Skontonovski Heads to Windsor for Second Start

Richard Spencer hasn't had a vintage two-year-old season. Taking a look at our recent update, I see the Newmarket trainer has revealed 10 juveniles stabled at Sefton Lodge, in the ownership of Phil Cunningham, and the familiar racing silks of Rebel Racing. 

Skontonovski is in the ownership of Rebel Racing Premier II. This son of Harbour Watch is out of a Listed-winning mare, who predominantly, enjoyed sprint racing.  Skontonovski cost £50,000 at the yearling sales. 

By all accounts, from the vibes we have received about this colt, he is well worth that sum and potentially a lot more.  

This February foal has been detailed on our 10 Dark Horse Mailing and ran creditably on debut at Newmarket. It was a particularly hot race with Charlie Appleby's Lazuli, winning in grand style (another of our 10 Dark Horses). Skontonovski was well backed on debut but had little luck on his racecourse bow. A bump leaving the stalls saw him off the pace. Then trouble in running. Oisin Murphy was booked to ride. However, that race had to be put down to experience, as he finished in some style under a considerate ride in 5th position. There was a lot to like about that race and the effort of those who finished towards the lead. 

I have little doubt this is one of the Spencer better if not best two-year-olds in the stable. We detailed this fact before debut. However, keep reading, as we have a couple of other juveniles yet to make their debut for the yard which has a touch of class. 

Skontonoviski is entered to run at 6:00 Windsor (Monday, 19th August). I see there has been money for the horse, which opened with a few bookies at 6/1. 

As they say, there is no such thing as an easy race. 

Saeed bin Suroor's Lost In Time, ran a fine race last time out at Goodwood and looks a tough nut to crack. He travels well and from a low draw could well lead. 

Followers of Group Horse Daily will know that Written Broadcast is held in some regard by Richard Hannon, a relatively expensive yearling purchase at 150,000 euros. This son of Gutaifan was fancied to go well in the same race as Lost In Time at Goodwood. However, there was definitely something amiss that day and he finished down the field. Considering he was priced 5/2, it would be a brave soul to say he will not be a major threat if back to best. 

I know a few followers of the page will be betting each-way, so I hope Skontonovski hits the frame if not tasting victory. 

Good luck if you are betting in this race. 

Update: Skontonovski - non-runner

As mentioned earlier, Richard Spencer has a couple of debutantes which you need to write down. 

Cruyff - Richard Spencer

This son of Dutch Art cost £90,000 at the yearling sales and one of the best juveniles in the stable. 

Bill The Butcher - 

This chestnut colt is a son of Starspangledbanner out of a winning mare. He cost £64,000. 

Other horses worthy of note for Richard Spencer:

One Step Beyond was disappointing last time out and is better than seen.

Emaraty Hero cost £55,000 and held in some regard.

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Monday's 2YO Update (10th June)

A wet Monday morning in the windswept Fens. Okay, I lied about the windswept part but it is raining cats and dogs. 

Three race meeting today. I guess the ground will be turning softer as I type. 

Let's have a quick look to see if we have any significantly-entered juveniles going today. 

2:30 Leicester - 

(nothing happening here)

6:05 Pontefract - 

(nothing happening, again)

6:15 Windsor - 

I know we have something going in this two-year-old (2yo) race.

Eton College is a bay colt and son of Invincible Spirit out of an unraced mare. Mark Johnston's charge wasn't overly fancied on debut at Windsor a week ago when racing at 6f. This May foal made a brisk start from a wide draw and set the pace. A good-looking colt, with size and strength. He travelled well but started to back peddle at the two-furlong pole and tired rapidly thereafter. Interesting, today, to see he is dropping back to 5-furlongs. I wonder if Eton College disappointed on debut or whether he was in need of the run. That is a question that will be answered this afternoon. I suspect you will see a better performance over this minimum trip. There has been decent money for this horse, which adds to confidence. A Class 2 stakes race suggests connections have hope of a future and I think Eton College with prove that point. 

Richard Hannon's two-year-olds are tricky to get a handle on at times. Especially on debut, as they can win but often fall flat. Fantom Force isn't strongly fancied in the betting but does have some interest after receiving a couple of Class 2 stakes entries. This Irish-bred son of Gutaifan cost £40,000 at the yearling sales when purchased by Peter & Ross Doyle who are a vital part of the Hannon machine with a very long history of finding decent thoroughbreds. In the ownership of Excel Racing, I'm not sure what to think about this colt. It wouldn't be a surprise to see a bold show but neither would it surprise me to see a horse than may improve with racing. 

Eton College looks to be going well today. 

Monday's 2YO Update (3rd June)

It has been a very busy day, as I keep writing articles for the umpteen blogs I run. I really should just take a break and forget half of the stuff I do. However, I am one of those productive people who just want to push forward. 

Four two-year-old race for Monday. 

I will have a quick rundown of the three major races, simply pinpointing the entered juveniles and giving my thoughts on any form horses or those with significant stats. 

To be fair, a couple of the races look very strong for the grade and I can imagine most of the trainers were fancying their chance until they looked at the opposition. 

Still, someone has to win. 

2:15 Thirsk - 

Maybe worth letting the betting settle if you want to get stuck into this as it looks a tough nut of a race to crack. 

Toro Strike ran in a very good race on debut. This son of Toronado was thrown in the deep end by Richard Fahey but this attractive colt ran a fine race for connections Al Shaqab Racing. Although a 33/1 shot, this March foal found his stride after showing inexperience to finish just three lengths behind Temple Of Heaven et al. As far as form goes, this horse will take some beating. However, at short odds I wouldn't fall into the trap of thinking there will be little in the way of opposition. 

Michael Dods' Leapers Wood, racing in the familiar silks of David Armstrong, ran a sound race on debut at Carlisle, a race that had a little bit of class. This son of Garswood was slow away but finished with panache. The winner, Rayong, was earmarked for the Woodcote Stakes, while the second, Dragon Command, took its chance at Epsom, although beaten a long way by the winner, Pinatubo, who could be a class act. In some respects, that result shows a slight weakness in the form. However, Leapers Wood was finishing well on debut and looks certain to enjoy this extra furlong. 

To add to the mix, Oso Rapido was fancied to go well on debut at Ripon, when steamrollered by Misty Grey, who ran in the Woodcote Stakes, finishing third, after showing bright speed for most and may have gone a stride too fast. David O'Meara has a decent string of two-year-olds and I'm confident they like this son of Kodiac. He wasn't given a hard time when Misty Grey had the race won after going clear at Ripon. I imagine connections of Oso Rapido thought they were heading to the Garden Racecourse to celebrate a win. In addition, the stable has decent stats for their fancied juveniles second start. 

It doesn't stop there. 

Karl Burke has been a little bit hit and miss this season with his two-year-olds but they are worthy of respect on their second start. No Mercy is an attractive if not a small son of Sepoy. He looks well put together and in good condition for his debut at Hamilton. He was half fancied in the betting that day but struggled to keep tabs on the more experienced favourites, but ran on with some spirit to suggest this extra furlong would be in his favour. Once again, if fancied in the betting, holds respectable stats. 

Bryan Smarts Dancinginthesand couldn't cope with Archie Watson's Exceclusive, who won well on debut at Beverley. Smart's youngster may improve for this step up in distance and could be a threat today if priced 13/2 & less SP. That looks unlikely but if it happens, it would add to the competitive nature of this race. 

Conclusion: It is often the case there are no easy races. And this race is very much an example of this point. Toro Strike may have ample ability and beat these horses without much fuss. However, this race isn't uncompetitive, which is what you want when betting short odds if not odds-on. Leapers Wood, Oso Rapido and No Mercy have ability. If all are priced 13/2 & less SP I would respect them to put down a challenge. Even Dancinginthesand may be involved although I suspect it will be out of the four. A fascinating race. There will be winners coming from those who hit the frame. If Toro Strike is backed to odds on, it may give some hope for others as an each-way alternative. That may be the safer option although I do respect Toro Strike as being a hard horse to beat. 

No time to write about the other races other than a quick note: 

6:00 Windsor - 

Paul Cole's Atlantic Crossing has been given a significant entry. This 55,000 guinea yearling purchase is in the ownership of Christopher Wright, who is no fool when it comes to talented two-year-olds. I can't imagine they gave this colt an entry for a laugh. Also, Cole has a few two-year-old with a touch of ability, which must have helped give a line. In general, very few of their debutantes win when priced over 8/1 SP. The stable do well at this course and a horse I would respect. 

Gypsy Rocker showed no ability on debut but worthy of a second glance. It is interesting why Meehan gave this Irish-bred son of Slade Power two Class 2 entries. It suggests the horse had been showing ability. It may be the case it just disappointed on debut and better will be seen today. A low draw is not a bad starting point and priced at 40/1 may be worth a speculative punt if drifting to crazy odds on the exchanges. I really don't know what to think about this colt but he may show more this time. 

6:15 Wolverhampton - 

Significantly entered juveniles: Homespin, is liked by connections. Sun Power ran in a Class 2 race at York on debut and could be better than seen, especially as he started favourite that day. Stepping up in distance may be the key. 

Although unentered at this time, Royal Council is likely to show more today. James Tate's son of Clodovil is a handsome colt with size and scope.  

Kemble Storms Home for Hannon at Windsor

Richard Hannon has started the two-year-old season with meagre pickings. However, if you take a moment to review his list of juveniles on the Group Horse 2019 you will see he has 17 youngsters with significant entries (there will be more to follow). Only three two-year-olds have won this Flat season, but there will be more to come this month. 

It was good to see Kemble (pictured) storm clear of her rivals at Windsor (5:50) on Monday evening. This daughter of Kodiac is a fine-looking filly, who started her career in an exceptionally strong Stakes race at Newmarket won by Charlie Appleby's Chasing Dreams, who looks a live favourite for Royal Ascot. 

Kemble finished third on debut but ran creditably. She showed ample ability over 5f at Windsor to win comfortably by five lengths. Connections must have been happy to see such a facile victory putting a fair Archie Watson juvenile in its place. 

Hannon has had two other juvenile winners this season, both showing their worth on debut. 

Threat won well in the familiar silks of Cheveley Park Stud, while the form of Temple Of Heaven has been franked. All three juveniles are talents and could well be heading to Royal Ascot. 

Temple Of Heaven was considered for the Lily Agnes Stakes. 

Other two-year-olds who will be winning soon include Separate, who went close on debut and has a Listed-race entry to prove this filly's reputation. 

Endowed was very well backed on debut at Ascot, but was found a touch flat-footed in a competitive heat. This son of Dark Angel is better than seen and will go close next time out. Perhaps a step up to 6f will be to his advantage. I have little doubt connections expected more on debut. 

A couple of debutantes which have been showing some class on the gallops include:

Forbidden Land a bay son of Acclamation. 

Ziggle Pops a son of Zoffany. 

Monday's 2YO Update (29th April)

A few significantly-entered juveniles running today. 

2:40 Southwell - 

Bendy Spirit was given a Brocklesby Stakes entry. This son of Helmet wasn't particularly fancied in the betting on that occasions when the stable's first string [Show Me Show Me] won well for Ontoawinner syndicate. Bendy Spirit showed good pace but tired rapidly in the closing stages and finished nearer last than first. Better was seen next start at Pontefract. Alminoor ran out an easy winner. However, Bendy Spirit ran creditably, held up off the pace and finished with some spirit. A nice-looking colt, progressive, and is likely to show improved form today. The form of the Pontefract race has been franked to some extent. If Bendy Spirit drifts to decent odds [8/1+] could hold each way claims. 

Mark Tompkin's Prosecutor is the other entrant and been backed from over 100/1 on the exchanges. 

2:50 Newcastle - 

Robert Cowell is a fair trainer and it is worth noting Strive For Glory has been given an entry for a class 2 race. In fact, this bay colt, a son of Dialled In, who cost $80,000, was earmarked to run at Ascot. Last year, Cowell had eight two-year-olds he identified as having a touch of class and the majority won in their formative season. It is telling that very few of Cowell's two-year-old debutantes win. Even when pretty fancied in the betting they have about a 10% chance of winning, although fair place claims. Strive For Glory is worth noting today but more for the future. 

5:25 Windsor - 

Interesting to note Jamie Osborne's two-year-olds this season have shown up pretty well on debut, which isn't always the case for his juveniles. Emten is a bay daughter of Bungleinthejungle in the ownership of Melbourne 10 Racing and a £36,000 yearling purchase. Once again, Osborne isn't known for two-year-old winners on their racing bow. However, he can hit the mark when they are priced 9/2 & less SP. If outside this price guide it is unlikely they will prevail. 

Once again, Group Horse shows its worth with two winners on the day. 

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.        

Monday's 2YO Update

Very little time, so a quick look at today's significant entries. 

2:20 Leicester - 

A few horses have received significant entries for this 0 - 80 rated nursery. Quiet Waters, Sabai Sabai, Jensue & Happy Odyssey.   

6:00 Windsor - 

An EBF Maiden Stakes (Plus 10 race) over 6f (12y) on good to firm going. 

William Haggas has an interesting two-year-old making his debut. Luxor is a son of Oasis Dream and £190,000 yearling purchase. The mare raced four times and won on her second start. Luxor races in the familiar silks of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. This colt holds a Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) entry. Just one of two horses selected by the trainer. Haggas can win with two-year-old debutantes although you are always fearful inexperience will be costly. An intriguing colt that's worthy of closer inspection. 

4:20 Leicester - 

A 7f 0 -70 rated nursery. 

Five Helmets, Chonburi. Disruptor is interesting and could well hit the frame.  

Monday's 2YO Racing Update

A few races today. 

Here's a quick rundown. 

1:20 Lingfield - 

No Way Jose is one of few horses Brian Meehan has entered this season. Ran well on both starts and unlucky last time out when stuck behind horses. A recent Lowther Stakes (Group 2) entry adds to confidence. Well drawn.

Charlie Fellows has been relatively quiet this two-year-old season. His two talents are both owned by Highclere Thoroughbreds Racing. Readers may remember Snazzy who has been highly tried after winning well on debut. Sibirica was fancied on debut but disappointed. There was an issue that day. I had my eye on this filly because she was entered for the Hilary Needler but didn't take that route. This daughter of Exceed And Excel was well backed last time out from 50/1 - 20/1. She contested the race finishing behind No Way Jose. This chestnut filly ran on with purpose at Newmarket. Interesting how she copes with this turning course. Perhaps a step up in distance may help. It is possible she will progress from that last start and could show more. 

1:30 Ayr - 

*Magical Wish was placed very well on debut by Richard Hannon. In fact, I suspect connections were very surprised he didn't take the spoils although doing little wrong defeated by short head. Second start saw the other side of the coin when winning by a nose. A win penalty makes live more difficult. the apprentice takes off a valuable 3lb. 

* NR

5:10 Wolverhampton - 

A nursery race. Just the one horse entered being Wolf Hunter. Richard Hughes' charge has shown glimmers of ability even racing at selling class. The hood is fitted for the first time. A 64 rating is pretty low detailing a horse of plating class. Not the easiest of races to assess. 

5:45 Wolverhampton - 

Rockin Roy has been a consistent type. A couple of wins, placed twice and a creditable performance at Royal Ascot when contending the Windsor Castle Listed race. A win penalty will make life harder but the type of horse to hold every chance at 2/5f. 

Robert Cowell's So Hi Speed ran well second start and even traveled to France when behind winning stablemate Pocket Dynamo. This American-bred son of Central Banker disappointed at Chepstow. Interesting to consider if there was an issue that day because it seemed a dismal effort. There is a chance he has regressed. This turning 5f may well suit. He showed good pace on the all-weather at Chelmsford. Has something to prove. The visor has been applied most likely to bring improvement.

6:05 Windsor - 

Across The Sea is interesting. She has been fancied on both starts to date. James Tate doesn't have too many entered juveniles and this daughter of Dubawi looked to have a great chance of winning at Kempton. She looked to hold every hope but tired quickly in the final furlong. She was keen that day and that definitely took its toll. This drop back to the minimum trip may be a good move. Interesting to see if she has enough pace to sit in a handy position. 

6:40 Windsor - 

John Gosden has Kessar running here. Ran well on debut at York when narrowly beaten. Disappointed when dropping in distance at Royal Ascot. The hood has been applied for the first time. Should enjoy this easier task.  

Monday's 2YO Racing News

I've been busy these last two days hence the lack of updates. All the information is here - so you really don't need me.  

1:30 Ayr - 

David O'Meara has a few fair juveniles in his string and Kuwait Station made his mark when winning at odds of 16/1 on debut at Ripon. A seemingly lacklustre effort when last of twenty-three in the Coventry Stakes Group 2. 

The betting suggests this is a two-horse race. 

The other major contender is Axe Axelrod who Richard Fahey gave a Gimcrack Stakes Group 2 entry. This is one of seven two-year-olds so he wasn't being too stringent although from a yard with umpteen horses it is still a sign of confidence. This American-bred son of Street Sense started his career at Hamilton when drifting in the betting to 4/6f. That four-horse race may have been a tactical affair and experience ruled. Fahey's charge looked inexperience but ran on well to finish second and looks likely to improve a good deal fro that debut. 

6:10 Windsor - 

A big field with no less than 13 runners for this 6f on good to firm going. 

A quick rundown of the sole significant entry.  Happy Odyssey drifted in the betting on her second start at Newmarket. Amy Murphy's filly was a touch keen but ran out a fair winner. The stable had felt optimistic enough to give her a Listed race entry. A hood has been fitted, which is intriguing. Most probably to try to calm any exuberance. 

6:30 Beverley - 

Just the one significant entry. Queen Jo Jo is trainer by Kevin Ryan who has a decent string of juveniles. This daughter of Gregorian cost 68,000G when purchased at the breeze-up sales. She was well backed on debut (10/3 - 5/2) when runner up to Que Amoro who stretch out a comfortable winner. Interesting to consider this filly is the only horse in the yard to be given a Lowther Stakes Group 2 entry. A prime draw and experience are good news for favourite backers at Beverley. 
   

Monday's 2YO Racing Tips

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. 

Monday's Racing Tips (9th July)

2:00 Ayr -

Celebrity Dancer won well on debut for Kevin Ryan. Finished third next start at Pontefract when stepping up in class. 

Tim Easterby's Amadeus Grey has been runner-up on the last two starts, both at auction class. 

The third entrant is Mark Johnston's Royal Big Night, who started his career at York although well beaten. 

 6:10 Windsor - 

A competitive 6f race on good to firm going. 

Boa Nova won quite well on debut at Bath, in what turned out to be a scrappy affair. Brian Meehan's two-year-old headed to Royal Ascot and unplaced in the Coventry (Group 2) when 100/1. 

Kevin Ryan's Sense Of Belonging ran well on debut at York in a classy race. This son of Dutch Art was made odds on next start at Hamilton when racing on soft going. By all accounts this was a poor run. Whether this was due to soft ground or because he took a keen hold could be reasons. Ryan has entered this chestnut colt for the Phoenix Stakes (Group 1). Connections will be expecting a big run here from a prime draw. 

In addition, Swiper has received an entry and beaten favourite over course and distance. 

6:30 Ripon - 

One of Charles Hills significant entrants. Hawayel finished unplaced in the Albany Stakes (Group 3).     

Monday's 2YO Race Update

Five two-year-old race for Monday. I will try to keep this as brief as possible because I am trying to do a million things at once.

2:05 Redcar - 

Mark Johnston has been in very good form and details the only significant entry for with Aisling. This race type is restricted which usually favours proven form horses.Big Ace ran well last time out and looks a tough horse to beat. However, Johnston's daughter of Dream Ahead - a very cheap buy - has been given an entry of note so it will be interesting to see how she goes.  

2:15 Carlisle - 

Once again, Mark Johnston has the sole entry here with Hard Forest. A wide draw isn't ideal. She must be held in some regard by connections as received a couple of entries including a Listed race. This American-bred daughter of Hard Spun has looked a short runner but ran ok on a couple of occasions. She was readily outpointed at Yarmouth although the form of that race has been franked. Has plenty of pace so may try to get to the rail from this high draw. A slight concern about her tiring in the final furlong.

From a statistical point of view, True Mason could go very well. A wide draw isn't ideal. He ran in a decent race on debut and may have been bogged down with the mud or slightly in need of the run. The stable have been out of form which doesn't bring confidence but their fortunes will change sooner or later. Definitely one for the short list. 

Cosmic Law was the more fancied of the two Fahey runners at Doncaster, where the outsider of the two prevailed. Cosmic Law was slow away from the stalls and never really involved. However, this son of No Nay Never stayed on in the closing stages without being pressed. I was quite taken with that effort and a horse who will progress. If drifting to each-way prices is worth a small bet. 

6:00 Leicester - 

No significant entries.

6:15 Windsor - 

Quite an interesting race. Richard Hannon's Come On Leicester cost 360,000gns at the breeze-up sales and ran well when making her debut at Ascot. She has a plum draw in stall one and a recent entry for the National Stakes Listed races gives the impression this should be a stepping stone to bigger fish.Whether you want to jump in at 4/5f is the only concern. Definitely the horse to beat.

Gay Kelleway's Elieden was a bargain buy at the breeze-up sales. An excellent purchase at £4,000. Interesting to note this small filly was entered to run at selling class but also higher profile races such as the Lily Agnes, a Class 2 contest and the National Stakes Listed. She was sent off a huge price on debut at Chester. A wide draw and slow start didn't help. However, she ran very well, finding trouble in running down the straight, but finished with some verve. There is always a chance she could have been slightly flattered. Recent entries suggest connections fancy she has ability. A wide draw isn't ideal here and she wouldn't be helped by another tardy start. If starting on terms, could well hold each-way claims at 12/1. The favourite looks hard to beat so if betting you may be wiser to have a point on the favourite and Elieden and just hope the jolly has a disaster. 

Richard Hughes has a number of two-year-olds. They often struggle to win but show form. Kadiz traveled well on debut but went a stride too fast and looked to hate the testing conditions at Salisbury. If back to her best, could hold claims. A wide draw isn't ideal but she should have the pace to sit handy if her rider chooses. A hood has been applied which is a slight negative. 

6:45 Windsor - 

Not significant entries

Monday's 2YO Update

1:50 Wolverhampton - 

Novice Auction Stakes over 5f 21y on standard. 

Couple of significantly entered juveniles. Diviner was fancied on debut but didn't do much but a good looking type. This is a restricted race type so form horses usually prevail. Sylvester Kirk's Wolstonbury pulled hard on second start and ran wide on the bend before tiring in the closing furlong. A low draw is good news. Temperamental horses are often hard work but may have claims. Looks the type to lead and try to hand on. 

2:00 Catterick - 

No significant entries. 

5:50 Windsor - 

A Novices Stakes race over 5f 21y on god to soft going. 

Big Boots ran out a decent winner on debut at Bath. He was entered for Lily Agnes race but didn't take part. Has to run under a penalty but a decent horse. 

Monday's Racing Update (30th April)

Three 2yo races to consider.

2:00 Salisbury - 

An EBF Novice Stakes (Plus 10) over 5f on heavy going.

Just the one entry of note here being Richard Hannon's Mersey. This grey daughter of Kodiac is out of a debut-winning mare.  This home bred has received a significant entry. The stable do quite well at this course. The only filly in the field. Testing going is always a slight concern but an interesting debutante.

5:40 Windsor - 

An EBF Novice Stakes (Plus 10) over 5f on good ot soft going.

Mark Johnston's two-year-olds are going pretty well. A decent couple of winners over the weekend. Blown By Wind ran out a tidy winner over course and distance on debut. A win penalty will show his level of class. Looks the type to finish well and appreciate a test of stamina.   

5:50 Southwell - 

No significant entries.