Imagine - Just Frank, Trained by Les Eyre (5th October)

Perhaps it comes from being a working-class hero. 

John Lennon would have been cheering on Saturday. 

Les Eyre's Just Frank didn't just win the £150,000 Tattersalls' October Auction Stakes at Newmarket - he trounced the opposition. 

I don't know if it is a British thing - but don't you just love to see the underdog prevail? 

I'd love to think Les Eyre's uttered these words: ''Till you're so fucking crazy you can't follow their rules!'' [John Lennon, Working Class Hero]

What a brilliant day for connections. 

Les Eyre, jockey Lewis Edmunds and owners Billy & Steven Parker. 

It's a story that will live long in the hearts and minds of all those who herald the triumph of the smaller trainer over the great and good. 

Putting sleepy Catwick, North Yorkshire on the map. 

Just Frank, a bay son of Epaulette, out of a unraced mare, was purchased by Quirke Bloodstock for Les Eyre racing on the 17th October 2019 at Tattersalls October Yearling Sale [Lot: 1571] at the knock-down price of 27,000 Guineas. 

Clearly connections always fancied they had a talented two-year-old on their hands because this March foal turned into a strapping colt with size and strength. 

However, things didn't quite go to plan on debut when he was a well-backed 6/1 shot at Pontefract over 5f. 

The Racing Post Comments said: Slowly into stride, towards rear, not clear run over 2f out, weakend 1f out.'' 

Although a disappointing start to proceedings I'm sure connection never lost faith.

It's often a strange happening with debutantes that the worse they look the better they are.

Frank was Just getting started. 

Second start at Redcar, eleven days later, saw a better performance when stepping up to 7f for the first time. Perhaps connections had lost a little bit of their motivation as he started at odds of 40/1, seemingly unfancied, when competing against six horses including hot favourite Saint Lawrence [Roger Varian] who started at 1/2f and raced home for a comfortable victory.

However, there was something about Just Frank which must have put a smile on the face of the Parker's. 

He showed tremendous pace and was only collared in the closing furlong by a horse that went on to perform creditably at Group class, taking the Denford Stakes [Listed Race] at Newbury. 

I can only imagine what John Lennon would have been singing or saying. 

Without question - there was more to come. 

This horse was something all small trainers need and live for - galloping with hopes and dreams. 

On the 28th July, Just Franks was gelded. 

After an 85-day break he was ready to shine, and so he did. 

On the 14th September, connections headed to Thirsk with high hopes of a win. 

At 1:00 the race started in earnest. Just Frank was a little weak in the betting but strong in hope and glory and those who had the wisdom to take a piece of the 16/5 available would soon be cheering in triumph. He took a keen hold. Pulling himself to the front after a furlong. To the cheers of punters up and down the country, he shot clear of the field and was eased in the closing stakes to win ''readily'' by almost four lengths. 

For those who saw Just Frank compete at Newmarket on the 3rd October 2020, it was a truly thrilling spectacle. It was the kind of win that all who hope and dream would love to live.

Backed from 25/1 - 12/1, there was plenty of confidence from connections and punters alike.

Racing Post Comments said: ''Raced centre, made all, soon clear in group, pushed along and went clear overall from over 1f out, ridden and kept on strongly final 110yds, unchallenged, 1st of 7 in group.'' 

The 6f may have been on soft ground but the stable had firm beliefs.

Just Frank won unchallenged. 

Four-and-a-half-beautiful lengths. 

It was a joy to behold. 

QUOTES: JUST FRANK has always shown a lot at home. We didn't think dropping back to six furlongs would be a problem as it's a stiff enough track although we weren't so sure about the ground. We had confidence in him as he'd made every yard last time and he wasn't looking for company or anything like that. Since day one when I've ridden him I always felt he was a good horse. I think he's a Royal Ascot horse in the making for next year as I think the track and everything there will suit him, so something like the Jersey or the Britannia would be for him. He felt like he'd get a mile the way he went today. I don't know whether he'll run again or not this season - Lewis Edmunds, jockey. 

All of those days owners, trainers, jockeys, punters wait for that moment to shout in triumph.

Les Eyre - you're day has come. 

What a glorious day for all of those working class heroes who wait too ******* long for their day. 

If John Lennon sat down and sung a song after Saturday's race I know for a fact what it would have been. 

Imagine.

Some performance - Just Frank shows them a clean pair of heels and takes them apart landing the £150,000 @Tattersalls1766 October Auction Stakes for Lewis Edmunds (@EDMUNDZZ98) and @EyreLes 👏 pic.twitter.com/mSghAWEfCC

— Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) October 3, 2020

8 Roger Varian 2yo Horses for 2019

If you like a little bit of research, you probably know the answer to this question. How many two-year-olds (2yos) has Roger Varian unleashed so far this season? 

Taking a look at our page, it reveals, at the time of writing 8 juveniles which have either won or waiting in line to journey the short distance from the paddock to the winner's enclosure. The Newmarket trainer is at the front of the queue when it comes to talented horses of all ages and the two-year-old division is worthy of closer inspection. 

 Carlburg Stables, Newmarket, Suffolk has always been the centre of excellence, going back to the days of Michael Jarvis, who mentored Varian. You can see a distinct similarity in how they train the two-year-olds. 

Please, make time to revisit the Group Horse 2019 page because Varian will be adding to his list of equine prospects.  

Let's take a quick look at the horses he has raced so far, the better if not best horses in the stable. 

The big guns:

Daahyeh

This classy daughter of Bated Breath has raced thrice at the time of writing and she hasn't really put a hoof wrong. This January foal made the most of her precocity winning at Newmarket on debut when priced 3/1 joint-favourite over 6f. Next start, saw a resplendent effort at Royal Ascot when taking the Albany Stakes (Group 3). Made 5/4f for the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2), connections must have been disappointed to lose against previous rival Raffle Prize when runner-up when beaten ''readily''. Varian has his eye on other big prices detailed by a list of impressive pattern entries including the Lowther Stakes (Group 2) & Moyglare Stakes (group 1).       

Pierre Lapin 

A debut winner at Haydock back in May. This son of Cappella Sansevero ran out an easy three-and-a-half length winner at odds of 1/1f. Race comment: Held up, jumped road after nearly 1f, ridden and headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on well, won going away, nice prospect (tchd 10/11). Connections have taken their time to make the second appearance, probably allowing this youngster to strengthen up. Make no mistake he is being earmarked for a number of quality races including the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2), Champagne Stakes (Group 2), National Stakes (Group 1) & Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2). 

Sunday Sovereign 

(Group-class performer changed stables from Paddy Twomey.) Racing in the ownership of King Power Racing Co Ltd, he was sent to Carlburg Stables after disappointing favourite in the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2). Engagements including the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) & Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2) are on the cards.

Improvers:

Clan Royal 

Molatham 

Spreadsheet 

Most recent: 

I was quite impressed with Charming Spirit who made her debut on the 6th August 2019. This daughter of Invincible Spirit in the ownership of the Merry Fox Stud Limited. This bay filly is homebred out of an unraced mare. 

I suspect Charming Spirit needed the run on debut and we will see a much-improved performance second start.   

George Scott's Strong Power takes on Godolphin Quartet

2:25 Newmarket - 

As detailed many times thus far, we have just one significant entry to glean information and that's the Brocklesby Stakes. Don't worry, we will have much more information coming as the season progresses. To be fair, the Brocklesby has detailed a few winners including Show Me Show Me, Zulu Zander & Birkenhead, alongside placed efforts such as Heer We Go Again, Paddy Elliot & Bendy Spirit. 

George Scott's Strong Power finished second in the Brocklesby Stakes and did little wrong, a battling type who was passed in the closing half furlong, beaten by three-quarters of a length. As the form has proven, this son of Kodiac is up to winning a race. Whether he is good enough to deny not one but four horses representing Godolphin only time will tell. Saeed bin Suroor and Charlie Appleby have a couple of juveniles each. I've never seen the fourth colours (black hat) (so I wonder if they have some kind of blackhat magic going on...lol). That's a joke, of course. But it is interesting to imagine if they have ten runners in a race what coloured hats would be seen for the first time! Anyway, little things for little minds, hey. 

Charlie Appleby's Well Of Wisdom (black cap) is, at the time of writing, the most fancied of the quartet. 

We have another experienced horse who didn't run in the Brocklesby but was entered who made his debut at Windsor. Interesting to see how Richard Hannon's Lexington Quest goes here. He was very well backed on his racecourse bow but didn't achieve a great deal. It could well be the case this son of Ivawood disappointed. That may well need to be the excuse because this looks a tougher race. I wouldn't be holding my breath but neither would I lay this horse to lose at 20/1. I do think it was a significant entry being earmarked for the Doncaster race and I suspect a better performance will be seen today. 

In truth, it looks a tricky race and I would take a watching brief unless you fancy a speculative punt on Lexington Quest if you can get some crazy odds on the exchanges and cross your fingers and toes. He may be backed if the sound of the Thames got to him that day at Windsor.

5:25 Chelmsford - 

Just a quick note detailing any Brocklesby runners/entrants here. Michael Appleby has Gracie's Girl taking part. She held an entry for the Brocklesby and since been a non-runner for whatever reason. This daughter of Heeraat is out of a debut-winning mare [Queen's Revenge] who looked quite promising for Tim Easterby and competed in the Hilary Needler Trophy Conditions Stakes at Beverly and raced at Listed class at two and three. Gracie's Girl cost just £4,000 at the yearling sales in the ownership of Robin Oliver, who is a loyal patron of The Homestead Stables in Oakham, Leicestershire. This Novice Auction Stakes is a pretty restrictive race which means it shouldn't take the world of winning. Appleby had three entered two-year-olds last season: Loch Ness Monster, Aquarius & Walkman. Loch Ness Monster & Aquarius proved capable juveniles achieving winning status, the latter on debut, and competed at Group class. 

In truth, Appleby doesn't have the largest string of two-year-olds and they can be the good, bad and ugly. Would I bet on Gracie's Girl at 20/1? No. But it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see her run a race. 

Please note all three horses noted are forwarded simply because they held an entry for the Brocklesby Stakes.  

Saturday's 2YO Racing Tips

I hope you have been following the two mailings we sent out and these recent updates. There is one thing Group Horse does - it delivers. If you don't agree, then take a look at the horses we have given and continue to do so over the months. 

Just a few noted successes on Friday: 

• 2:05 Newmarket - Layaleena, trained by Sir Michael Stoute 
• 3:00 York - Emaraaty Ana wins the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) 
• 3:15 Newmarket - Sangarius, a hot favourite for Sir Michael Stoute wins on debut and going places 
• 4:15 York - Commanding Officer, detailed on our 10 Dark Horse Mailing, wins the Convivial Maiden 
• 6:55 Salisbury - Kuwait Currency wins at Listed class 

I don't know about you, but I've not seen anyone else detailing such class horse from a limited selection!    

Let's take a look at the better two-year-olds running today:

1:40 Newmarket - 

We've seen some real talents racing over the last few days and it will be interesting to see how Saeed bin Suroor's Royal Marine goes. This homebred son of Raven's Pass who is out of a once-raced mare. This bay colt looks to be one of the stable's better juveniles. As I always mention, debutantes can be a law unto themselves. However, I do think it is a positive this April foal races at Newmarket. 

Simon Crisford is a very talented trainer, especially at priming debutantes. You may have noticed one of our 10 Dark Horses ran on Friday, Imperial Charm. Just denied in third place beaten by two other juveniles we noted as class acts [Layaleena & Ice Gala, for good measure we gave the fourth, too, Dandhu]. Crisford could well have a decent prospect going here in the shape of Jash. This bay son of Kodiac cost 185,000 guineas at the yearling sales. I'd be pretty confident this two-year-old has some ability. The stable is very good with debutantes which give greater hope. 

5:15 Windsor - 

Jeremy Noseda hasn't had too many talented juveniles this season. However, Lady Cosette is going in the right direction. To be fair, this bay filly is one of the best two-year-olds in the stable (not the best year). She ran well on debut when needing the run. A gallant second at Goodwood over 7f. Dropping back in distance shouldn't be a problem and a horse I suspect will take some beating. 

As usual, there are no easy races. Andrew Balding has been in exceptional form and for that reason, Bye Bye Hong Kong catches the eye. This American-bred son of Street Sense was a beaten favourite on debut when third at Newmarket on soft going. A horse worthy of note in the silks of King Power Racing Co Ltd. If touching each-way prices looks a very good bet. 

Finoah has been knocking on the door. This son of Kodiac, trained by Tom Dascombe, has been a model of consistency and achieved an official rating of 85. Unlucky not to have won with five placed efforts. Has claims but may be susceptible to one or two lightly raced horses and have to be careful that after so many hard races may regress at some point. A horse with a chance if running his race.

Just to make it a little tougher we have Typhoon Ten, who won on debut and has to shoulder a winner's penalty. No easy task against the potentially useful opposition. He struggled last time out when dropping in distance and it may well have been the penalty which saw him lose. A well-entered horse who may not have the class for pattern races so keeping to this level for now. 

Conclusion: A tough race in ways. I would favour Lady Cosette and Bye Bye Hong Kong. The latter may be a decent each-way bet if prices allow. 

6:00 Redcar - 

Concello is noted as one of Archie Watson's better two-year-olds, from a decent string. The winning penalty is never the best sign but a capable juvenile.        

Friday's 2YO Update

I must apologise for a couple of quiet days. I'm in the USA so been very difficult to get online, think and work. 

Let's take a quick look at the races. 

2:05 Newmarket - 

A Novice Stakes over 7f on good to firm going. A big field with 17 runners and number well respected. 

Canton Queen trained by Richard Hannon.

Dandhu, trained by David Elsworth. Definitely one of the stable's better two-year-olds, although a small string. Ran well on debut and should be thereabout today. 

Andrew Balding is a talented trainer and *Hello Bangkok is held in some regard by connections King Power Racing Co Ltd. Ran well on debut, losing narrowly. Interesting and should run a big race. 

Ice Gala has received a significant entry and ran well on debut when third beaten less than one length. 

Simon Crisford doesn't have many two-year-old horses of significance but Imperial Charm is worthy of note. Debutantes are never the easiest of horses to assess although the trainer is a good judge and his better juveniles go well. 

Sir Michael Stoute has Layaleena, a debutante, who is a 130,000 guineas yearling purchase. Very few of their debutantes win over 7/1 SP. 

Conclusion: A competitive heat with a few talents on show. The debutantes will need to be very good and primed to win. The betting may well tell the story for Layaleena. If strong in the betting has decent claims. If weak, best watched. Imperial Charm has the ability to go well. Dandhu is one of the major hopes, especially if priced 13/2 & less. I'm pretty confident Elsworth rates this filly. She ran well on debut and the stable does well with two-year-olds on their second start. A similar thought can be afforded to Hello Bangkok. Balding likes this filly and she will go close. 

* NR

2:15 Ffos Las - 

Momkin has to fend off rivals by carrying a winning penalty but clearly held in high regard by Roger Charlton.   

3:15 Newmarket - 

Richard Hannon's Mordred sets a high standard for this race A straightforward colt. He has achieved an official rating of 91, which is plenty enough and more to win a normal race. Interesting to see Sir Michael Stoute has Sangarius going here. This son of Kingman is held in some regard. The stable can ready a debutante and they can go in at short odds. It will take a serious performance to lower the colours of Mordred in what looks like a two-horse race on betting.  

5:50 Salisbury - 

An auction stakes. These generally go to form horse and most likely to the favourite Flashcard who won in some style on debut at big odds [33/1]. Has to defy a winner's penalty but that is more likely in these restrictive race types than others. Bill Turner fields the only significant entrant in this field. John Betjemen is a sturdy sort who ran well on debut before disappointing. Come back after a long break, stepping up to 7f and didn't do much wrong. Dropping back to 6f shouldn't be a problem. I'm sure this colt wants decent going and may even benefit is it turned soft.     

Friday's 2YO Update - 10 Dark Horses

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. 

Thursday's 2YO Racing Update

1:40 Newmarket - 

This looks an ideal opportunity for Amy Murphy's Happy Odyssey. This bay daughter of Camacho may have been a cheap breeze-up purchase at just £14,000. However, this April foal was half fancied in the betting when finishing a creditable second to Country Rose who is sharp over five furlongs. She isn't much of a price but a recent Listed race entry gives some confidence. The stable have a couple of talented two-year-olds to give some measure. 

2:20 Nottingham - 

Richard Hughes has done a little better with this season's two-year-old string although he never fills me with confidence. Swiss Pride showed a glimmer of ability o debut, running on after a slow start. He is a willing type who battled when runner-up against The Last Party. Shame this is a seven-runner race for each-way bets. Should go well. 

2:30 Newcastle - 

Amadeus Grey made his debut at York when ''never dangerous''. He was quite fancied at Wetherby stepping up in distance and down in class. A creditable effort that day when second best. Could well start this at odds-on. 

Mark Johnston's Aisling is no talent and one significant entry sometime back details a horse who is heading toward handicaps. She steps up in distance. Interesting to consider whether this is a plus or minus. The only thing I would say about this filly is that she hasn't had much go right in all three races so far: pulling too hard and then pushed far too wide last time out. 

3:05 Newcastle - 

Hugo Palmer hasn't set the world alight this season with his juveniles but there is still time to make his mark. Almufti cost 120,000G at the yearling sales and pretty strong in the betting on debut when starting at 3/1. This good-looking colt traveled well but tired in the closing stages. That was a very competitive debut, in a race worth over £30,000. I would expect a big run. Perhaps worthy of an interest if touching each way prices. 

6:30 Hamilton - 

Port Of Leith has been consistent although beaten on three start. The only horse to be given a significant entry. 

Saturday's 2YO Racing Tips

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. 

Saturday's 2YO Update

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. 

3:00 Newmarket Racing Tips (18th April)

Just a quick note for this EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes over 5f on good to soft going.  

The betting suggests four horses are of interest. As far as Group Horse goes, the only one of interest is Mark Johnston's Hard Forest. This American-bred daughter of Hard Spun cost 50,000G at the yearling sales. She was made favourite on debut at Newcastle, when starting 2/1f. She ran a sterling races until outpointed by Snazzy, who looks a fair juvenile for Charlie Fellows, in the silks of Highclere Throughbreds Ltd. The fifth, Deia Glory, ran with credit on her second start. 

The Newcastle race was Class 2 and win prize money of £12,000+. That indicates the race was better than average. Hard Spun will be ready to roll and should make the most of her experience. I'm not suggesting you go out and bet at 9/4 but if the Appleby or Haggas horses are seriously backed there may be some value in betting each way or part of an each way double if you have something you fancy.  

Magical Ride One of Few for Elsworth

Another update about a potentially smart horse. David Elsworth isn't the type of trainer to sing the praises of many horses. In fact, he entered just five two-year-olds at pattern class in 2017. All raced, bar one filly who has been kept under wraps but likely to be seen sooner rather than later this spring. 

Magical Ride is a chestnut daughter of Paco Boy, an Irish-bred filly who raced just four times but winning on her first two starts at two and three respectively before disappointing when made favourite at Listed class then failing to shine on her last career effort. Magical Ride is bred by Highclere Stud. Owner Gordon Li is new to racing but could have a nice filly on his hands. Elsworth had this February foal entered for the Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2). It was the sole entry from Egerton House Stables, Newmarket. 

Other two-year-olds which received group entries in 2017 were:

Cosmopolitan Queen      Form - 7285240
Merlin Magic                    Form - 32519 (raced at pattern class)
Misty Spirit                       Form - 7218034 (raced at patter class)
Enzemble                        Form - 72 

The profile of most of the debutantes suggests they are better for the race and primed to go well second start. Interesting that all finished runner-up on their second start.