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.
Just the one two-year-old race today.
5:50 Doncaster -
A Novices Stakes over 5f 3y on soft going.
Seven juveniles take part: four with racecourse experience.
Broken Spear hasn't done much wrong for trainer Tony Coyle. This bay gelding has bumped into a couple of Mick Channon's smarter juveniles and had to play second fiddle behind Izzer and Kinks. He could never quite get to grips with the latter horse at Ripon until rallying a touch in the closing stages. This testing ground may be more to his liking. Doesn't look much value at 5/4f.
The only other significant entry is Dixieland. Richard Hannon's bay colt is a son of Red Jazz. This April foal cost £60,000 at the yearling sales. In truth, he hasn't had a lot go right so far. He was originally entered to run at Bath on heavy going but withdrawn. The trainer stated due to the ground conditions. It is worth noting this youngster was fancied in the betting that day. Made favourite on his only start at Kempton, he was hampered on the bend which put pay to any real hope. Hannon has had a couple of winners and no doubt a line to this horse. I would be quite confident Dixieland has a level of ability. Whether he will race on soft ground only time will tell. Could be an option to the favourite if fair odds.
I will try to keep this short and sweet.
Three two-year-old races. I will detail those with significant entries and give a brief thought or two.
1:45 Ripon -
5f Novice Auction Stakes on good to soft going. Nine two-year-olds take part. A mix of trainers.
The two form horses both have significant entries: Kinks, who won last time out after showing up well on debut at Kempton. Mick Channon has better juveniles than the previous few years. This son of Sixties Icon is a professional horse who is likely to lead and try and hold on.
Tony Coyle has sent out a few two-year-olds this season but the best of the lot looks to be Broken Spear who proved something of a surprise when contesting the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes at Doncaster. This bay gelding was a 33/1 shot but ran a sterling race and only beaten three-quarters of a length. Hasn't been seen for 30+ days, which gives the impression it was due to the gelding operation. Always a slight concern why that was needed. Perhaps he had been a touch unruly since that debut effort.
Neither horse offer great value at their prices although these race type usually go to form horses which they are the only two.
2:15 Leicester -
No significantly entered two-year-olds at the time of writing. By all accounts an interesting race. I am pretty sure Evans rates Awake In Asia. While True Mason is well owned and cost a lot at the yearling sales.
5:45 Doncaster -
5f 3y EBF Maiden Stakes on soft going
Just the one significantly entered juvenile here for Mark Johnston. No Lippy is one of two fillies in this six-strong field. This British-bred daughter of Oasis Dream is well bred and a bargain buy at 44,000 euros. Related to a Listed race winner. Interesting.