A quiet couple of days. Heading back home from West Palm Beach, Florida. Will get home about 1pm on Thursday. I will post this early as a freebie. If you like the info then give us a shout via social media. As they say, in giving we receive.
2:15 Wolverhampton -
Interesting to see just one significant entrant racing here in the shape of Charlie Appleby's Ophelia's Dream. This homebred daughter of Dubawi is out of a talented mare (Hibaayeb) who ran fifteen times, winning on four occasions, and placed six times. A horse that won the Fillies' Mile at two (group 1), when trained by Clive Brittain. In fact, such a quality filly that all her four wins came at pattern class. She achieved the highest official rating of 114 and total prize earnings of £402,638.
A prime draw in stall one, if starting on terms. A potentially smart filly who deserves respect on her debut.
Ophelia's Dream 7/2 Unp
Note: A slow start and inexperienced. A disappointing effort. Be interesting to see if this filly livens up next start.
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.
6:15 Chelmsford -
Interesting that we see a trainer with a very small string. Pretty sure this is Eugene Stanford's only two-years-old in the stable. Itizzit has run six times. This chestnut filly didn't have the best debut unseating her rider. To be fair her form has been rather up and down. A couple of place efforts have shown a horse of some ability to the point attempting Listed class. Then went close to winning a nursery. Now has an official rating of 79. This 15,000 guineas yearling purchase gets in this race on a handy mark.
Itizzit 4/1 4th
Note: Itizzit ran a fair race but always susceptible to a touch of quality. Finished 4th.
7:30 Wolverhampton -
John Gosden must be pleased with the two-year-old season. Plenty of top-class juveniles and Guineas prospects. Interesting to see if Repaupo can lose here! I say that tongue-in-cheek as this US-bred son of Quality Road is a 1/5f. This homebred races in the familiar silks of George Strawbridge. We noted this bay colt on his debut at Ascot. He ran a sterling race that day, losing by a head. He has received a couple of significant entries. Unless something unusual happens, this horse should win without too much trouble.
Repaupo 1/5f 2nd
Note: Reason why I never bet odds-on. Repaupo beat easily by Tom Dascombe's Metatron. Punters got their fingers burned here.
A quick review of Wednesday's races.
6:00 Ffos Las -
7½f (7f80y) Weatherbys Racing Bank Maiden Stakes (Class 5) (2yo)
William Muir doesn't have the biggest string of juveniles but a capable trainer. In general, his two-year-olds are better on their second start but he can win on their racecourse bow if talented. Natty Night (20/1) was purchased at the yearling sales for 40,000 guineas by the trainer. This bay colt - a son of Nathaniel - is of interest but slightly difficult to assess. A recent Class 2 entry gives some hope.
Another interesting horse is John Gallagher's Blue Battalion (25/1). This British-bred son of Cityscape is a relatively cheap yearling purchase at £18,000. The mare won three times and a fair horse although nothing outstanding. What's interesting for this colt, is knowledge of a recent Convivial Maiden Stakes entry. That is a sign of confidence. Another horse priced at 25/1 that may well show something on debut. If available at huge prices on the exchanges may be worth a bet. A few of Gallagher's debutantes have run well on debut and been backed. I remember Quench Dolly a few years back. Interesting.
6:20 Wolverhampton -
6f (6f20y) HellermannTyton Fixings Maiden Stakes (Class 5) (2yo)
A very interesting race with a number of fair juveniles. I can imagine a few of these trainers considered this to be a lesser race to target. Looks like they all had the same idea.
William Haggas has Luxor (9/2) racing here who proved a disappointing favourite when struggling on debut at Windsor. This son of Oasis Dream didn't show much at all that day. It could well be the case he simply didn't show and there is much better to come. This horse is in the ownership of Highclere Thoroughbreds and cost £190,000 at the yearling sales. He held a Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) entry which adds some confidence although needs to improve for that first start. If priced 13/2 & less SP, holds fair each-way claims.
Karl Burke is a fantastic trainer. I often say to people, if you cannot make money from their two-year-olds there is something gone wrong. Sosume (5/1) hasn't been seen for over 40 days and the hood is applied for the first time. Racing in the familiar silks of Mrs Maureen Gittins, he cost 105,000 at the breeze-up sales. Sosume ran well at Thirsk, but I was left with the feeling the jockey went a stride too fast. This step up in distance shouldn't be a problem although a wide draw isn't ideal. He has plenty enough pace so may get to the rail but that exuberance could be a slight problem.
A race full of interest. East Coast Swing (40/1) has a number of significant entries and backed a touch on debut. This grey daughter of Exchange Rate cost 400,000 at the breeze-up sales for owners G Bolton and B Jenkins. George Scott is a difficult trainer to assess and someone whose debutantes often disappoint. On entries, ownership and price tag, this filly looks very likely to have the ability - perhaps a high level. A wide draw is a concern. You really don't want to try to get to the lead and be pushed wide. That would make life hard. However, this juvenile is very interesting and if going to show ability it should be today.
Conclusion: A fascinating race. This looks a strong contest with a few form horses which statistically have some hope. In addition, Luxor, Sosume and East Coast Swing are very interesting. I must admit, East Coast Swing could, potentially, be a high-class horse. The debut effort was difficult to assess. She may not have shown anything but today could shine. The draw is a concern. She could still have enough ability to hit the frame but it is a difficult one. Luxor needs to improve and can. From a statistical point holds fair each-way claims. While Sosume ran ok the last start but in many ways disappointed. All three noted could hit the frame but trying to pick between the lines could be a puzzle.
6:50 Wolverhampton -
7f (7f36y) HellermannTyton Insulation Maiden Auction Fillies' Stakes (Plus 10 Race) (Class 5) (2yo)
Comete (14/1) has been relatively fancied on both start but disappointed. Definitely not one of the better juveniles in the stable but this is a restricted race type. This filly is stepping up in distance and well drawn.
Tom Clover gave Rajy (66/1) a Class 2 entry very early season but shown little to date. Certainly needs to improve but big question marks, too.
I've detailed a very speculative multibet which pays over 3000/1.
A few two-year-old races for Monday.
1:35 Ayr -
Mistress Of Love is interesting for Karl Burke. Spigot Lodge must be pleased to have a few talented juveniles under the ownership of Phoenix Thoroughbred Ltd. You may remember that Kadar (one of our 10 Dark Horses) was meant to run over the weekend but was withdrawn under a vet's certificate. Mistress Of Love is an American-bred daughter of Scat Daddy costing $1000,000. These owners don't lack in money and I would be very surprised if this juvenile doesn't win. She has an entry at the Curragh for the Debutante Stakes (Group 2) over 7f.
1:50 Ripon -
Richard Fahey's Good Tyne Girl holds claims here.
7:40 Wolverhampton -
Richard Hannon has It's The Only Way going here. This Irish-bred son of Lilbourne Lad won his first two starts and carries a big weight which connections try to take the edge off with a 7lb apprentice. Not sure if I would jump in at short odds because these win penalties seem hard to defy. To be fair the opposition doesn't look much. *Wolf Hunter was given a significant entry early season but it looked to be next to worthless. He isn't the worst horse ever but been contesting at plating class and official rating of just 63.
* NR
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.
Been a very busy week. Updating lots of websites, many new. A few interesting races on Saturday. Not so much this Sunday. To be honest, I would rather this be a day of rest because even a couple of races seems to clutter the day.
2:00 Pontefract -
Fair money for this 5f 3y EBF Novice Stakes on good to firm going. Just four horses and very much a two-horse race. Both have received significant entries. Richard Fahey's Flawless Jewel is a bay daughter of Kheleyf racing in the familiar colours of The Cool Silk Partnership. She was fancied to go well on debut at York. A battling performance saw her beaten by a neck. A recent entry for the Lowther Stakes (Group 2) adds to confidence. Priced 1/3f, punters will be disappointed if she is beaten.
The major opponent is Murqaab. David O'Meara's charge has raced five times and, for the most part, proven to be a consistent juvenile. This son of Showcasing disappointed in the Windsor Castle Listed race at Royal Ascot but that was no surprise at odds of 66/1. He may have gone a stride to fast last time out at Ripon, although there wasn't anything wrong with the performance in third. The cheek pieces have been applied for the first time. Interesting to see what tactics are employed. I can imagine he will be sent to the front.
Interesting to see how this goes. There may be an option of backing both and laying Murqaab in running if shooting clear.
2:20 Wolverhampton -
Eight two-year-olds take part in this Novice Stakes over 7f 36 y on standard to slow going. Sylvester Kirk does well on the all-weather.
Hackle Setter was noted on debut because the trainer had detailed this son of Noble Mission as having some ability. He wasn't fancied on debut but not disgraced, running on in the closing stages to finish midfield. This step up in distance will help and improvement is likely to be seen.
James Tate gave Zmhar an entry early season. This son of Shamardal hasn't been fancied in the betting on both starts but showed ability second start at Chelmsford.
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.
Just a coupe of races to review for significant entries.
6:50 Wolverhampton -
Just the one horse here being Blame Roberta. Robert Cowell has a bigger string of juveniles this season which should see a few making waves. This bay daughter of Blame races in the familiar silks of Khalifa Dasmal. A relatively cheap yearling purchase at just $27,000. She made her debut back in April, when contesting a fair race at Yarmouth over the minimum trip. I was struck by the size and scope of this April foal who was slow away but ran on with some purpose. She may have been given time because of an issue or needing time to strengthen up. Interesting to see how she goes.
6:40 Widsor -
A big, old ''newcomers'' Maiden Stakes over 6f 12y on good to firm going. Richard Hannon's horses have been in good form and Swiper has been noted with one significant entry. This Irish-bred bay colt is a son of Clodovil cost £40,000 at the yearling sales.
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.
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.
As Cecil Gaybody once said in the film Carry On Girls: ''Bring on the girls!''
Well, to be precise, fillies of the equine version.
An EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes (Plus 10) over 5f 21y on Standard going. This Class 5 2yo race has a field of ten juveniles, three with racecourse experience.
Penniesfromheaven ran well on debut for Dean Ivory. This daughter Lethal Force is quite lightly built and looked very inexperienced on debut at Lingfield. She ran on pretty well when slightly awkward on the bend, running on into third behind Jungle Inthebungle and Lady Prancealot who won readily on her second start. Penniesfromheaven had been entered for a Class 2 Stakes race which adds to confidence. Well drawn in stall two may well encourage connections to lead.
Mick Channon has been in great form with his two-year-olds this season. He mentioned they are gone back to buying typical speedy types and Izzer has already won twice. Those form lines help with assessment which is a big advantage. Knockabout Queen races in the familiar silks of Box 41 Racing syndicate. This bay daughter of Sixties Icon is a home bred. The betting is the best guide. If priced 8/1 & less SP has fair each way claims especially if backed. I would take a watching brief if weak in the market.
Interesting to see Tom Dascombe field two fillies here to start his two-year-old campaign. Sesame looks to be the first string racing in the familiar silks of Laurence Bellman & Caroline Ingram. This daughter of Slade Power and cost 52,000 euros at the yearling sales. The eleven draw is a difficult starting point as you don't want to be slow away or pushed wide on the bend. If priced 13/2 & less SP it suggests something is expected. I would let the betting settle before getting involved just in case the draw is too much of a negative.
The stable is represented by Polished owned by John Dance who had some nice successes with juveniles last season. This daughter of Helmet cost 41,000 euros. Another with a relatively high draw. Unless seriously backed, best watched.
David Evans has started this juvenile season with plenty of runners and at east two winners. He is worth noting early season. The Welsh wizard has three two-year-olds entered here: Kg Courage (once raced), Go Annie Go & Frisky Dancer.
Kg Courage wasn't fancied in the betting on debut and finished last behind Jungle Inthebungle. On form, Penniesfromheaven has a decisive advantage. Two-year-olds shouldn't be limited by one run although much more is needed. The stable can spring surprises in the betting so it is worth noting the betting.
Go Annie Go is well drawn and worth noting in the betting.
Frisky Dancer is the biggest of Evans in the betting at the time of writing [14/1] and daughter of Zoffany. Money is the keyword with this stable and the shortest of the three is likely to go best.
Scott Dixon didn't have the best of two-year-old campaigns last year but a trainer who can pop up with a decent horse. Deia Glory is a bay daughter of Kyllachy out of a twice-winning mare. A 32,000G yearling purchase. She was priced 50/1 on debut and showed good pace early door before being outpaced into fifth but beaten just under four lengths. This was a Class 2 Novice Stakes with prize money of over £12,000+ to the winner. Time may tell that was a decent race. Not the easiest horse to assess because she may need to run to the line. However, if slightly in need for the run that day, could be there especially from stall one. Looks a likely lead.
Henry Spiller's Daphinia and cheap yearling purchase at £8,000.
One trainer who excelled last year was Archie Stevens. He can prime a debutante so it will be interesting to see how Cloud Seeding goes. This British-bred filly is a daughter of Gale Force Ten. This £31,000 yearling purchase has a wide draw in stall ten which is far from ideal. The hood has been applied. Interesting whether this is to calm or encourage. The betting at 7/1 suggests something is expected. I would let the betting settle just in case it drifts.
Conclusion: A large field of fillies. The betting looks pretty open so the bookies will be careful. It may well be wise to let the betting settle unless you have a strong opinion. Certainly, the form horses have the benefit of experience which counts for a lot. Penniesfromheaven and Deia Glory fit that category and well drawn. They could be sent to the front. Both have either run or been entered for Class 2 races which indicates the trainers have some hope for these juveniles. Penniesfromheaven has shown a bit of form and gave the impression better would be seen next start. The slight negative is that she was very inexperienced that day and could be the same today. A low draw could be a blessing or a problem if slow away. She isn't the strongest looking horse but against fillies shouldn't look out of place. Deia Glory may have the best form and if improving for the run could go well. Both have an equal measure of good and bad. I would take a watching brief. The betting is the best guide for Knockabout Queen, Sesame and Cloud Seeding. If priced 7/1 & less SP could go well. The latter two have to defy a bad draw which doesn't inspire. I would have to take a watching brief because this looks a tricky affair.