite fancied in the betting at 5/1. This March foal (17th) was priced 5/1 on his second start when heading to Bath, this time dropping back to the minimum trip, and finishing seventh of eleven. Aweemahew wasn't seen for a little over 200-days and seemingly unfancied on his third start at Wolverhampton. Stepping back up to 6f, he was well backed from 28/1 to 12/1. To be fair, victory looked unlikely at the furlong pole when Aweemahew was five or six lengths off the lead, and struggling for pace, before running on with verve. A combination of this colt finding his stride and the three leaders tiring saw him get up to win in the final strides to win by half a length. Readers of Group Horse Daily will see that Mick Channon had entered this colt for the Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2). Even after a long wait, Group Horse still details winners, often a big prices.
The two-year-old racing season has started. Not in the Brocklesby Stakes 2019, but over the Channel, Saint-Cloud, France. Not the biggest surprise as a few 'early-bird trainers' are looking for every angle to win decent prize money and £10,360.36 tempted three British trainers to the bog-like conditions of this racecourse situated near Paris. The racecourse has a rich heritage dating back to 1901, built by politician and horse/owner-breeder Edmund Blanc (1856-1920). In French, it is familiarly called the Hippodrome de Saint-Cloud. It hosts a number of high-profile races including the Group One Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud held in late June or the first week of July. Readers may remember the Criterium de Sant-Cloud takes place in November. Today's action saw three British raiders send two-year-olds to take part in the Prix le Marche (Claimer) over a four-and-a-half furlong, on heavy going. See the full result 1:00 Saint-Cloud (FR)
Twelve two-year-olds competed in challenging conditions in a winning time of 56.37s (slow by 7.17s). In a blanket finish, Throttle Control, trained by J-V Toux won by a short neck from The Nile Song who was a nose in front of favourite Wedding Proposal (41/10f). The best of the British trio saw Jo Hughes' Panthera Tigris, ridden by Georgia Dobie (3lb claimer), who finished sixth, beaten just over four lengths. This daughter of Heeraat (not two until the 31st March) gained the following race comment: ''Chased leaders on inner, outpaced and driven halfway, kept on under hands and heels final furlong.'' Next best came George Bakers' Captain Tatman (58/10) who finished seventh, ridden by Theo Bachelot, who was just a quarter of a length behind Panthera Tigris. This bay gelding is a January foal, sired by Olympic Glory is out of an unraced mare. Race comments detailed: ''Midfield towards centre of track, outpaced and driven halfway, stayed on inside final furlong, never in contention.'' Mick Channon, who won the Brocklesby Stakes in 2018 with Izzer, fielded Gift Account (11/2) an April foal, sired by Captain Gerrard out of a poor mare who raced five times without being placed. Gift Account finished ninth, beaten over ten lengths. Race comments stated: ''Pressed leaders, driven and edged right 1 1/2f from home, weakened final furlong.'' Gift Account showed good pace until tiring in the closing stages. It will be interesting to see if any of these early two-year-olds go for the 2019 Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster's Lincoln Meeting. It would seem an ideal opportunity making use of this vital racecourse experience. If you want to know the best two-year-old racehorses in training, learn more by visiting Group Horse, experts in understanding the best horse from stables big and small.
My brother sent a little message about this 3yo Novice Stakes. I thought I would write about it from a two-year-old perspective, just to show how even the insight from Group Horse [Daily] can help (hopefully) detail the leading lights of a race. Nine three-year-olds take part over this turning five furlongs on the standard to slow going. This race looks out of two major hopes. There may well be more, but we will give reasons along the way. Paul Cole's Physics is definitely the horse to beat. This bay gelding is a son of Acclamation and 180,000 yearling purchase. He was a beaten favourite on debut over this course, dropping back a furlong to this minimum trip. I like Cole at Kempton and Mrs Fitri Hay is a significant owner. In truth, the debut effort didn't inspire when a beaten favourite, finishing fifth. It looked for the world as if he fluffed his lines, went too fast and tired rapidly. Any horse can disappoint on debut. I would expect a much more polished display here from stall six. At 13/8, I'm not sure this offers much value. If drifting could make a fair bet, especially if going for an each way double. Should be the horse to beat. Orange Blossom has been a very frustrating horse to follow. I can imagine The Cool Silk Partnership must have thought summer turned to winter in a day because I have little doubt this daughter of Showcasing has been held in high regard. As with many two-year-olds, it doesn't take much to sour and then it is a matter of building back to winning ways. This January foal has raced at Group class but looked as though she would have struggled to win at plating class on a bad day. However, she showed ability last time out over six furlongs. It is often the case potentially talented two-year-olds lose their way and then comes good at three. I have seen it happen many times. A wide draw isn't ideal. Interesting to see she is dropping back to the minimum trip. After a few frustrating runs, this is a test for this attractive filly. Brigadier was fancied to go well on debut at this course, giving the impression this drop back to five furlongs would be right up his alley. This son of Sepoy finished behind Orange Blossom. Punters may be fancying their chances of reversing the form over this sprint. One point of slight concern is that the statistics for this horse are poor. Any horse can defy the stats and that may well be true for Brigadier but it is a point to consider. Mick Channon's Rakastava was odds on for his debut. There is no doubt this son of Clodovil has some limitation drifting markedly in the betting when outclassed by With Caution, trained by James Tate. Well drawn in stall two but may need to show improved form after a couple of fair but somewhat disappointing efforts. Conclusion: An intriguing race. A few of these horses need to put disappointments behind them, which isn't the best starting point to find winners (unless you have a good reason). Physics has a lot of positives today although needs to have learned from his debut. Has sound claims, especially if drifting in the betting. Orange Blossom is the sort of horse to turn your hair grey overnight. These frustrating types often come good at some point but you may need to have skin as thick as a rhino to take another loss. If drifting to big prices on the exchanges may be worth a small win bet. The type who will win or simply disappoint. Brigadier looks to hold sound claims but the stats just put me off. Rakastava looks disappointing and not sure if this drop in distance will help. In truth, I would side with Physics if you can get half decent odds. Orange Blossom may finally come good but an enigma.
3:35 Leicester - Sometimes talented horses look pretty poor on debut. That was certainly the case for Clive Cox's Red Armada who didn't show much ability on debut over course and distance. Group Horse Daily detailed this son of Invincible Spirit. He wasn't disgraced but didn't set the world alight when finishing fourth of seven at odds of 14/1. I didn't know what to think second start at Ascot. Considering this colt cost 120,000 euros at the yearling sales and had been given a significant entry I hadn't lost faith but wouldn't have bet beyond a speculative poke. This April foal ran very well finishing second to Prince Eiji who is a class juvenile. He lost by half a length but clear of the third. Interesting why he hasn't been seen for a few weeks. There was a lot to like about that performance. If touching each-way prices looks a good bet to hit the frame. Red Armada 7/2 3rd Note: The favourite won well. Red Armada was stuck behind horses and lost place manoeuvring. Ran on with purpose but should have gone a lot closer. Only just got going at the line in third. Worth noting next start. 4:05 Leicester - Richard Hannon has given Come On Leicester an unending list of significant entries. In fact, this bay daughter of Kodiac has received no less than eighteen. She has achieved one win from seven starts. As those entries state, she has been highly tried racing at pattern class four times. She was meant to make that five but withdrawn at Haydock when the going turned heavy. Come On Leicester has run well at Group class so this is a marked drop in class. Considering all five horses here have won before, the win penalty is negated. I would imagine Hannon has been disappointed that this 360,000 guineas breeze-up purchase hasn't won at the highest level. With a rating of 94, this looks a fine opportunity. As always, there are no easy races. This Class 3 race details a few live wires. Mick Channon has been in great form all season. Gospel is lightly raced. She won by a neck on debut before heading to Ireland at Listed class. A creditable run in seventh but beaten less than five lengths. Once again, one of the better fillies in the stable. Aquarius is a big price. Michael Appleby must have had high hopes for this Irish-bred daughter of Charm Spirit won on debut. She has been outclassed since. Come On Leicester 9/4 1st Gospel 6/4f 2nd Aquarius 16/1 5th Note: Come On Leicester made the most of this drop in class and showed her class. A nice performance by a horse which drifted markedly in the betting. 6:15 Kempton - Interesting to see one of few juveniles noted by Charlie Fellows. Thanks Be was priced 20/1 on debut at Newbury over 7f. It was a very stiff race won by Fashion's Star, trained by Roger Charlton, and detailed by Group Horse as a real superstar. This daughter of Makhadram looks a good breeze-up purchase at 65,000 guineas. Beaten less than five lengths that day. A prime draw and dropping back a furlong. Fellows is a decent trainer with a small string of two-year-olds. He usually makes the most of his chances and this filly should go well. Thanks Be 4/1 5th Note: Tried to make the most from a low draw by leading. Looked to hold every chance coming into the final furlong but went backwards fast as the favourite sauntered by. Probably ran it's race in 5th but a disappointing effort in ways.
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.
Three races of interest. Most have sizable field which doesn't fill my heart with joy. Why? Because they take longer to analyse. Just one race with significant entrants. 2:00 Salisbury - Mick Channon has a decent string of two-year-olds. Certain Lad ran out a comfortable winner on debut and been given a Gain Railway Stakes (Group 2) entry, Ireland. Connections will be hoping he goes well here to head to that lofty engagement. A win penalty makes this a fair test. Interesting that Stan Moore gave Warrior Display a Woodcote entry. His string haven't shown a great deal this year but he is a fair judge of ability. This Irish-bred son of Dandy Man cost £20,000 at the breeze-up sales. He is priced 50/1 with bookmakers because it is a competitive race and he doesn't have many debut winners. If you can get 100/1+ on the betting exchanges, you may take the plunge and bet a few quid each way. It is a shot in the dark but this horse must have proven something on the gallops.
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.
1:50 Chester - (9th May) The Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes over 5f on good to soft going. Ten two-year-olds take part - all with racecourse experience. The most significant juvenile race of the season so far. This Class 2 race has win prize money worth £14,940. Yogi's Girl won in a photo finish last year beating Black Orange by a nose. Trainer, David Evans delighted with the win. He does well in this race. For an in-depth Guide to the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes take a look at Frankel Blog. Light My Fire has been withdrawn by Tom Dascombe. This will be a short and sharp post regarding the major hopes. For the majority, a wide draw or limited ability puts pay to any real hope. In truth, this looks a four-horse race. Dark Thunder is one of three entrants for Tom Dascombe, who lives up the road at Malpas. This grey colt is an Irish-bred son of Alhebayeb cost £42,000 when purchased at the yearling sales. He wasn't overly fancied on debut at Windsor. It turned out to be a hot race with Mark Johnston's Blown By Wind being beaten at odds of 4/11f by Kevin Ryan's Emaraaty Ana who has Royal Ascot on the cards. Dark Thunder ran out a fair third place but needs to find improvement to figure here. The stable are worthy of note at this course but others look to hold more promise. Mick Channon has been in fine form with his two-year-olds this season. The last couple of years have been pretty dire considering his former standing but he has a decent string of juveniles - who keep on winning! Kinks is a speedster who was beaten on debut but won on his next two starts at Bath and Ripon, respectively. This son of Sixties Icon doesn't lack for pace but a wide draw (11) is a thorn in his side. It isn't impossible, but it is far from ideal. I can't see him getting to the rail, so connections may just play a waiting game and sit just off the pace and hope they can finish well. I must admit, odds of 10/3 look pretty tight because if he gets caught wide it will be a hard work. David Evans is a talented trainer who knows his horses. Lihou ran well on debut in the Brocklesby and then beat Kinks at Kempton. This chestnut son of Mayson ran on with zeal, collaring Kinks with a little bit in hand. This April foal was been waiting for this race and could well have strengthened up if not improved a good deal on that effort back in April. Looks a live chance. The other major contender is Mark Johnston's No Lippy. One of four fillies in the field, she is drawn not drawn too badly in stall four. She isn't the biggest daughter of Oasis Dream but a sturdy, athletic sort in the mold of a terrier. She battled well on debut to defy World Order who may have been intimidated by her wandering tactics. A horse with plenty of pace. Could well lead and try to hold on at the line. Conclusion: This is a race which takes some winning and run at a frantic pace. No Lippy made an encouraging debut and looks to have a fighting spirit. The downside, the form is untested. I would give her the benefit of the doubt. Interesting to see if she leads because it could be a positive but will leave no hiding place. Lihou hails from a stable who do well at this course. She managed to beat Kinks with a bit in hand and looks the type to improve with racing. There is a chance she may be outpaced in the early stages, which could be a problem. One who will be running on at the line but needs to be in contention. If pressed, I would have a small each-way bet on Lihou or win bets on Lihou and No Lippy. Intriguing race and not a race I would be wagering myself.
As Cecil Gaybody once said in the film Carry On Girls: ''Bring on the girls!'' Well, to be precise, fillies of the equine version. An EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes (Plus 10) over 5f 21y on Standard going. This Class 5 2yo race has a field of ten juveniles, three with racecourse experience. Penniesfromheaven ran well on debut for Dean Ivory. This daughter Lethal Force is quite lightly built and looked very inexperienced on debut at Lingfield. She ran on pretty well when slightly awkward on the bend, running on into third behind Jungle Inthebungle and Lady Prancealot who won readily on her second start. Penniesfromheaven had been entered for a Class 2 Stakes race which adds to confidence. Well drawn in stall two may well encourage connections to lead. Mick Channon has been in great form with his two-year-olds this season. He mentioned they are gone back to buying typical speedy types and Izzer has already won twice. Those form lines help with assessment which is a big advantage. Knockabout Queen races in the familiar silks of Box 41 Racing syndicate. This bay daughter of Sixties Icon is a home bred. The betting is the best guide. If priced 8/1 & less SP has fair each way claims especially if backed. I would take a watching brief if weak in the market. Interesting to see Tom Dascombe field two fillies here to start his two-year-old campaign. Sesame looks to be the first string racing in the familiar silks of Laurence Bellman & Caroline Ingram. This daughter of Slade Power and cost 52,000 euros at the yearling sales. The eleven draw is a difficult starting point as you don't want to be slow away or pushed wide on the bend. If priced 13/2 & less SP it suggests something is expected. I would let the betting settle before getting involved just in case the draw is too much of a negative. The stable is represented by Polished owned by John Dance who had some nice successes with juveniles last season. This daughter of Helmet cost 41,000 euros. Another with a relatively high draw. Unless seriously backed, best watched. David Evans has started this juvenile season with plenty of runners and at east two winners. He is worth noting early season. The Welsh wizard has three two-year-olds entered here: Kg Courage (once raced), Go Annie Go & Frisky Dancer. Kg Courage wasn't fancied in the betting on debut and finished last behind Jungle Inthebungle. On form, Penniesfromheaven has a decisive advantage. Two-year-olds shouldn't be limited by one run although much more is needed. The stable can spring surprises in the betting so it is worth noting the betting. Go Annie Go is well drawn and worth noting in the betting. Frisky Dancer is the biggest of Evans in the betting at the time of writing [14/1] and daughter of Zoffany. Money is the keyword with this stable and the shortest of the three is likely to go best. Scott Dixon didn't have the best of two-year-old campaigns last year but a trainer who can pop up with a decent horse. Deia Glory is a bay daughter of Kyllachy out of a twice-winning mare. A 32,000G yearling purchase. She was priced 50/1 on debut and showed good pace early door before being outpaced into fifth but beaten just under four lengths. This was a Class 2 Novice Stakes with prize money of over £12,000+ to the winner. Time may tell that was a decent race. Not the easiest horse to assess because she may need to run to the line. However, if slightly in need for the run that day, could be there especially from stall one. Looks a likely lead. Henry Spiller's Daphinia and cheap yearling purchase at £8,000. One trainer who excelled last year was Archie Stevens. He can prime a debutante so it will be interesting to see how Cloud Seeding goes. This British-bred filly is a daughter of Gale Force Ten. This £31,000 yearling purchase has a wide draw in stall ten which is far from ideal. The hood has been applied. Interesting whether this is to calm or encourage. The betting at 7/1 suggests something is expected. I would let the betting settle just in case it drifts. Conclusion: A large field of fillies. The betting looks pretty open so the bookies will be careful. It may well be wise to let the betting settle unless you have a strong opinion. Certainly, the form horses have the benefit of experience which counts for a lot. Penniesfromheaven and Deia Glory fit that category and well drawn. They could be sent to the front. Both have either run or been entered for Class 2 races which indicates the trainers have some hope for these juveniles. Penniesfromheaven has shown a bit of form and gave the impression better would be seen next start. The slight negative is that she was very inexperienced that day and could be the same today. A low draw could be a blessing or a problem if slow away. She isn't the strongest looking horse but against fillies shouldn't look out of place. Deia Glory may have the best form and if improving for the run could go well. Both have an equal measure of good and bad. I would take a watching brief. The betting is the best guide for Knockabout Queen, Sesame and Cloud Seeding. If priced 7/1 & less SP could go well. The latter two have to defy a bad draw which doesn't inspire. I would have to take a watching brief because this looks a tricky affair.
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.
After a long wait Group Horse is back into action with the new Flat turf season. You will notice we have a new page: Group Horse 2018. I'm sure a few of our regulars enjoyed watching the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes at Doncaster. It is good to see this noted two-year-old race start the juvenile season which isn't always the case. There will be winners come from these entrants/runners. Izzer was very well backed for Mick Channon. The stable hadn't won this race since before 1988. The stable seemed confident as he was backed from 14/1 - 4/1. This son of Clodovil liked the soft going and burst to the front if not a little too early by his jockey's comments. He is likely to go forward although will have the burden of a win penalty. The second placed, Broken Spear looks a decent sort physically and defied the 33/1 odds for Tony Coyle's stable who can spring a surprise. We have updated a number of potentially smart juveniles who have been entered for the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes. Interesting, that 6 two-year-olds were entered but not raced. In addition, we have a Class 2 race at Newcastle which could well feature a few smart horses considering the race is worth £12,000+. This is just a starting point and entries will be added throughout the season. All you have to do is take a look. I will try to detail a few betting opportunities this season so keep looking at the website on a daily basis. I notice a couple of people cancelled their subscription last year and they will be removed in the next couple of weeks. If you wish to resubscribe then please contact me at jason@professionalgamblers.co.uk for more information. The standard of horse detailed last season was worth every penny of subscription so people either keep up subscription or will be removed. Thanks for your support.