Just to give people a freebie (because normally these posts are hidden until after the result) I will show one post every Friday, until the end of the year 2018.
Let's take a look at the significant horses going today.
12:50 Lingfield -
Difficult to know what to think about Orange Blossom. I have little doubt this chestnut filly has shown a high level of ability at home and reason why James Givens had her compete at pattern class. This daughter of Showcasing was dropped in class at Catterick last time out. Whether the soft(ish) ground didn't suit it is difficult to tell as it wasn't a particularly slow time. However, Orange Blossom was never travelling and ran pretty hopeless. She had the blinkers applied that day which have been removed. Were they the problem? It's a big question mark. Perhaps the all-weather surface will suit. At best, she has a leading chance but with a wide draw and so many unanswered questions you may be a brave soul to bet. I suspect, she will either win or be unplaced. Interested in seeing how this horse goes today because it is intriguing if not frustrating, too.
Orange Blossom 9/2 5th
Note: Another poor effort from Orange Blossom who has clearly regressed. Just shows how horses can go from talents to lesser lights all too quickly.
7:45 Wolverhampton -
James Park Wood is a decent two-year-old and well respected in the Beckett stable. This son of Australia was relatively fancied on debut but found himself in a very hot race (it was Group class). Stepping up to one mile second start, he did little wrong when losing by a head to a talented winner. Should go well although taking on a horse in Metatron who looked stunning on debut. Has to defy a win penalty.
James Park Wood 1/1 6th
Note: A disappointing effort. May have regressed.
8:15 Wolverhampton -
Readers may remember I noted Cadeau D'Amour because he was entered to run in the Brocklesby but wasn't seen until October! He didn't show any ability on debut and must have needed the run. However, there was a glimmer of hope next start at Nottingham when 66/1. It was a competitive enough race and this son of Camacho ran well in sixth, and given a relatively easy ride - pushed out hands and heels. There is always a fear that horses on their third start will be angled to nurseries. This factor may be a problem or not for this day. Isn't without a chance at 20/1 against a number of fancies who are racing for the first time.
Cadeau D'Amour 33/1 7th
Note: A big price and never really in contention. Looks like a nursery horse.
2:00 Leicester -
An EBF Novice Stakes over 7f on good to firm going.
Fume, a son of Frankel, was fancied on debut but showed little. Second start wasn't much better. Ralph Beckett is trying the tongue tie to garner improvement. Priced 16/1, it seems unlikely this colt will be heading toward the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2). The only two-year-old in the stable to receive such an entry. Has a lot to prove and would have needed to have disappointed on both starts. Stepping up to 7f may help.
Clive Cox has a few decent juveniles in his string. This may indicate that Red Armada has a fighting chance. This son of Invincible Spirit cost 120,000 euros at the yearling sales. Cox does well at Leicester. This April foal has received a Mill Reef (Group 2), which gives confidence. The stable debutantes go well at 13/2 & less SP. If strongly backed it would increase chances.
Conclusion: Red Armada is interesting and worthy of respect.
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.