Been a very busy week. Updating lots of websites, many new. A few interesting races on Saturday. Not so much this Sunday. To be honest, I would rather this be a day of rest because even a couple of races seems to clutter the day.
2:00 Pontefract -
Fair money for this 5f 3y EBF Novice Stakes on good to firm going. Just four horses and very much a two-horse race. Both have received significant entries. Richard Fahey's Flawless Jewel is a bay daughter of Kheleyf racing in the familiar colours of The Cool Silk Partnership. She was fancied to go well on debut at York. A battling performance saw her beaten by a neck. A recent entry for the Lowther Stakes (Group 2) adds to confidence. Priced 1/3f, punters will be disappointed if she is beaten.
The major opponent is Murqaab. David O'Meara's charge has raced five times and, for the most part, proven to be a consistent juvenile. This son of Showcasing disappointed in the Windsor Castle Listed race at Royal Ascot but that was no surprise at odds of 66/1. He may have gone a stride to fast last time out at Ripon, although there wasn't anything wrong with the performance in third. The cheek pieces have been applied for the first time. Interesting to see what tactics are employed. I can imagine he will be sent to the front.
Interesting to see how this goes. There may be an option of backing both and laying Murqaab in running if shooting clear.
2:20 Wolverhampton -
Eight two-year-olds take part in this Novice Stakes over 7f 36 y on standard to slow going. Sylvester Kirk does well on the all-weather.
Hackle Setter was noted on debut because the trainer had detailed this son of Noble Mission as having some ability. He wasn't fancied on debut but not disgraced, running on in the closing stages to finish midfield. This step up in distance will help and improvement is likely to be seen.
James Tate gave Zmhar an entry early season. This son of Shamardal hasn't been fancied in the betting on both starts but showed ability second start at Chelmsford.
Been very busy these last few days so will just detail the basics.
2:15 Ripon -
Murqaab was outclassed in the Windsor Castle Listed race at Royal Ascot.
Sosume is interesting. This French-bred son of Siyouni cost 105,000 euros at the breeze-up sales and one of just two horses the stable has entered for the Gimcrack Stakes Group 2. Karl Burke's debutantes can be a little hit and miss but they can win when talented and primed. If priced 10/1 & less SP has respectable each way claims. Note: Very well backed from 7/1, early, on exchanges.
Another Gimcrack entrant is Three Card Trick, trained by Kevin Ryan. This British-bred son of Piccolo races in the familiar silks of Guy Reed Racing. This March foal started his career at York, a course the trainer often sends his better prospects. He was relatively fancied that day and ran well to finish second to Dunkerron, who finished fourth next start in the July Stakes (Group 2).
2:45 Ripon -
A 5f nursery. Not the race type I bet. One significantly entered juvenile being Mayson Mac who made a splendid winning debut and highly tried thereafter. Down the field last time out in the Windsor Castle Listed race at Royal Ascot. This should feel easier.
6:10 Wolverhampton -
So Brave won well on debut and then uplaced in the Empress Fillies' Stakes Listed race. Has a winner's penalty but this is a marked drop in class.
6:20 Windsor -
William Haggas has First Thought entered here. Not shown a great deal on two starts to date.
Magical Wish had been noted by Group Horse as Hannon seemed to be taking particular care placing this colt who is in the ownership of Middleham Park Racing. This Irish-bred son of Heeraat ran very well on debut at Salisbury when beaten a short head. Looks to set a stiff task.
6:40 Wolverhampton -
I always like a Tom Dascombe debut winner. Light My Fire held an entry for the Lily Agnes Stakes but made her debut at Ripon when winning comfortably. This Irish-bred daughter of Dragon Pulse looks an inspired buy at just 23,000 euros.
6:50 Windsor -
Adam West doesn't have to many entered juveniles. Capala is no world beater but ran ok on debut after a slow start. He had a wide draw at Kempton and then ran wide until tiring in the final furlong. He wouldn't have won with a lower draw but is better than seen and this drop in distance may be a positive. Would seem to be better suited to auction class but still may have some hope.
Swiss Pride is no slouch and deserves respect. Richard Hughes charge has shown ability in his three starts to date. He wasn't given the best ride at Nottingham when his jockey went a stride too fast. Interesting this drop in distance. Won't have any problems although whether he can show that pace over this shorter distance has to be seen.