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.
Race horse names. How many times have you seen a name and later realised it was a place traveled, an important person in history or a moment in time?
I guess VJ Day was named with reference to Victory over Japan Day which fell on 2nd September 1945.
It's also the name of a racehorse trained by Kevin Ryan.
This American-bred bay gelding, a son of War Front, hasn't proved a winner so far in three starts. Aquis Farm Pty Ltd own this $250,000 yearling purchase. The mare, Sassy Image, won 6 from 14 starts, racing at the highest level and winning a Group 1. She concluded her racing career in the US after predominantly campaigned in France. Total prize earnings of £500,000.
VJ Day was fancied in the betting on all three starts racing in June, July & August. Strangely on the 17th of each month. This may have been to give him time and strengthen up. Placed 5th, 6th & 3rd. Not beaten a great deal and never bigger than odds of 4/1.
Group Horse identified this gelding was respected by connections but the latent talent was still raw, inexperienced and needing time. He received a couple of significant entries including the Railway Stakes (Group 2) which takes place in late June or early July. Those aspirations look foolhardy now. Often a huge price tag sits heavy on trainers, jockeys and punters.
4:55 Wolverhampton (28th February)
VJ Day makes his return to Maiden class in a six-strong field. Jamie Spencer takes the ride. This 6/4 shot looks to have one major contender in Dubai Acclaim who has battle hard three times for Richard Fahey.
So often well entered two-year-olds shines at three. They need a little bit of time to show they that initial promise remains.
Time will always tell.