Haystacks Posted May 6, 2011 Share Posted May 6, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds So near and yet so far... Toffee Tart started at 16-1 and went down by a nose, after weaving all over the track and getting caught on the line. If Seb Sanders had managed to keep in a straight line it would have been an easy win, but instead of that just a decent return on the each-way bet. Not too surprisingly, Tioman Star was a wide margin winner at Lingfield, but at Ripon Blue Shoes and One Kool Dude were turned over by 11/1 debutant Chevanah, while over at Nottingham Kevin Ryan broke a long losing 2YO run with the well backed Dozy (5-2). SAT Haydock 2.30 (6f) An interesting 11-runner contest with some big yards represented. The two with experience (Cotes Du Rhone and Egyptian Cross) both finished plumb last on their debuts, so I think it's safe to assume that this race will go to a FTO runner. Godolphin field expensive yearling Special Boy (Invincible Spirit), who intruigingly holds a 2012 Derby entry. US-bred Mabroor (Hard Spun) was very expensive both as a foal and yearling. Mark Johnston has had a couple of winners this week, and Mabroor is the RP's forecast favourite. John Gosden hasn't had a 2YO winner yet, but Banksy is sired by Dutch Art, who has had a great first season so far. Kevin Ryan's Fiction Or Fact is also sired by Dutch Art, but unlike Banksy this one has a bunch of big race entries. I can see why Kevin Ryan has waited for a 6f race for his other runner, Brocklebank, who is by Diamond Green and will appreciate the extra furlong. FICTION OR FACT would be my e/w guess, but I doubt that I'll be betting on this one. I'll take another look when the prices are up in the morning. Ascot 4.00 An early Royal Ascot trial. Norfolk Stakes (and Gimcrack) winner Approve made his debut in this race last year, finishing third. Bayleyf and North Star Boy hold the best form of the previous runners, having both finished second on their debuts. John Best's Bayleyf was runner-up to Gatepost in Folkestone maiden that may prove to have been pretty decent quality for that track. North Star Boy was a narrowly beaten favourite for Richard Hannon at Goodwood last Saturday. Of the debutants, Charles The Great (Holy Roman Emperor) holds a fistful of big race entries for Andrew Balding, and is obviously expected to turn out to be pretty good. Another interesting one is Clive Cox's Lethal Force, who was sired by first-season success story Dark Angel. Brian Meehan's St Barths (Cadeaux Generaux) would be more appealing if the trainer had had better success with his 2YOs this year. I suspect that NORTH STAR BOY will redeem himself at a fairly unattractively short price. Warwick 6.15 A very disappointing 5-runner race. Choice Of Remark has put in four respectable performances in some fairly tough races (including at Chester on Weds). The other experienced runners, FromtheStables Com and Manderston were backmarkers on their debuts. The two newcomers are from 2YO-specialist yards. Richard Hannon has Dixie's Dream (Hawk Wing) and Mick Channon fields Grand Gold (Librettist). It's virtually last-chance saloon time for my token pick CHOICE OF REMARK, although he looks like being a very short price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 7, 2011 Share Posted May 7, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds With regards to Haydock (2.30) I was quite excited when I saw that Fact Or Fiction is 12-1 this morning. However, I've just done some jockey research and Franny Norton is a dismal 1-33 in the past 5 years for Kevin Ryan's 2YOs, so perhaps Brocklebank is the first string, even though he is longer priced 14-1. At 4-1 the field this is a very open betting race. However, you could probably make a case for any of the nine(!) debutants, so I'm going to leave it alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Predictably, North Star Boy won at Ascot for Richard Hannon at 8-11on, and Choice Of Remark finally broke his maiden at 4-7on at Warwick. Over at Haydock Mabroor partly repaid the large sum invested by his owners with a victory at Haydock. Now onto Monday, where there are five races, and only 39 runners, not really enough to go round. To be honest, I haven't been able to devise any value bets, as there isn't much good form on display and the fields are generally small. In fact, I believe that all five of my selections will start fairly short-priced favourites. Brighton 2.10 Only six runners, and the four with previous runner experience are a very motley crew. Probably the best form on offer is that of Steady The Buffs' 3rd at Bath in a 5-runner race, but that certainly is nothing special. Sea Poet hasn't really shown a great deal so far, beating home only three horses combined over his two races. Mick Channon's Rooknrasbryripple was plumb last in a 14-runner race at Windsor, as was Multi Blessing in a 4-horse race at Kempton. So there appears to be a good chance that this will fall to one of the two debutants. Since this is an auction race, Richard Hannon's Shere Khan (Royal Applause) has to give away weight all round. Peter Winkworth had a shock FTO winner at Goodwood last weekend, and his I Dream Of Genie (Desert Style) also deserves consideration. The opposition is so weak that SHERE KHAN should probably win this, despite the weight concession. Redcar 2.20 Mark Johnston's Bannock made a very satisfactory debut at Doncaster last weekend, finishing runner-up in a field of more experienced horses. Arcticality made a fairly innocuous debut at Ripon, but is Paul Hanagan's choice of the two Fahey runners. Neil's Pride looks like the second string. I guess Made In the Shade rather than Phoenix Clubs is Paul Midgeley's first string, but he finished well back on his debut on 1st April. BANNOCK could be a class above these. Wolverhampton 2.30 A field of experienced (but almost exclusively highly mediocre) runners for this claimer. Van Go Go has already won two races for Tom Dascombe. The first was a maiden at Redcar, ahead of today's rival Aquasulis, and the second a seller, ahead of today's rivals She's Cool Too and Early Ambition. A few day ago, she paid the penalty in a conditions race at Chester for running fast and wide. She also has experience on the Polytrack following her debut second at Kempton. Assuming that Van Go Go can confirm the form with Aquasulis, She's Cool Too and Early Ambition, she really doesn't have much else to beat. Foolscap has only beaten one horse home in two starts, Masivo Man was last on his debut, and Jettie has also twice finished last. Selinda did at least beat Jettie home in finishing fourth at Bath, but she would have to improve dramatically to win today. VAN GO GO is the clear pick, and I would expect that She's Cool Too will again follow her home, as she did at Warwick. Wolverhampton 4.00 The biggest field of the day for this maiden auction fillies event. By far the best form on offer belongs to Launch On Line, who was runner-up to the very smart Miss Work Of Art on her debut, before disappointing at Ripon next time out (albeit in front of today's rival Vieira Da Silva). The other three runners with experience Bojangle, Economic Crisis and Xyzzy would have to step up considerably to win this. Of the newcomers, Kevin Ryan's Bitter Lemon (Indestachel) is the most interesting. Compton Shuffle (Shirocco) looks bred for much further. Back on Polytrack, LAUNCH ON LINE should be good enough. Windsor 5.40 This fillies' race is likely to turn out to be by far the best 2YO race of the day (which isn't really saying much!). Of the two experienced runners, Gin Twist showed promise in finishing midfield at Chester last week, whereas Ida Inkley finished down the field at Windsor (albeit in what may turn out to have been a fairly decent contest). Moving on to the debutants, Richard Hannon has two runners. Glee is the first string, and she holds a bunch of big race entries, which her stablemate Balm lacks. Barry Hills fields Angels Will Fall (Acclamation), who ought to be a smart type. Mount McLeod (Holy Roman Emperor) looks like she could do with a longer trip and Sweet Ovation doesn't hold any big race entries. GLEE looks the part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Van Go Go and Bannock justified heavy odds-on support, but Launch On Line finished last and may have had some kind of physical problem. As for the two debutants, Shere Khan was also very heavily backed but was green beforehand and then lost his chance with a terrible start. Glee was beaten by a real potential Royal Ascot contender, the Barry Hills debutant Angels Will Fall. TUE Beverley 2.00 Three of these have previous experience, but Johnny Cavagin and Mad For Fun both finished last on their debuts. Having been hampered at the start on his debut, John Quinn's Superplex then showed real improvement on his second run, finishing runner-up to Cravat at Beverley. It is notable that Paul Hanagan rides Superplex in preference to Richard Fahey's gelding Valley Of Hope. Mark Johnston has had a few FTO 2YO winners recently and his Fulbright (Exceed And Excel) is bred to be sharp, and also has some big race entries. Ann Duffield had a shock FTO winner with Chevanah at the weekend and she will be hoping to repeat that feat with Beechey's Beauty. None of the other debutants make any special appeal. FULBRIGHT fits the bill for me, ahead of Superplex. Yarmouth 2.20 (6f) Dougie Boy has been incredibly unlucky to run into such smart types as Jack Who's He and Mitchum in recording two placed efforts, finishing ahead of today's rival Darnathaen on the latter occasion. The third-placed horse at Southwell has since come out and won, so the form is pretty solid, even though Dougie Boy was beaten quite a long way on both those starts. Mark Johnston's Topcoat was pretty disappointing on his debut, but the yard's 2YOs seem to be in better form now. Of the debutants, by far the most intruiging is Pickled Pelikan for William Haggas. This one was sired by Dylan Thomas, who has had only one runner so far, a FTO winner in Ireland. Peter Chapple-Hyam's debutant Samminder (Red Ransom) has been backed in from 13-8 to 11-8 this morning. Rock Canyon is sired by Rock Of Gibraltar and is bred for much further. Dougie Boy may have had the misfortune to run into another very smart debutant here. My pick is PICKLED PELICAN, with Samminder as the obvious threat. Warwick 2.40 An interesting fillies' race, since even though there are just seven runners, some of the best 2YO yards are represented. Richard Hannon's Esentepe made her debut in a conditions race last week, but finished third of the four runners. Supreme Quest was fourth at Windsor on her debut for Roger Charlton, and one of the horses behind her has since come out and won at Brighton. Stormin Gordon was beaten a long way at Pontefract. Of the debutants, Mick Channon's Naseem Alyasmeen (Clodovil) and Mark Johnston's Nimiety (Stormy Atlantic) don't hold any big race entries. However, Sajwah (Exceed And Excel) does for Barry Hills, who had a FTO winner yesterday. However, that one was very well backed all day, whereas Sajwah seems to be drifting. I think SUPREME QUEST might possibly turn out to have achieved more on her debut than Esentepe, and fancy her to break Roger Charlton's 2011 2YO duck . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Forgot to mention that Supreme Quest gave away weight all round on her debut. Anyhow, I've taken 7/2 with PP (BOG). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds At Beverley there was a huge plunge on Casper Netscher (20-1 down to 100-30) and he easily justified the support. While over at Yarmouth Samminder was backed like the Royal Ascot contender that he clearly is. Barry Hills did manage to make it two FTO winners in two days with Sajwah at Warwick. WEDS Yor 4.10 A cracking novice contest featuring seven previous winners, five of whom won first time up. Hamza was won of the season's first 2YO winners way back on April 1 at Musselburgh, and was then withdrawn from a subsequent race due to problems at the stalls. However, he did beat subsequent winners Stonefield Flyer and Profile Star (who reopposes today). Monnoyer broke his maiden with a convincing win at Wolverhampton. The second and third came out and finished third and fourth in a maiden at Chester last week. Another comfortable debut winner was Ponty Acclaim at Ripon. The third placed finisher (Sweet Chilli) has since come out and won easily at Pontefract. Gatepost posted his victory in an above-average contest at Folkestone. Cravat's Beverley success may have been quite a weak contest. The Dark Angel colt Alejandro took two runs to record a victory for Richard Fahey, after going down by a head on his debut (the fourth, Princess Banu won at Newmarket NTO). However, his Musselburgh victory was pretty emphatic and the fourth has come out and won since. The aforementioned Profile Star took three runs to record a win and is tried in blinkers today. This task looks too tough for debutants Dicky Mint and Rio Grande, while Nameitwhatyoulike is outclassed. A watching brief for me, but Richard Fahey has pretty farmed these novice/conditions races this season (e.g. Miss Work Of Art/Lily's Angel), so ALEJANDRO has to be the pick. If he can handle the stalls this time, Hamza may be a real danger and Gatepost could be anything. Kempton 6.50 Another fairly big field with 11 fillies, seven of whom are making their debut. Supreme Quest holds the best form, a fourth at Windsor (ahead of today's rival Red Larkspur), and a second at Warwick yesterday. Iceni Girl and Indian Lizzy were both beaten nine lengths on their debuts in not especially strong-looking contests. The most obvious danger to Supreme Quest is Richard Hannon's Costa Del Fortune (Helistatic), although this one doesn't hold any big race entries. Brian Meehan's 2YOs have all been needing the run, otherwise Good Cloroda (Red Clubs) would be very appealing, as she does hold some big race entries. Schmooze is sired by One Cool Cat and should be sharp for Marco Botti. Another interesting debutant is Quick Bite (Redback) for Hugo Palmer, who had a 2YO winner on Monday. Supreme Quest is now a non-runner, and it looks like Costa Del Fortune will be clear favourite. However, QUICK BITE looks interesting each-way at 14-1 (BET365; BOG). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds I wrote yesterday that Gatepost 'could be anything'. Well, he's definitely something as he crushed a field containing many previous winners in the style of a very good horse. Royal Ascot beckons. Naturally, my each-way tip at Kempton finished 4th, doing all his best work in the closing stages. I have to confess that I should have made a proper reassessment once Supreme Quest was declared NR, as I had discounted Red Larkspur on the basis that he had no practically chance of reversing the form of their earlier encounter. THU Salisbury 2.40 Richard Hannon fields no less than three runners for this contest, including Airborne Again, who finished third behind stablemate Crown Dependency last week. His other runners Marcus Augustus (Holy Roman Emperor) and Tina's Spirit (Invincible Spirit) are both debutants. The latter holds a bunch of Newmarket sales race entries, but Richard Hughes has chosen Airborne Again . Mick Channon's Pitt Rivers ran respectably behind Magic City at Newbury and then went down narrowly at Brighton, after making a very slow start. Today's assignment looks much tougher. Barry Hills has had two FTO 2YO winners this week already and his Red Art is sired by Excellent Art, who has already had a couple of winners for Aidan O'Brien in Ireland. David Evans has two geldings in the race. Singalat is sired by Singspiel and may find 5f to be much too sharp. Zigazag (Refuse To Bend) doesn't hold any big race entries. Clive Cox's Blackburn (Elusive City) also looks like a sharp type. (Now a NR.) With the 2YOs for Barry Hills on fire, I was going to side each-way with Red Art. However, the field has now been reduced from ten to seven, so I'm going to tip AIRBORNE AGAIN and sit this one out. York 4.10 Apostle ran unbelievably badly as favourite at Leicester, and Art Dzeko also showed very little on his debut. On the other hand Come On Blue Chip stayed on well enough on his debut at Newmarket to suggest that today's 6f would bring about improvement. And Noor Zabeel made his debut in a hot-looking Goodwood race, from which the second came out and won at Ascot next time. The most intriguing runner is Aidan O'Briens Foot Soldier (Danehill Dancer). (Oops, now a NR!) Richard Fahey's 2YOs have been running so well that Giorgo's Dragon (Le Vie Dei Colori) has to be on the shortlist. Tom Dascombe has had a lot of 2YO success this year and he is represented by Barolo Top (Amadeus Wolf). Kevin Ryan's 2YOs haven't been in great form lately, otherwise Totoni (Teofilo) would be more interesting. The morning 2YO gamble is Tim Easterby's Hadrians Rule (Holy Roman Emperor) from 16-1 to 8-1. The stable has had a couple of FTO 2YO winners this year and Ponty's Acclaim ran well to finish third to Gatepost yesterday I quite like COME ON BLUE CHIP (11-2 e/w at BETFRED) for small stakes. Newmarket 6.15 Misty Conquest has run pretty well on her two starts, finishing just behind Tuesday's Warwick runner-up Supreme Quest in a decent race at Windsor (which has produced two winners from down the field) and then just behind subsequent easy winner Bannock at Doncaster. Today's race conditions are very favourable for Misty Conquest, who receives weight all round. It's hard to fancy the other runner with experience, Sister Guru, who finished last of four on her debut. Both of the hot first-season sires are represented today in the form of Pride And Joy (Dark Angel) from Jamie Osbourne and Tidal's Bay (Dutch Art) from Noel Quinlan. The former holds several big race entries. Mick Channon's Majestic Zafeen (Zafeen) is also appealing. As always, Richard Hannon's runner is sure to be popular. However, Cresta Star (Teofilo) doesn't hold any bid race entries. (Now a NR.) Brian Meehan's Finley Connolly (Cockney Rebel) and Hiding In The Open (Verglas) would be very interesting if the stable's 2YOs were in good form. This looks tailor-made for MISTY CONQUEST. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Airborne Again and Misty Conquest both justified favouritism, as did Noor Zabeel at York, where my each-way selection Come On Blue Chip ran terribly. To be honest with some clear favourites in the conditions races, and a few small fields, this looks like being another good day for the favourites. FRIDAY York 1.30 Listed Fillies' After beating Richard Hannon's highly touted Magic City at Ascot, Miss Work Of Art has absolutely rock-solid form in the book. It's perhaps significant that Hannon hasn't even entered one of his massive string to put up against Miss Work Of Art today. There is plenty to like about Queen's Revenge, who beat subsequent winners Alejandro and Princess Banu (who reopposes today) after missing the break on her debut. (Disappointingly, now a NR.) Vocational won narrowly FTO at Warwick last week, but it's not clear that she actually beat much. Pymans' Theory was a second TO winner at Leicester, but the bare form of her two runs is nothing special. Sweet Chilli won second TO at Pontefract, but again the bare form of her two outings isn't all that strong. Princess Banu used her experience to blitz the field at Newmarket (in a race in which the 3rd has come out and won since, and the second runs at Nmk today at 1.50), but it is unlikely that she will have things her own way today. Redair has shown plenty of early dash in all three of her starts. She probably went off much too fast with the leaders at Chester last week, but still finished third. Bubbly Ballerina showed promise on her debut second to Redair, but was then a NR at the Brocklesby. Red Hearts was probably fortunate to win a weak race at Brighton. This looks like a very ambitious target for How Sweet It is (Kodiac) on her debut. It will take a very smart performance to beat MISS WORK OF ART. However, something has fill the other places and Redair seems massively overpriced at 40/1 (e/w) with VC. I would have put her at around 16-1 and she was forecast in the RP at 12/1. Newbury 1.40 (6f) A good field of 15 runners, which seems very likely to go to a debutant, since both Bajan Hero and Main Focus finished last on their debuts. Richard Hannon has practically farmed this race in recent years, and he runs three today, Trumpet Major (Arakan) being the first-string. This horse has the same sire/jockey/trainer combination as Dick Turpin. Poole Harbour (Elusive City) is the second-string, and although Jacob Cats is sired by Dutch Art and therefore ought to be very sharp, he is the least fancied of the three Hannon runners. Paul Cole has had success in divisions of this race recently and he has the biggest likely threat to the Hannon trio with Macdonald Mor (Dansili). Clive Cox has described Forest Row (Cockney Rebel) as 'quite exciting'. It's hard to get away from TRUMPET MAJOR. Newbury 3.45 A very small field of five runners (now three as Majestic Rose and Betty Fontaine are both NRs) for this fillies' conditions race, with a lot of the good fillies up at York instead today. The form of the Windsor race won by Best Terms looks rock-solid, with the 4th (Supreme Quest) having finished as a runner-up the other day, and Red Larkspur (9th) and Red Hearts (11th) both having since won maidens. Although Majestic Rose beat two subsequent winners at Kempton (Van Go Go and Xyzzy), neither of those are world-beaters. The form of Dijarvo's debut win is not very strong, and a subsequent second to Cockney Fire isn't enough to suggest that this won't be her day today. Choisirez has shown very little on her two starts and looks outclassed today. Mick Channon is throwing Betty Fontaine (Mujadil) in at the deep end. This looks like an easy opportunity for BEST TERMS on her way to Royal Ascot. Newmarket 1.50 (6f) Only six runners for this fillies' maiden. Royal Blush couldn't catch the front-running Princess Banu over 5f at the same course, but still put up a great debut. None of the others have racecourse experience. Two of them are sired by Elusive City and should be fairly smart: Midas Medusa for Richard Hannon and Elusive Flame for David Elsworth. The Green Desert filly Lemon Rock has a handful of sales race entries for Noel Quinlan. Brian Meehan's She's Flawless is sired by Smart Strike and may prove better over further. ROYAL BLUSH is the pick, with Midas Medusa the obvious danger. Newcastle 5.40 (6f) Only five runners for this novices contest (and down to four now due to a NR). He's So Cool won the Brocklesby, but then seemed to not handle the track at Chester, before running on well at the end (suggesting that today's 6f will be ideal) . Forevertheoptimist showed good improvement on his second run, beating subsequent winner Bannock, and is obviously one for the shortlist. Factory Time got off the mark FTO for Mick Channon in a fairly weak-looking race at Bath, and it's slightly surprising that he is RP forecast favourite. (Now a NR.) This looks like a tough task for debutants Priestley's Reward (Whipper) and Travis County (Jeremy). Back on a straight course, HE'S SO COOL can get back on track. Hamilton 5.50 Another disappointing turnout of only five runners for this maiden (six 2YO races on one day at this time of year seems excessive). Devlin finished third to the useful Hamza on his debut (albeit a long way back). Mark Johnston's Master Of Ages is sired by Exceed And Excel and is bred to be sharp, but the lack of any big race entries is off-putting. Frederick Engels (Iceman) and Bapak Chinta (Speightstown) are May colts and may need more time, although I see this morning that the latter is being backed as if defeat is out of the question . One has to assume that since Kevin Ryan trains Hamza, he knows exactly where he stands against Devlin, and that BAPAK CHINTA will win first time up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtw1 Posted May 13, 2011 Author Share Posted May 13, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Your doing a great job here HAYSTACKS :clap I found i was short of time to keep putting in any input , glad you've taken up the mantle :ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quackers Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds First 2 year old bet for a while. Echo Jtw's thoughts... doing a grand job on the 2 year old front. I fancy Best Terms and Royal Blush today as well. 1.30 York Sweet Chilli 1pt e/w 10/1 Bet365 That favourite is hard to oppose after an impressive run last time out but I think Sweet Chilli was just as impressive on its last run. He didn't have to beat anything of the calibre of Magic City but she made all and quickened well without having to be seriously asked a question. The time of that run wasn't that bad plus there should be more to come from her. She might just prove hard to catch if allowed to lead here. Good race for each way backers and I am happy to take on the favourite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Thanks for your support guys. Time permitting, I'll try and keep going until Royal Ascot at least! I do have a 'short' list of 15 or so Ascot prospects, but probably that will at least double over the next couple of weeks as more and more smart 2YOs make their debuts. Five of the six I picked yesterday actually won, but four were favourites and the biggest price was 6-4. There was a 40-1 upset in the Newbury race, where Wise Venture pipped two of the Hannon horses by a nse & a shd. SATURDAY Somewhat more manageable with only three races. Thirsk 2.05 A 16-runner fillies' maiden. Five of these have previous experience, but the form is so mediocre that Dolly Danca, Headstight, Maria Anna, Nellie Pickersgill and Red Shadow can't be fancied. As always, one's eye is automatically drawn to the Fahey runner. He has Lexington Spirit, although this one's sire Iffraaj didn't fare particularly well in his first season with early season FTO winners (only 1 winner from 12 runners before the end of May, Nasharra, who won a 4-runner race at Leicester). Tim Easterby has had a few winners of this race and he has three runners, although the apparent first string Zaffy is also sired by Iffraaj. Mick Channon had a couple of 2YOs go in at York this week, so Lady Victory (Kheleyf) deserves serious consideration. Acclamation is a great sire for early season runners and Chorister Girl has to be of interest from Howard Johnson's yard. David Barron has had a FTO winner already and he fields Justine Time (Kodiac). It's obviously very tough to pick from a large field of (essentially) unraced horses, but LADY VICTORY ticks a lot of boxes. Newmarket 4.00 (6f) A not particularly strong novices race, in which Richard Hannon saddles the top two in the early betting. Those runners with experience have been running at 5f, so they are stepping up in trip. Tell Dad sets the benchmark with two prior second places behind two good colts (Jack Who's He and Commissar), but he didn't really seem to progress last time when getting trounced (as favourite) by five lengths. The form of the latter run took a knock when third place Come On Blue Chip ran badly the other day. Lilbourne Lad has to concede weight to the rest of the field. Although it has produced a winner (Profile Star) the form of his Doncaster victory doesn't look particularly solid. However, he was doing all his best work at the end, so the 6f should suit. B Fifty Two also has form with Commissar, dating back to his debut at Newbury. He did subsequently win quite a weak race at Bath. Snowed In broke his maiden on his second run at Kempton, but it was a really very weak contest. Clive Brittain's Manomine (Manduro) holds a 2012 Derby entry! This looks like a match between the two Hannon runners, of whom I slightly prefer LILBOURNE LAD. Doncaster 7.05 An auction race in which Red Tyke and Artists Corner have to give weight away. Amadeus Denton went down narrowly to Profile Star (subsequently outclassed at York yesterday) on his debut, finishing ahead of today's rival Rent Free. The second run (runner-up at Catterick) of Oneniteinheaven was much better than the first. I don't think that form will be good enough, even though she did beat today's rival Yearbook in that race. Red Tyke finished a long way back in fourth on her debut. After the performances of Richard Fahey and Miss Work Of Art, the same trainer/sire (Dutch Art) are represented by Artists Corner. However, Paul Hanagan has instead opted to ride Oneniteinheaven. As already mentioned, David Barron has already had a FTO winner. He fields Kohala who, like Justine Time above, is sired by Kodiac. The form of those with previous experience is nothing remarkable, so perhaps KOHALA can win first time out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds The Doncaster race yesterday was most bizarre - Amadeus Denton was backed as if defeat was out of the question, all the way down to 30/100 on! In the end he just managed to fend off the two debutants, 20/1 shot Artists Corner and my selection Kohala, who surprisingly went off at 25/1 and led until the shadow of the line, going down by a shd & a nse. Perhaps the result would have been different if the jockey hadn't been 1lb overweight! Furthermore, Paul Hanagan had ditched the Fahey runner Artists Corner in favour of (last-placed) Oneniteinheaven. This may actually have been for reasons of safety rather than talent, as Artists Corner unshipped Barry McHugh both before and after the race! At Newmarket, the step up to 6f suited B Fifty Two, who saw off the favourite Lilboune Lad. The Thirsk maiden was won by Richard Fahey's Lexington Spirit, and my selection Lady Victory was quite well backed but ran terribly. SUN Ripon 2.10 (6f) Half of these ten have run before. Adranian hasn't really showed much in two runs at Donny and is tried in a visor today. Grand Gold was third of five in a week auction race at Warwick, but did suggest that he would be better over further. Maria Medecis was 6th on her debut and Indepub and Metal Dealer were both beaten 14 lengths on their debuts. Regal Acclaim (Acclamation) and Piece By Piece (Byron) both look like they may be sharp types for Tim Easterby. Tim Easterby's third(!) debutant Arrowroot (Sleeping Indian) is gelded already and doesn't hold any big race entries. Mark Johnston's Maastricht is sired by Tiger Hill, who is more of a middle-distance sire. King Laertis (Baltic King) is the first 2YO this season fro Ben Haslam. Tim Easterby seems determined to try and win this with one of his three runners. I think REGAL ACCLAIM may possibly be the best of his, and may be worth a small e/w punt at 8-1 (WH BOG). Ripon 2.40 (6f) Seven runners (now six due to NR) for the seller. Royal Purse failed to progress on her second start and is upped in trip but dropped down in class today after two placed efforts. In contrast, both Miss Muga's places have come in sellers, although she has been staying on over 5f. Spiders Of Spring has also only raced over 5f in a seller, where he upset Ciara Boo in a four-runner race at Redcar. Manderston has shown little on his two appearances. She should improved for the extra furlong. Punchie was a very distant last on her debut. I've no idea what to make of the two Dandy Nicholls debutants, Elsie Tanner (One Cool Cat) and Mister Tancred (Indesatchel). One assumes that the fact that they are starting out in a seller has to be a negative. (Elsie Tanner is now a NR.) I fancy SPIDERS OF SPRING to pick up another seller for the seemingly unstoppable Richard Fahey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Well, Tim Easterby did indeed saddle the winner at Ripon, but it was with the less well fancied Piece By Piece at 16/1. Miss Muga then broke her maiden in the seller. MON Wolverhampton 2.10 A very weak-looking race. Neither of the debutants makes much appeal, so this looks like it will go to one of the six with prior experience. Fayr Fall has put up two respectable efforts so far, and may eventually win a race. Although Auntie Joy finished behind Fayr Fall LTO, she was given a gentle introduction to racing and should improve. Complex finished a fair way behind Courtland King and Lord Ali McJones on his debut. A good run would be an indicator for one of today's races at Bath (3.30). Monumental Man and Perfecto Tiempo struggled on their debuts, and Bojangle has run a long way fourth on two outings. AUNTIE JOY may improve ahead of Fayr Fall, and seems a decent price at 3-1 (SJ). Bath 3.30 (5.5f) Another quite weak race. Courtland King has had four runs already (in one of which he finished a long way ahead of today's rival Jawim) and may need to be dropped in grade. Lord Ali McJones finished behind Courtland King on his debut, and then narrowly beat him last time. Those two appear very closely matched. Neither Otto The Great nor Xinbama have shown much so far. Of the debutants, William Haggas saddles Faraway, who is sired by Royal Applause and ought to be sharp. However, the most interesting debutant is Percy Jackson, the first ever runner sired by Derby winner Sir Percy. The form on offer is nothing special, so PERCY JACKSON may take this first time up. Windsor 6.00 A much better contest to kick off the evening's proceedings - 15 fillies to pick the bones out of! Balm was Richard Hannon's second string last week and was given a pretty gentle introduction. My Lucky Liz finished fourth in a blanket finish at Ascot (well ahead of today's rivals Starfly and First Of February). Jettie has twice finished plumb last, and Purple Angel also debuted last. Moving on to the debutants, the fact that Richard Hughes is on Balm suggests that Richard Hannon's other two Leenavesta (Arch) and Roedean (Oratorio) are back-ups. Ed Dunlop saddles two debutants: Arabian Flight (Exceed And Excel) looks like a promising sort, and is preferred to Diamond Finesse (Red Clubs). Mick Channon's Miss Lahar (Clodovil) doesn't hold any big race entries. MY LUCKY LIZ is the pick. Windsor 6.30 A good 7-runner conditions contest in which every horse has already recorded a victory. Magic City crushed a strong field at Newbury, before being beaten by the tough filly Miss Work Of Art at Ascot. One of Magic City's opponents at Newbury was Signifer, who subsequently broke his maiden at Bath. However, it's hard to imagine that he has improved the necessary six lengths to turn the tables on Magic City. Signifer holds a victory over today's rival Steady The Buffs, who won last week at Brighton. The form of Foxtrot India's shock debut win at Goodwood has been franked by the second and third's subsequent wins. Bannock got off the mark at the second attempt in a weak race at Redcar last week. Middleton Flyer's win came in a seller, and I think Ortea may also be out of his depth. MAGIC CITY should be able to bounce back to winning ways, ahead of Foxtrot India. Leicester 6.40 A pretty decent 9-runner maiden. Sea Odyssey has very solid form, losing out to two good colts on his debut and then being beaten by the very well backed debutant Gabrial next time out. Shere Khan was a warm order for his debut at Brighton, but spoilt his chances by misbehaving in the prelims and then fluffing the start. Crowning Star hasn't been seen out since recording a promising debut third place in the Brocklesby, which suggests that he must have had some kind of setback. Always Ends Well was a beaten favourite at Brighton on his third run (behind today's rival Pius Parker), and today's contest looks much tougher. Red Aggressor and Sabusa simply look outclassed. The two debutants are both promising, Arnold Lane (Footstepsinthesand) for Mick Channon, and Alabanda (Camacho) for Tim Easterby, especially the former who has been very heavily backed this morning. SHERE KHAN seems each-way value at 12-1 (SJ) to make some amends after botching his debut, with Sea Odyssey as the best form rival and Arnold Lane a very interesting recruit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Shere Khan managed third at Leicester for an e/w return, but unfortunately, Fayr Fall did manage to confirm the form with Auntie Joy as they finished 1-2 at Wolverhampton. Strangely the Leicester debutant winner Arnold Lane was well backed in the morning, but then drifted from 9/2 to 15/2 on course. A more confident debutant winner was Percy Jackson at Bath. I suspect that he may be streets ahead of the average Bath 2YO maiden winner, and wouldn't be shocked to see him in the mix at Royal Ascot. Over at Windsor, Magic City got turned over again at very short odds, this time by Bannock, while Starfly won the fillies' maiden, reversing a previous big defeat by the disappointing (and very well backed) My Lucky Liz, who seemed to be crying out for 6f. TUE Nottingham 2.30 A good-looking field of 12 colts for this 6f maiden, in which many of the big yards have representatives. Of the three runners with experience, Bling King probably holds marginally the best form in the book. After being slightly hampered at the start, he came second to Sweet Chilli, who then finished a very creditable fourth to Miss Work Of Art in a Listed race at York on Friday. Bling King did also beat today's rival Brimstone Hill on that debut run. Caledonian Spring also showed a lot of promise in finishing strongly in fourth to North Star Boy at Ascot on his debut. Of the debutants, Burwaaz (Exceed And Excel) is a promising newcomer for Ed Dunlop, and is much preferred to his other runner One New Cat (One Cool Cat). Mahmood Al Zarooni fields his first two 2YOs of 2011, Universal (Dubawi) and Pacific Islands (Teofilo). Also appealing is Richard Hannon's Eureka (Kheleyf). I will be sitting this one out, as my pick CALEDONIAN SPRING seems too short at 5/2. Kempton 6.00 Only six runners for this one. Banksy was beaten 10 lengths on his debut by Mabroor, albeit in a much stronger race than this, and is now tried back at 5f. Red Socks has been runner-up on his last two starts, but nothing he has beaten has any real form. Powerful Wind hasn't achieved enough on his two runs to suggest that he can win a maiden. Alan Jarvis threw River Nova in at the deep end at Ascot, but she came last. The only debutant is Red Alpha (Red Clubs) for Jeremy Noseda, who had a FTO 2YO winner on the A-W last month with Monnoyer. RED ALPHA would not have to be anything too special to win this first time up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds At Nottingham there was a 3-way blanket finish in which Richard Hannon's seemingly completely unfancied Eureka won at the remarkable price of 16-1. There really wasn't much half-decent form on offer at Kempton, and Powerful Wind stepped up markedly to win at 33-1. Only two 2YO races today and both feature pretty solid favourites. WEDS Goodwood 2.00 (6f) Three of the seven fillies have previous experience, but neither Iceni Girl nor Marygold have shown much so far. By far the best form on offer belongs to Richard Hannon's Glee, who was a runner-up at Windsor last week. The Hannon stable also fields a debutant, Lolita Lebron (Royal Applause). Mahmood Al Zarooni's Falls Of Lora (Street Cry) looks like the best of the debutants. Single Girl (Singspiel) has a stout pedigree and may improve when stepped up in distance. GLEE should go one better this week. Kempton 2.10 (6f) Four of the ten runners have run before. On her second run at Brighton Rooknrsbyripple showed big improvement in finishing runner-up, and Fromthestables com showed almost identical improvement in coming runner-up at Warwick. However, the latter is not favoured by the weight conditions of this event. On the other hand, Indian Lizzy didn't show much on her debut, and Latte has only managed two fifth places. Moving on to the debutants, Hamble (Librettist) seems a likely type for William Haggas, but is another one not favoured by the weight conditions. Alan Jarvis had a FTO winner last week with the Kheleyf-sired Wise Venture, and today he has another runner with the same sire, Chater Garden. (Coincidentally, William Muir's runner Hollywood All Star is also sired by Kheleyf, as was Richard Hannon's winner yesterday, Eureka.) However, like Fromthestables Com and Hamble this one has to give weight away to most of his rivals. ROOKNRASPRYRIPPLE seems to have the best chance at the weights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAGS is BENT Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds WEDS Goodwood 2.00 (6f) Three of the seven fillies have previous experience, but neither Iceni Girl nor Marygold have shown much so far. By far the best form on offer belongs to Richard Hannon's Glee, who was a runner-up at Windsor last week. The Hannon stable also fields a debutant, Lolita Lebron (Royal Applause). Mahmood Al Zarooni's Falls Of Lora (Street Cry) looks like the best of the debutants. Single Girl (Singspiel) has a stout pedigree and may improve when stepped up in distance. GLEE should go one better this week. Sadly the price of GLEE won't get you rich[2/5],but i do hope it wins convincingly as it would give that WINDSOR race formwise some substance[4th horse BALM ran ok without threatening to win on monday] , as i was very impressed by the winner,the BARRY HILLS trained ANGELS WILL FALL,who if turning up in the QUEEN MARY @ R ASCOT would certainly have to be given some consideration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Glee justified odds-on favouritism, but Rooknraspyripple was very easy to back and was turned over by 9-1 debutant Norse Gold. THURS Haydock 2.20 (6f) A big field of 14 runners, half of whom are newcomers. Arabian Falcon made his debut in the hot Newbury race won by Magic City, but didn't really seem to build on that at Goodwood next time out. Tight Lipped was third at Beverley on his debut, but this race wasn't very strong. He did finish ahead of Basantee, who runs in the 2.30 at Southwell, so if that horse wins, Tight Lipped's form will look better. Stan Moore's Evervescent put up a decent showing behind Foxtrot India and two other subsequent winners on his debut fourth at Goodwood. He is able to claim the full 7lb weight allowance. Chester Aristocrat and Fiction Or Fact didn't really show enough on their debuts, and Hiding In The Open was plumb last. J J Leary has only beaten one horse home in his two starts. As for the newcomers, Dylan's Dream is sired by the hot first-season sire Dark Angel (as is the aforementioned Tight Lipped), and has to be of interest for Tim Easterby, especially as there seems to be some money around for it this morning. I also quite like the look of Lady Nickandy (Kheleyf) for Alan McCabe. Like Evervescent, these two fillies are receiving weight from most of their rivals. The race conditions seem very favourable for EVERVESCENT, at a decent price of 8-1 generally. Southwell 2.40 (6f) Just seven runners for this very weak-looking maiden, four of whom have run before. Basantee finished fifth in a fairly weak race at Beverley, but that form isn't too bad in today's company. The Coulbeck Kid has only beaten one horse in two runs to date, Just Dixie only beat one home in each of his two appearances, and Milwr was beaten 31 lengths. David O'Meara's Ingleby Angel is interesting, largely because he is sired by Dark Angel. Mark Johnston's Always Et Toujours (Nownowcato) must also have a shot. The debutants must have a good chance in such a weak race, but I'm going to side with BASANTEE, as Tom Dascombe likes to target these weak races. Sandown 5.50 Only seven fillies for this maiden. Nayarra has really strong form. She went off favourite on her debut, but went down narrowly to Vocational, who subsequently franked the form by finishing runner-up to Miss Work Of Art in a Listed race at York. The form of the only other runner with experience, Sweet Ovation, a fifth at Windsor isn't terrible, but nothing like the same class as Nayarra's run. The only debutant on real interest is Huma Birf (Invincible Spirit) for Mahmood Al Zarooni. This looks like a very straightforward task for NAYARRA on her way to Royal Ascot. Salisbury 6.00 A feeble turn-out of only four colts (all debutants), half of them fielded by Richard Hannon. The first of his, Right Result, is sired by Acclamation and ought to be sharp. This is the first-string over Sixx (Royal Applause). The main rival to the Hannon horses is Light Burst (Hard Spun) from Mahmood Al Zarooni. Hard Spun is 1-1 as a first-year sire, with the winner being the promising Mabroor. Verse Of Love (Byron) perhaps could have found easier opposition for his debut for David Evans, but is guaranteed at least £315 prize money! With no form at all on offer this is just a guess - LIGHT BURST at the reasonable odds of 5/2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 20, 2011 Share Posted May 20, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Evervescent did the business at a nice price yesterday. Of my other selections Basantee won, Nayarra got turned over by a neck as 2/5 favourite and the Godolphin horse was terrible, the race being won by the Hannon second-string at 10-1! Nothing really appeals value-wise today. The horses I picked out when I wrote my first draft yesterday are all very well fancied this morning. FRI Bath 2.10 Only six runners for this, five of whom have run before. Toffee Tart put up a great debut performance at Ascot, just getting edged out by Guru Girl, but ahead of Represent (who runs later today). Bella Point has been set some tough tasks, and should find today's opposition slightly easier. Both Ida Inkley and Purple Angel have been beaten a long way in their runs to date, and Vieira Da Silva hasn't shown enough either. The only debutant is Betty Fontaine (Mujadil) but this one looks like the second string. This looks like quite a simple task for TOFFEE TART. Yarmouth 2.40 Just five runners for the seller. She's So Cool Too has twice finished behind Van Go Go in claimer/sellers, but on the latter occasion today's rival Selinda finished well ahead of her (and another of today's rivals, Masivo Man, finished last). First Bid was also defeated by Van Go Go on his debut, but that was in a maiden auction, and he would be expected to have improved for the run. It's hard to fancy Tumbleowtashoes (Tumbleweed Ridge) making his debut in a seller. FIRST BID should beat Selinda. Haydock 3.00 (6f) Three of the 11 have run before, and by far the best form on offer is a possibly unlucky Ascot third for Represent (the fifth, Starfly, came out and won this week). Blodwen Gift was runner-up on her debut, but that was a very weak race. Nearly A Gift didn't show enough on her debut to suggest that this is within her compass. Caterina (Medicean) looks like quite a promising newcomer for Richard Hannon. However, Richard Hughes has instead opted for Dare To Dream (Exceed And Excel). Alan McCabe's Reve Du Jour (Iffraaj) and the Michael Dods runner Vassaria (Rock Of Gibraltar) also look interesting, but Brian Meehan's She's Flawless appears to have a very stout pedigree. REPRESENT should be able to make amends in this one. Catterick 6.50 Three of the seven fillies have run before. Marie's Fantasy was well backed at Yarmouth last time, but got turned over at evens. Softer ground would be ideal for this daughter of Whipper. Headstight showed some improvement on her second run, but would definitely need to improve again to win this. Economic Crisis was third last time out, but that was a weak race at Wolverhampton. Kevin Ryan's On The Dark Side (Kheleyf) looks like the best of the debutants. I don't think ON THE DARK SIDE would have to be outstanding to win this. Musselburgh 7.00 Only one of the eight has no prior form. On her last run, Blue Shoes improved one spot on a course and distance third, and should again feature in the shake-up. Fulbright was third on his debut last week, ahead of today's rival Valley Of Hope, and will doubtless improve on that with experience. Neither Come To Mind, Kool Henry, Musical Strike nor Sonko showed enough on their debut runs. Exceedance (Exceed And Excel) looks like a very promising newcomer for Bryan Smart. EXCEEDANCE looks like he could be a smart one, but is short enough at 5-2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Yesterday threw up a couple of shock big-priced debutant winners, with 14-1 Channon second-string Betty Fontaine winning at Bath and 17-2 Dascombe runner Switched at Haydock. The form of Guru Girl's Ascot win is in tatters with both second placed Toffee Tart and third placed Represent getting turned over at short prices on the same afternoon. My selection On The Dark Side (another debutant) won at Catterick, but Exceedance was just touched off by the experienced Fulbright at Musselburgh. First Bid did win the seller at Yarmouth as 2/5fav, but that always looked very uncompetitive. SAT Chester 3.25 (6f) Unusually, a maiden in which all the runners have previous form. You have to figure that if after three runs these 2YOs haven't yet broken their maiden, then their chance to win in maiden company may have already passed. Three of the ten fit that description. Two runs ago Pitt Rivers (now a NR!) had a great chance to break his maiden at Brighton, but he fluffed the start. It's not surprising that he couldn't win LTO up against two Hannon hotpots, but third place was very respectable. Adranian has also had three runs. Last time he was tried in blinkers, but he still finished five lengths adrift in third. Foolscap has only beaten three home in total in his three runs. Bajan Hero, Echoes Of Joy and Silvas Romana have also shown very little to date. Monumental seemed to step up a fair way on his debut in finishing third at Wolverhampton earlier this week. Moonville has only had one run, a fairly distant third place at Newcastle. However, the winner Stonefield Flyer is pretty useful, and it's hard to imagine that the Fahey team will fail to win a race with this horse. Tortoni was the clear best of the debutants when he finished a very promising third third at York. TORTONI is the pick for me, especially since he has a low draw, whereas Monumental Man and Moonville are drawn out wide. Goodwood 3.50 (6f) A hot-looking field of 12 runners. Ewell Place (now a NR!) was favourite over CD a couple of weeks ago, but ran into a good Hannon one and came second (ahead of today's rival Fresteem). The third has since come out and won at Salisbury, so the form in solid. Richard Hannon's Trumpet Major was a very well backed favourite for his debut at Newbury, but was just touched off into third. Lethal Force (now a NR!) was completely unfanicied for his debut at Ascot, but finished second at 33-1 for Clive Cox. This form also looks pretty solid. In contrast Macdonald Mor went off at 11-2 on his debut, but finished 14 of 15. Marcus Tregoning has an interesting debutant in Bronze Angel, sired by Dark Angel. Mark Johnston's Hamis Al Bin (Acclamation) also looks like he could be smart. Eve Johnson-Houghton's Orders From Rome (Holy Roman Emperor) has a bunch of big sales race entries. Maroosh (Kylacchy) and Right To Dream (Oasis Dream) would be contenders if the Meehan 2YOs were showing any kind of form. This race will surely be a great source of future winners, but for now I'm going for TRUMPET MAJOR, especially since Ewell Place and Lethal Force are now NRs. York 4.15 (6f) Apostle was a bitterly disappointing favourite on his debut, but bounced back for a very decent second at York, ahead of Tortoni. who runs at Chester earlier today. Choisan was six lengths second to Stonefield Flyer on his second run, just ahead of Moonville, who also runs at Chester today. On his debut Choisan finished behind today's rival One Kool Dude, who has now had four bite of the cherry and finished in the first three each time. Brocklebank wasn't really fancied on his debut at Haydock, but went down by less than a length to Mabroor. Tyre Giant Dot Com was a promising debut fourth in the Brocklesby, but hasn't been seen since, which suggests he may have had a setback. Of the debutants, Turn The Page (Lucky Story) is interesting for Alan McCabe. And of course, the near-obligatory Dark Angel-sired debutant Angel Kiss is also worth a mention for David O'Meara. I quite like the look of BROCKLEBANK for Kevin Ryan, who will be probably be second favourite as Apostle looks like being favourite again. However, the morning odds of 5/2 are pretty skinny. Lingfield 5.50 (6f) With many of the good fillies going to Newbury instead, there are only five fillies for this one, two of whom have run before. Lady Victory was a very disappointing 9-2 shot for Mick Channon at Thirsk last weekend. The form of Red Mischief's Kempton third doesn't look anything special. Cristal Gem (Cadeaux Genereaux) is sure to be popular on her debut for Richard Hannon. Alice's Dancer (Clodovil) also looks like a promising newcomer for William Muir. Given that the form on offer isn't strong, CRISTAL GEM must have a great chance of making a winning debut. Newbury 6.35 (6f) A big line-up of 16 fillies for this auction race, five of whom have run before. Majestic Zafeen was quite a long way back in third on her debut at Newmarket. The first of three Richard Hannon runners, Esentepe has twice run placed before (including to the promising Sajwah LTO, where she finished just behind today's rival Supreme Quest), but has to give away weight all round today. Supreme Quest also holds a debut defeat of today's rival Raspberry Fizz on her resume. However, in that race both of those two were both behind Clive Cox's 25/1 shot Poetic Dancer, albeit with that runner receiving weight. Richard Hannon's two debutants, Cresta Star (Teofilo) and Plym (Notnowcato) look like back-ups. Love Grows Wild (Cozzene) is a short-priced 7/2 this morning for Michael Bell. Cozzene is usually noted as a stamina influence, so I don't think I would take a short price on this one first time up. It looks like the Dascombe yard are coming for Winter Hill (Three Valleys) this morning as she has been cut from 7/1 to 5/1. Andrew Balding fields Dressed In Lace, sired by Dark Angel, who ought to be sharp. I like the look of Gerard Butler's Lady Gibraltar (Rock Of Gibraltar), but she does have quite a stout pedigree. Nude (Redback) is also interesting for Sylvester Kirk. POETIC DANCER isn't quite so well in at the weights as she was on her debut. However, assuming that form translates to today's 6f she may be able to beat Supreme Quest again. She was available at 10/1 earlier today, but unfortunately I missed out on that and she is best-priced 7/1 now, which I don't think I'll take. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Three winners and two seconds from Saturday's five selections. Of course, after I missed the price I wanted at Newbury for Poetic Dancer, she came out and won at 7/1! Brocklebank managed to upset the favourite Apostle at York, and Trumpet Major was an easy winner at Goodwood. Lady Victory was very disappointing carrying my money at Thirsk last weekend, but stepped up markedly to win over 6f at Lingfield at 15/2, narrowly beating Cristal Gem. With the field being decimated by NRs from 10 runners to 6, Moonville was able to avoid the draw disadvantage at Chester and beat Tortoni from the outside stall at 9/2. MON Carlisle 2.00 13 runners for this median auction maiden, six of whom have run before. Flambard House made a promising debut at Redcar, finishing runner-up to Van Go Go, but hasn't been seen out for over a month. Made In the Shade seems to be going the right way, after coming third to Bannock on her second run. A good showing for this one would be encouraging for backers of Arcticality, who came second in that race and runs at Thirsk tonight. Jimmy The Lollipop was fifth in the Brocklesby, but failed to build on this when coming him sixth at evens favourite at Nottingham. Likewise Devlin failed to progress on his second run, finishing last of four at Hamilton. Whisky Bravo blew the start on his debut, so in that context fourth place was encouraging. King Laertis was last on his debut. Master Of Ages (Exceed And Excel) looks like a speedy debutant for Mark Johnston. Bryan Smart also has an Exceed And Excel-sired runner, the filly Wild Sauce. Mick Easterby's Risky Art is sired by Dutch Art and also could be sharp. Mick Channon has Split Second. However, the jury is out on first-season sire Moss Vale, whose two British runners to date have both come last. I like the look of MASTER OF AGES, but the 7/2 morning price is hardly outstanding. Leicester 2.45 Only two debutants for this maiden. Roman Soldier (now a NR!) only finished sixth on his debut. However, that was a hot maiden which has produced three subsequent winners. Verbeeck went off favourite but ran green and came third on his debut at Bath, behind subsequent winner B Fifty Two. Singalat went off at 25/1 on his debut, but was beaten less than four lengths. Barry Hills fields Space Raider, who started at 100/1 on his debut at Newbury and finished ninth, behind today's rival St Barths who came fourth. Alan McCabe has two runners: Unforgiving was last on her debut, and Witty Buck was last on his second run. Mark Johnston's runner Bounty Seeker (A.P. Indy) looks fairly stoutly bred, but Peter Chapple-Hyam's Telwaar (Haafhd) is an interesting debutant. Now that Roman Soldier is a NR, this looks fairly straightforward for ST BARTHS. Windsor 6.10 A small but select fied of six runners for this novice race. Lord Ofthe Shadows has already run twice at Windsor. He didn't manage to justify favouritism on his debut (finishing behind the impressive Silverheels), but redeemed himself in a much weaker race next time out. Starfly was another CD winner last week, stepping up markedly on his debut at Ascot. Tioman Legend was midfield on his debut in a hot race at Newbury, but won easily enough last time out in a weak race at Lingfield. Boomerang Bob went off at 7/1 on his debut at Kempton, but emerged as a good winner. The limitations of The Dancing Lord were exposed last time out at Newmarket, after having previously won a very weak race at Folkestone. Charles The Great was sixth of seventh in his debut at Ascot, and is thrown in at the deep end again today. LORD OFTHE SHADOWS probably has the best form in the book, and seems worth a bet, since in the early prices he is 100/30 third favourite with Corals. Thirsk 7.00 A 10-runner 6f seller. In her second run Arcticality finished an encouraging second to Bannock. Miss Muga won a seller at Ripon last week, ahead of today's rival Manderston, for which she carried a 5lb penalty. Ciara Boo was runner-up as favourite in a seller on her third run. Jaci Uzzi made her debut in a seller, but only managed fourth. Indian Lizzy improved on her second run at Kempton and has now twice finished fourth. Mad For Fun has only beaten one horse home in her two runs, and Pint Size only beat one on her debut at Haydock. It's hard to fancy Carrieann's Boy (Dubai Destination) or Mystake (Strategic Prince), both making their debuts in a seller. Richard Fahey seems to have found a good opportunity for ARCTICALITY, who is backable in such weak company at 2-1 (BET 365). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Lord Ofthe Shadows could only manage a dead-heat for second behind 12/1 shot Charles The Great at Windsor, but Arcticality did the business at Thirsk (albeit with a hefty 25p rule 4). In the afternoon, 33/1 shot Risky Art had caused a major upset at Carlisle, making all in near gale force conditions, but St Barths justified heavy support at Leicester. TUE Ripon 2.10 Seven debutants in this 11-runner maiden field. Beechey's Beauty was last on his debut, Dicky Mint 8th of 10 and Come Hither only 12th of 16 at Thirsk, behind Nellie Pickersgill, who finished 4th. With so little decent form on offer, this looks like one for the debutants, and in particular PEN BAL CRAG (Exceed And Excel) who is trained by Richard Fahey. However, the morning price of 5/2 favourite isn't especially enticing for a debutant. Chepstow 2.20 Five of the 11 runners in this auction maiden race have prior experience. Wolfgang was fourth on his debut at Wolverhampton, behind the fairly useful Monnoyer. Bertorella was 12th of 14 at Windsor on her debut, Fanrouge 9th of 10 and Mount McLeod last of 8. Umph has already had five bites of the cherry and seems to be regressing. The conditions of the race are such that Emma Jean (Jeremy) receives weight from all the other runners. She is trained by Stan Moore, who has already had three 2YO winners this year, including a 12/1 debutant. She is by a first season sire that has had very few runners so far. At 16-1 (SPORTINGBET) it might be worth an each-way punt EMMA JEAN. Lingfield 2.30 Only seven runners for this median auction maiden, four of whom are debutants. Red Socks has already had four runs and is becoming quite disappointing. Courtland King has had five runs, but seemed to regress last time out. Multiblessing showed some improvement in his second run, albeit in quite a weak race at Brighton. Mick Channon has a promising debutant in Calendar King (Three Valleys). Also interesting is Richard Fahey's fily Maltease Ah (Librettist). Of the two debutants I slightly prefer CALENDAR KING. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds At Ripon Pen Bal Crag was beaten into third by another debutant, the well-backed favourite Parc De Launay. Emma Jean ran on late with some promise, but was never a threat to Wolfgang at Chepstow. Multi Blessing was given a very enterprising and forceful ride by Matthew Davies at Lingfield, and none of the debutants ever got into it. WEDS Ayr 2.10 6f A good maiden field of 8 colts, five of whom have previous experience. Letsgoroundagain was 4th and Coach Montana 9th on their debuts, in the very hot Newbury maiden won by Magic City which has so far produced four subsequent winners. Joshua The First was 3rd of four on his debut in a fairly weak race at Hamilton, while Moon Trip was fairly well adrift in 9th at York on his, and Zigazag plumb last on his. Holy Roman Warrior (Holy Roman Emperor) seems sure to be a smart type for Richard Fahey. Kevin Ryan's Bogart (Bahamian Bounty) has a bunch of big race entries. LETSGOROUNDAGAIN looks like the pick of these, with Holy Roman Warrior as the main danger. Beverley 7.30 A strong field for this conditions race, in which seven of the nine filles have already visited the winner's enclosure. Vocational has the best form in the book, having finished second to Miss Work Of Art in a Listed race last time out. Queens Revenge was a disappointing late scratch from that Listed event, but the form of her Ripon defeat of Alejandro seems very solid. Lily's Angel has already scored three wins, including a strong conditions event at Chester last time out, where she missed the break but came through with a dream run up the rail. Majestic Rose comfortably defeated today's rival Van Go Go on her debut at Kempton. The latter has since racked up three wins, but they were all in weak company. Chevanah was another debut winner, albeit in a fairly weak-looking contest at Ripon, and the same can be said about Dozy's win at Nottingham. It's hard to fancy either of the debutants, Rano Pano or Tip Top Gorgeous, in such strong company. I fancy VOCATIONAL to frank the form of the York Listed race. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds At Ayr Letsgoroundagain went off at odds-on, but couldn't match the two debutants, Bogart and Holy Roman Emperor. Despite going off at 10/1, the former was very impressive and is probably one of the best 2YOs seen out so far this year. To round off a really great day for Kevin Ryan, the relatively unproven filly Dozy then turned over Vocational and Lily's Angel at Beverley. THURS The race planners have come up with a ridiculous seven 2YO races in one day, and consequently there are some very small fields. Brighton 2.10 A three-horse auction maiden race. Bubbly Ballerina was an excellent third last time out in the Listed race at York that was won by Miss Work Of Art. Rooknrasbryripple has twice finised runner-up, latterly ahead of Latte, who runs in the 2.20 at Ayr. The only debutant is Dubar Way (Dubawi) who will likely struggle against two hardened campaigners. It will be a major shock if BUBBLY BALLERINA doesn't have the class to win this. Ayr 2.20 Only five runners for this maiden. Rent Free was fifth at Thirsk on his debut, in a race that has produced a couple of winners. Red Art was somewhat disappointing on his debut at Salisbury. However, that contest looks like it was probably a lot stronger than today's. Latte was favourite last time out over 6f, but having had three runs already is looking rather limited and is dropped back to the minimum distance. Flying Pickets has been disappointing so far, and is tried in blinkers today. The only newcomer is Kevin Ryan's Al Jemailiya (Verglas). In a weak contest, it could be worth siding with the red hot Kevin Ryan's AL JEMAILIYA at 100-30 (BETFRED). Folkestone 2.30 Another small field of only 4 runners for this maiden. Gentlemans Code made his debut at Belmont Park in the USA(!), finishing second. Tom Dascombe's Gin Twist has had a couple of runs, but seemed to regress last time out. The Dascombe first-string is Bear Behind (Kodiac), who makes his debut today, as does Joe M (Araafa) for Simon Dow. I've no idea what the form of his debut race was like, but GENTLEMANS CODE is the still one to beat. Folkestone 3.30 Just five for the claimer. Mousie was placed to great effect by Alan McCabe to win a maiden auction receiving weight all round, but has been beaten a fair way in her other three outings. Miss Muga has gradually improved in sellers, with form figures of 321. She's Cool Too finished ahead of Miss Muga on their debuts runs at Warwick (in which they both finished ahead of today's rival Frankie Valley). However, unlike Miss Muga she doesn't seem to have progressed since then. Thefillyfromsutton was completely outclassed at Goodwood on her debut, and should fare better at this level. Mousie has been racing in much better company, but is giving weight away to the consistent MISS MUGA. Newcastle 5.50 Again only four runners (albeit featuring two winners) for this novice race. Lexington Spirit was the convincing debut winner of a 16-runner Thirsk maiden. Princess Banu broke her maiden at the second attempt at Newmarket and was last seen in Listed company at York. Viera Da Silva has had three runs already, but has become very disappointing. It's also hard to fancy Island Bird (Danbird) making her debut at this level. LEXINGTON SPIRIT has a ton of potential and should take this race. Newcastle 6.20 (6f) A decent-sized field of 11 fillies for this maiden. Six of these have run before. After being backed from 11/1 all the way in to 6/1, Chorister Girl was fifth on her debut over 5f behind Lexington Spirit, who runs in the 5.50. Naseem Alyasmeen was fourth of 7 in a fair race at Warwick, ahead of today's rival Nimiety. Neil's Pride was sixth of 7 at Redcar (behind today's rival Phoenix Clubs), where she likely found the 5f much too sharp. Flurry Of Hands was 10th of 12 on her debut. As for the debutants, Bryan Smart's Angel Of Hope is sired by Dark Angel and should be sharp. Bada Bing is sired by Beat Hollow and should improve over further for Dandy Nicholls. The form on offer is nothing special, but CHORISTER GIRL is probably the pick. Sandown 6.30 Seven runners for this Listed race, all bar one of whom have recorded a victory. After finishing runner-up on his debut at Doncaster, Bannock has gone from strength to strength, winning a conditions race at Windsor last time out. The runner-up in that Windsor race was Magic City, who hasn't been able to build on his superb debut at Newbury, where he spreadeagled a field of many subsequent winners. Foxtrot India was also behind Bannock last time at Windsor. Previously he caused something of an upset on his Goodwood debut, ahead of three subsequent winners. Pyman's Theory has already run in Listed company, finishing fifth behind Miss Work Of Art at York. Sixx won a 4-runner race at Salisbury last week and there may be a lot more to come. Powerful Wind managed to win on his third start, but that was a weak race at Kempton. The only non-winner in the field is Miss Lahar, who made a very promising debut behind Starfly at Windsor last week. BANNOCK has a great chance of upsetting surprise morning favourite Magic City again. Update: SportingBet are currently offering 3/1 on Bannock (6.30 Sandown) and 7/2 on Al Jemailiya (2.20 Ayr), so I've taken these prices and also done a double. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Well, the four odds-on picks all came in, not that I backed any of them! No problems for 1/10 shot Bubbly Ballerina at Brighton, or 1/6 shot Gentlemans Code at Folkestone, where Miss Muga did beat Mousie into second place at 10/11 in the claimer. Lexington Spirit went off at 1-4 but only narrowly held off Princess Banu at Newcastle. Chorister Girl was gambled on again and went off favourite, but she was well beaten, with Nimiety causing a surprise in reversing the form with Naseem Alyaseem to win at 8/1. Unfortunately, my selection at Ayr was beaten into third by Rent Free, while Bannock did confirm the form with Magic City (who went off at 10/11) but was narrowly beaten by Pyman's Theory. FRI In their infinite wisdom, the race planners have somehow managed to schedule all five 2YO races today to be run at 6f! Newcastle 2.10 (6f) A low grade median auction race with 11 runners, only four of whom have previously raced. Grand Gold was a beaten favourite last time out at Ripon, albeit by just a nose and ahead of today's rival Maastricht, who is bred for further. On his debut, Mizbah wasn't very well fancied for a Godolphin runner, and finished 6th of 8 at Newmarket. Midnight Tryst (Cockney Rebel) has a couple of big race entries for Ann Duffield (now a NR), as does Well Wishes (Piccolo) for Bryan Smart, while James Given's Night Flash (Oratorio) actually has a 2012 Derby entry (as indeed does Mizbah)! Rhianna Brianna went off at 25/1 on her debut at Thirsk, but far outperformed that in finishing third to Lexington Spirit (won again last night at Newcastle). GRAND GOLD has the lowest draw, which was a big advantage at Newcastle yesterday. Newmarket 2.20 (6f) A big field of 14 runners for this maiden fillies' race, which last year featured third-placed Cape Dollar, who later went on to Gp2 Success in the Rockfel. The form on offer is weak, with neither Good Clodora, Roedean nor Summathisnthat looking good enough to take this. Instead of Roedean, Richard Hughes has opted for Richard Hannon's debutant Damask (Red Clubs). Mick Channon saddles a promising newcomer in Samitar (Rock Of Gibraltar). Mention (Acclamation) looks like a very interesting runner for Brian Meehan (now a NR). Barry Hills has done well with his early 2YOs and has Self Centred (Medicean). Medicean is also the sire of the Jeremy Noseda runner Regal Realm. David Elsworth is 1/1 with his 2YOs this year and saddles Elusive Flame (Elusive City). Godolphin hasn't had a 2YO winner yet, but Al Zarooni did win this race last year, which bodes well for the well bred Gamilati (Bernardini). Henry Cecil has his first 2011 runner, Elbe (Dansili). With half a dozen top stables all introducing newcomers, it's by far from an easy betting contest. However, judging by the fact that he has already been backed in from 12/1 to 5/1, I would guess that ELUSIVE FLAME will be ready to run well today. Brighton 2.30 (6f) An eight-runner maiden. Pickled Pelican was runner-up over 6f at Yarmouth on his debut for William Haggas. After a promising debut behind Sweet Chilli at Pontefract, Bling King was a disappointing 7th last time at Nottingham, albeit narrowly ahead of today's rival Yammos. Night Art ran into possibly the best two 2YOs seen out so far this season on his first runs, Miss Work Of Art and Gatepost. Last time out he improved to be runner-up behind Dozy at Nottingham, ahead of today's rival Samasana, a run that looks a lot better after Dozy's win in a Conditions event at Beverley on Wednesday. Manomine only beat one home on his Newmarket debut, while Pius Parker has only beaten two horses home combined in his two runs. This should be the one for PICKLED PELICAN, who is preferred to Night Art. Haydock 6.35 (6f) Four of these 11 colts/geldings have run before. Ballesteros has already been tried over course and distance, finishing third to the smart-looking Mabroor, ahead of today's rival Lexi's Prince (the runner-up has won since). Stepper Point did not show enough on his debut to suggest that he can win a maiden. Of the debutants, it would be foolish to rule out the Fahey runner Badea (Cockney Rebel). Richard Hannon fields Fort Bastion (Lawman). A first-season sire, Lawman has only had four runners so far, three of whom have won (albeit one in a seller). Barry Hills has the smartly bred newcomer Mezmaar (Teofilo). BALLESTEROS seems to have the credentials to take this one. Pontefract 7.30 (6f) Five runners for this interesting conditions race. Caspar Netscher was heavily gambled on before landing the spoils over 5f at Pontefract (the 3rd placed finisher has come out and won since). In contrast, Betty Fontaine was a shock 14/1 winner at Bath. Misty Conquest needed three runs before convincingly breaking her maiden as favourite at Newmarket. CASPAR NETSCHER is my fancy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Grand Gold was indeed able to use the rail to his advantage at Newcastle. At Newmarket Regal Realm was allowed to go off at 25/1 for Jeremy Noseda, while Elusive Flame bombed out. Bling King managed to put his last run behind him at Brighton, where Pickled Pelican went off at odds-on and disappointed after being hampered by Night Art at the start. Mezmaar looked like a very smart newcomer for Barry Hills at Haydock, while Misty Conquest built on her Newmarket win at Pontefract. SAT Beverley 2.15 A large field of 14 runners for this median auction maiden. Ten of these have run before. On the basis that he was only beaten a shd at Doncaster, beating today's rival Red Tyke in the process, Artists Corner has to be in the reckoning. Last Bid was also runner-up on her debut, as an unfancied 25/1 shot. Es Que Love was sent off at odds-on for his debut, but was well beaten at Ffos Las. Arachis Bow ran green and finished 4th in a fairly weak race at Catterick. Bop It was midfield on his debut at York. Kodiac King was sent off favourite for his debut at Ripon, but has failed to place on either of his two runs (although he did beat today's rival Lucky Mark on one of them), and nor has Kool Henry. Liebesziel has had three fair runs in higher company and should find the opposition today more to his liking. The most interesting debutant is Selective Spirit (Exceed And Excel) has a bunch of big race entries for John Weymes. ARTISTS CORNER looks like the pick of these. Beverley 3.45 Five previous winners line up for this interesting conditions race. Gabrial was a debutant winner at Chester, and won in a style that suggested there was more to come. Arnold Lane was a convincing winner of a fairly mediocre Leicester maiden on his debut. Mitchum won by a massive eight lengths on his debut at Southwell, but that was against quite weak opposition so the form isn't easy to evaluate. After winning over CD on his debut, Cravat was given a tough assignment at York in the race won by the excellent Gatepost. The runner-up in that York race was Hamza, who progressed from his debut victory over Stonefield Flyer at Musselburgh. I fancy GABRIAL (well backed overnight) to beat Hamza and land the Fahey/Hanagan combo a double. Newmarket 4.35 (6f) A fascinating race in which only five of the 14 runners have been seen before, and there could be some very smart debutants to come out of it. After going off at 66/1 All Nighter put in a pretty decent performance on his debut at Newbury. Rio Grande was 7th of 10 on his debut at York, which looks a lot better when you factor in the fact that the six in front of him had all won previously! Casa Bex was also thrown in at the deep end into a novices race over CD, but ran fairly creditably to finish fourth. Verse of Love was third of four on his debut at Salisbury, while Democretes was disappointing on his debut, beating only one home over CD. Sandbetweenourtoes (Footstepsinthesand) looks like a good debutant for Brian Meehan. Michael Bell's Sovereign Debt is sired by Dark Angel and is therefore likely to be sharp. Mahmood Al Zarooni has two well-bred debutants, Genius Step (Dubawi) and Pacific Islands (Teofilo) but the stable's 2YOs haven't yet hit full stride. David Elsworth also fields two debutants, Percythepinto (Tiger Hill) and Swiss Spirit (Invincible Spirit), but I prefer the latter as the former will probably need much further. With the benefit of experience, it wouldn't be surprising if this went to RIO GRANDE, although regardless of the result, this race looks sure to throw up plenty of future winners. Haydock 4.45 Five of the 12 have already run. The best form is held by Frederick Engels, who was runner-up in a 4-runner race at Hamilton. Peters Pursuit wasn't disgraced when 7th of 12 on his debut at Chester. Busy Bimbo was a fair 9th of 16 on her debut at Thirsk. Also at Thirsk, Farang Kondiew went off favourite on his debut, but he could only manage 6th of 15. Stans Deelyte has only beaten one home in two runs. Talwar (Acclamation) has a bunch of big race entries for Jeremy Noseda. The Richard Hannon filly Pink Sapphire (Danehill Dancer) was a very expensive purchase, but she lacks big race entries. Alnair (Red Clubs) could be a sharp type for Declan Carroll. Another promising newcomer is Shumoos (Distorted Humor) for Brian Meehan. TALWAR looks like he could be the one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 29, 2011 Share Posted May 29, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Es Que Love made all to convincingly break his maiden at Beverley, where Gabrial did just manage to take the conditions race. Democretes stepped on markedly on his debut to win at 14/1 at Newmarket for Richard Hannon, while the Haydock contest was taken in impressive style by a 17/2 shot, Brian Meehan's pricey debutant Shumoos (the one I backed, Talwar, was withdrawn after being unruly in the stalls!). SUNDAY Nottingham 1.50 Only one newcomer among these eight runners. Dark Ages has put in two good performances, including a second last time to subsequent Listed winner Pymans Theory. Beau Mistral has been running in good company, most recently from a terrible draw in a conditions race at Chester behind Lily's Angel. Brimstone Hill showed some improvement last time, finishing 5th at the same course over 6f. Chater Garden makes a first turf appearance, having finished 6th on his debut at Kempton. Lady Nickandy was well beaten on her debut at Haydock. as was Musical Strike at Redcar, while Abercandy has been beaten over ten lengths on both starts. DARK AGES probably holds a narrow edge over Beau Mistral. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Dark Ages did land the spoils at Nottingham yesterday. MON Goodwood 2.00 Eight runners for this seller. Having recorded a win in a weak race at Folkestone, The Dancing Lord has to give away 5lb all around. I Dream Of Genie ran respectably on her debut at Brighton, ahead of today's rival Sea Poet. I'm Talking, Peering and Very First Blade showed next to nothing on their debuts, while River Nova has twice finished last. Little Ted is making his debut in this race, which is probably not a ringing endorsement. This looks like a good opportunity for I DREAM OF GENIE at 7/2 (generally). Leicester 2.05 Seven runners for this median auction, only two of whom are newcomers. Burwaaj was very promising on his debut, just going down by a nose (the 7th, Bling King, won at Brighton the other day). Costa Del Fortune was a somewhat disappointing favourite on his debut, finishing runner-up at Kempton. Fairy Moss was a long way back from the smart Dozy in finishing third on her debut at Nottingham. Denton Dancer was 4th of 5 on his Lingfield debut, and is bred for further. Reina Sofia has put in three decent runs, but doesn't look up to winning a maiden. It will be a real shock if BURWAAJ doesn't win this one. Carlisle 2.20 A 10-runner maiden in which only four have run before. How Sweet It Is was given a near-impossible task on his debut in a Listed race at York. Two winners and two seconds have already come out of that race. Rougini was creditable third on her debut at Windsor. See Clearly was midfield on her debut at Thirsk, while Come To Mind has only beaten one home in his two starts. Commanche (Sleeping Indian) holds some big race entries for Bryan Smart, as does Springinmystep (Footstepsinthesands) for Michael Dods. However, the most dangerous debutant is probably Richard Fahey's Worthington (Kodiac). HOW SWEET IT IS looks the most likely. Redcar 2.25 Nine runners for this maiden auction race, only one of whom is making their debut. Tip Top Gorgeous makes a quick reappearance after her encouraging debut behind Dozy last week. Kohala was only just touched off into third on her debut. However, the second came out and was beaten on Saturday. Blue Shoes has finished in the first three on each of her starts, but is looking increasingly unlikely to win a maiden. First Fast Now showed good improvement last time out at Beverley, finishing fourth. Neither Just Like Heaven nor Musical Valley showed much on their debuts. Beechey's Beauty and Metal Dealer have each had two runs, and are starting to look exposed. The only newcomer is Champagne Katie (Medicean), who holds a bunch of sales race entries for Bryan Smart and could be one for the future. TIP TOP GORGEOUS should find today's opposition more to her liking, especially as she is receiving weight from nearly all of them. I have backed her at 7/2, but 100/30 is still available. Goodwood 3.45 (6f) Another maiden auction race, this time with 14 runners. The form of Lethal Force's second-placed debut at Ascot is working out well, with a 1st and a 2nd so far. Pride And Joy was well beaten into second by Misty Conquest, but that horse has since won again (and he did finish ahead of today's rival Tidal's Bay). Minal was joint favorite on his debut at Kempton, and there should be more to come. The other Hannon runner Leenavesta was a promising 5th on her debut at Windsor. Marygold seemed to improve for the extra trip over CD on her third start, but would need to improve again to win this. On his debut Maroosh was 6th over course and distance. Zammy was unfancied on his debut, where he finished a long way back. Of the six debutants, Sir Glanton (Choisir) looks interesting for Amanda Perrett, as does Gifted Dancer (Cadeaux Genereux) for Henry Candy. LETHAL FORCE is the pick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Burwaaz justified odds-on and Lethal Force was just touched off into third by a 40/1 shot, but my other three selections quite frankly sucked. Kohala easily beat Tip Top Gorgeous into second, while I Dream Of Genie was poor in the seller behind The Dancing Lord, as was How Sweet It Is behind the Fahey debutant Worthington. TUE Five 2YO races today, but nothing makes huge appeal at the overnight exchange prices. Leicester 2.15 A huge field of 18 fillies (now 16 as 2 NRs) for this one, ten of whom are newcomers. Having twice finished runner-up, Toffee Tart has the best form on offer, although she was beaten last time as a long odds-on favourite. Alabanda finished midfield in a contest won by Arnold Lane over CD. Dream Whisperer was runner-up to the fairly decent Signifer last time out, with a subsequent winner behind her, but the weights in that contest were very much in her favour. Fairyinthewind showed some early dash on her debut at Newmarket (well ahead of today's rival Midas Medusa) and may be suited by this switch back to the minimum trip (now a NR!). Meloneras was runner-up at Ffos Las last time out, ahead of subsequent winner Es Que Love. My Solitaire was sixth on her debut at Newmarket, in a race that has so far produced four more winners. Tooley Woods was a distant last on her debut. Of the debutants, Nagham (Camacho) looks interesting for Kevin Ryan, as is Reve Du Jour (Iffraaj) for Alan McCabe. Richard Hannon's Shannon Spree (Royal Applause) would be more appealing were it not the fact that Richard Hughes has instead opted for Midas Medusa. After last time TOFFEE TART does not inspire 100% confidence, but she probably does have the best form on offer. Redcar 2.30 (6f) Seven fillies line up for this weak-looking median auction maiden. Angel Kiss, Lady Gadfly and Schmooze all showed very little on their debuts, while Yearbook seemed to regress last time out at Doncaster. Purely on the basis that she is trained by the in-form Kevin Ryan, Inetrobil has to be of interest in such modest company. Not a betting contest for me, but INETROBIL is the pick. Leicester 4.15 (6f) Another good field of 11 colts for this second contest at Leicester. This race looks packed with potential quality for the future. After running green, Right To Dream recorded a fine debut third for Brian Meehan behind two experienced runners at Goodwood. On the face of it, Roman Soldier's debut sixth of seven runners is unimpressive, but three of those in front of him have won since. Bounty Seeker was fourth over CD on his debut, but his pedigree suggests that he would be best suited by further. Universal was fourth of 11 on his debut, ahead of subsequent winner Bling King. Dovils Date was a long way back on his debut. Of the six debutants, Avon Pearl (Avonbridge) looks like a smart recruit for Henry Candy. I also like the look of Brian Meehan's other runner Mehdi (Holy Roman Emperor), and also Flavius Victor (Holy Roman Emperor) for Richard Hannon and Bu Naaji (Kheleyf), a first 2YO runner for Roger Varian. RIGHT TO DREAM is the tentative selection. Yarmouth 5.50 (6f) A decent 7-runner novice race which features four winners and three debutants! Wise Venture created a huge 40-1 upset on his debut at Newbury, the form of which has since been franked by victories for the 3rd & 4th. The form of Mabroor's Haydock win has a solid look, with the second having won since, and the 3rd & 4th also having placed. At York Monnoyer was one of Gatepost's victims in finishing fourth. The form of his maiden win received a boost when Wolfgang came out and won last week. Red Hearts won a weak Brighton maiden on her second start, but wasn't disgraced behind Miss Work Of Art in a Listed race last time out. None of the debutants make much appeal in such strong company. WISE VENTURE won't go off at 40-1 this time, but he has all the credentials. Yarmouth 6.20 (6f) There are only 4 runners for this seller. Selinda is the only one with any half-decent form at all, having finished third in a claimer and second in a seller. Masivo Man has only beaten one home on his three starts combined, while The Coulbeck Kid has beaten three home on his three starts It's hard to fancy the debutant, Willie's Diamond. SELINDA really should take this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted June 1, 2011 Share Posted June 1, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Inetrobil, Wise Venture and Selinda all won at short prices, while Right To Dream was beaten by Roman Soldier. The unreliable Toffee Tart was well beaten at Leicester, where 12/1 debutant Nagham completed the first leg of a 2YO double for Kevin Ryan. WEDS Nottingham 3.10 Only five runners in this maiden. Beau Mistral has already had four opportunities, and was a beaten favourite last time. Bear Behind was second last week on a three-runner race at Folkestone. However, the winner may be quite decent so that was a promising effort. Master Of Ages showed enough early speed to suggest that he could win a maiden. Mount McLeod improved a little on his second run, but not enough to suggest that she can win this. Justineo (Oasis Dream) for William Haggas is the only debutant. I like the chances of BEAR BEHIND, although he is big odds-on and unbackable for me. Kempton 6.20 Just six runners for this median auction maiden. Excavator made a promising debut behind B Fifty Two (who won again next time out) at Bath. Lupo D'Oro showed enough on his debut fifth at Haydock to suggest that he could win a race. Percythepinto has a stamina-packed pedigree and was a long way back on his debut, while Raspberry Fizz seemed to regress last time out. Richard Hannon's Netley Marsh (Haafhd) looks like the best of the two debutants. EXCAVATOR is the pick, although he is another odds-on shot. Ripon 6.40 (6f) A big field of 13 runners for this maiden, five of whom are debutants. Right Result started odds-on in a 4-runner race at Salisbury, but was turned over by his stablemate. Travis County was given a difficult debut task in a novice race, but finished only four lengths second to Hamza. Always Et Toujours was a fairly distant third on his debut at Southwell. One New Cat was almost completely unfancied on his debut, but managed to finish midfield after being hampered at the start. Richard Fahey's second string Giorgio's Dragon was disappointing first time out at York, while Regal Acclaim was a backmarker at Ripon and Pontius Pilate was last at Musselburgh and Isolde's Return last at Thirsk. The Fahey first-string is Rivington (Oasis Dream). Forster Street (Acclamation) is bred to be sharp for Tim Easterby. There is also a lot to like about Iffraam (Iffraaj) for Michael Dods. Perhaps Right Result will get it right this time, but in the early betting I'm shocked that this one is odds-on again. I have therefore taken 12/1 each-way on RIVINGTON (Bet 365). Kempton 8.20 (6f) Twelve fillies line up for this one, five of whom have prior form. Lemon Rock wasn't beaten far when second in a 4-runner race on her debut at Newmarket, and the fourth from that race was only beaten a short head yesterday. Meloneras is in at Leicester on Tuesday. Represent was a very disappointing favorite on his second run. Colorful Notion was sent off at 15/8 on her debut, but finished 4th of 5. Richard Hannon's Tina's Spirit was clueless early on in her debut at Salisbury, but recovered to finish fourth of seven. However, the debutant Essexvale (Moss Vale) appears to be the Hannon first-string. Hidden Passion (Elusive Quality) is a promising newcomer for Brian Meehan. The Teofilo-sired Solfilia is also an interesting one for the future for Hughie Morrison. LEMON ROCK has the best form on offer, and was backed in from 7-2 to 3-1 this morning. I didn't get on at 7-2 so holding fire on this one at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haystacks Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 Re: Catch those 2 years olds Bear Behind justified odds-on at Nottingham, but there were strange goings-on at Ripon where my selection Rivington was backed in from 12/1 to 3/1 and then finished last! Right Result did get turned over, finishing third behind Travis County. There were a couple of upsets at Kempton, where 8/1 shot Mitie Mouse narrowly turned over Excavator, and John Gosden's 25/1 debutant Hawfinch won the 8.20 (my selection Lemon Rock was a NR). THURS Hamilton 2.10 (6f) Eight runners for this auction maiden. Always Ends Well has a stamina-packed pedigree and yet she has raced four times over 5f, where she seemed to regress last time. Winter Hill went off favourite for her debut at Newbury, but started slowly and then met trouble in running. Fortrose Academy was a promising third at Haydock a few weeks back, and has been apparently waiting for some ease in the ground. Nearly A Gift was 5th on her debut behind the smart Gabrial, but the other runners to have come out of that race have been disappointing. Complex has twice finished midfield at Wolverhampton. Richard Fahey's debutants are usually sharp and he fields Darling Lexi (Dylan Thomas), while the red-hot Kevin Ryan has Revitalise (Vital Equine) and David Barron has The Clan Macdonald (Intikhab). I fancy WINTER HILL to make amends in this much weaker company, especially since she is carrying joint bottom weight. Southwell 3.00 (6f) Just five fillies for this weak race. Silvas Romana improved for the step up to 6f last time out at Chester. Greatest Dancer was 6th of 8 on her debut at Kempton. None of the three debutants make any special appeal. SILVAS ROMANA should take this one. Lingfield 3.50 (6f) The first of two divisions of the median auction maiden on the all-weather. Red Alpha was third of six on his debut in a weak race at Kempton. Rooknrasbryripple has had four runs already and doesn't look good enough to win this contest. Spring Daisy was fifth of six on her debut, while Arbeejay was plumb last at Kempton, as was Illustrious Lad at Windsor. Richard Hannon's Redact (Strategic Prince) looks like the pick of the debutants. REDACT would not need to be anything special to win this. Lingfield 4.20 (6f) The second division of the median auction maiden. Worth seems to be going the right away after being beaten by two fairly decent horses over 5f at Warwick last time out. Calendar King was a very disappointing favourite over 5f at the same course, behind one of today's rivals Maltease Ah, who came fourth. Quick Bite was midfield on her debut over 6f at Kempton. Dressed In Lace only beat one home on her debut at Newbury, and Fresteem was plumb last at Goodwood. Richard Hannon has Gadreel who is sire by Dark Angel and might be smart. Also interesting for Jeremy Noseda is Illaunglass (Red Clubs), who has some big race entries. WORTH has the best form in the book. Sandown 6.00 Nine runners for this maiden auction. Marcus Augustus was a very promising runner-up to Airborne Again at Salisbury. Red Mischief has recorded a couple of third places in fairly weak company. Concordia Notte showed some ability with a debut 6th at Newbury. Faraway only beat two home at Bath, while Lucifers Shadow was plumb last at Nottingham. Stan Moore's debutant Imelda Mayhem (Byron) has a couple of big race entries. MARCUS AUGUSTUS is definitely the one to beat, even though he has to give away weight all round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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