The Brocklesby and Beyond.................the early weeks of the 2022 2-y-o flat season.

Saturday     April  30    2.30

There are two races to look at tomorrow.

Newmarket.   1.15.           5f.      Maiden           Class. 3                 Good

My eye is immediately drawn to Syndicated, DUBAWI's first 2-y-o runner of the season, I believe. The colt is a half-brother to a horse that ran second in a Listed 7f. event at York. There are two who have already had runs but neither of Boughey's youngsters has finished in front of another horse yet. Best of the rest may be Miami Girl (COTAI GLORY) and is a half-sister to a useful 10f. handicapper in Ireland,

Quite an impressive debut by the COTAI GLORY filly, Miami Girl. Not the smartest away she made ground gradually and the showed a nice turn if foot from two out and despite some faulty steering ran out a very convincing winner. I suppose you would  have to be a little disappointed with the run of the 1011 fav. Syndicated (DUBAWI).

Salisbury  3.17.   5f.      Fillies  Conditions. Stakes                  Class  3              Good to Firm

Evollicat (FSS MASSAAT) is having her third run, last time at Leicester she put up a decent effort when second to Jiffy Boy. I'm thinking there may be something capable of better amongst the newcomers and that could be Katey Kontent, by FSS HAVANA GREY, whose runners have performed very well so far, she  is a half-sister to the winner of a 6f. Class 2 Conditions race at Newcastle in mid-April. Two other mentions; Angelic Divas (ARDAD)  a half-sister to a useful sprint handicapper and Cuban Mistress (FSS HAVANA GREY) also a half-sister to a useful sprint handicapper.

Katey Kontent (FSS HAVANA GREY) raced on the outside of the field just off the pace, took the lead  a furlong out and despite hanging left managed to hold the two late and strong challenges of Baccarat Baby (GLENEAGLES) and Angelic Divas (ARDAD), the latter having overcome a poor start and coming from some way back, made ground down the outside, beaten three-quarters of a length and a short head.  

Friday      April 29              2.30 pm.

A look at Saturday's 2-y-o races.            

Thirsk   1.00       5f.      Novices.   Class  5           Good

Two of the un-raced brigade are of interest to me here, both by First Season Sires. Hoy (HAVANA GREY) is a half-brother to a useful 6/7f. handicapper and Lakota Lady (SIOUX NATION) is a half-sister to a smart 6f. handicapper in Ireland. Of the four with form, Little Betty may be the choice on her third (beaten 2.75 lengths) to Miss Jungle Cat  at Musselburgh.

Zuffolo (BUNGLE INTHEJUNGLE) was made favourite on the strength a promising third on debut at Beverley. He confirmed that promise by holding on in a bunch finish from the fast closing Hoy (FSS HAVANA GREY) who did well after missing the break. Lakota Lady (FSS SIOUX NATION) was held on to early and I don't think Silvestre de Souza ever became that busy on her, will improve, no doubt.

Doncaster  5.20.  5f.    Maiden            Class 5            Good to Firm

The only I can work up any enthusiasm for is the CHURCHILL colt, True Statesman, who is likely to be strongly fancied for this because the form of the fourth place that he ran in a race at Nottingham, behind Dare To Hope, has just been franked by the win of, the second that day, Rocket Rodney just winning at Goodwood.

Because this race went off at a busy period for Sky there was very little coverage, just the bare race, which is a shame because I think the head on coverage might have been helpful in sorting out what happened in what looked like a very messy final furlong, with horses hanging every which way. However, Lady Bullet (FSS JAMES GARFIELD) prevailed in a tight three horse finish, True Statesman (CHURCHILL) finishing third beaten half-a-length and a neck.

 

Thursday    April. 28  11.30 am.

Friday's 2-y-o races:

Newmarket  1.15.    5f. Maiden Fillies   Class 3       Good

All debutantes here and mostly guesswork on my part. I've picked out three and in slightly preferential order they are: She's A Mirage (KODIAC) is a half-sister to a smart 6f. handicapper, New Hope Bullet (NEW BAY) a half-sister to a decent sprint handicapper and Malrescia (ACCLAMATION) a half-sister to that smart stayer Lismore. The last named may end the best of the three but 5f. in April will surely be too sharp for her.

There seemed to be a lot of confidence behind the SHOWCASING filly, Dramatised,  eventually going off the 9/4 fav., probably would have been shorter but there was money at big odds for Grace Angel (HARRY ANGEL)  (15/2). The favourite wasn't the quickest away but was soon in the lead and was never headed afterwards, she became unbalanced in the dip but soon recovered and won going away. I didn't pick up anything from those in behind, although She's A Mirage was running on very late and will no doubt improve.  

Goodwood         2.05.     5f.  Novices.  Class 4            Good

There are two that have had a run in this; Rocket Rodney (DANDY MAN) his second to Dare To Hope at Nottingham was a nice start for him but nothing from that race has run since, so the form is not easy to evaluate, while Lahina Bay, a filly by FSS CRACKSMAN ran 6th. behind Whistle And Flute at Bath. She didn't have the smoothest of introductions to racing, the complete outsider of the field at 40/1, she ducked left at the stalls but she was showing in third until running green and weakening inside the final furlong. Looking at the Racing Post betting forecast it looks as if Revenite (FSS HARRY ANGEL) is well thought of by the Varian yard, he is a half-brother to useful handicapper at around a mile. One other I'll mention is Shouldvebeenaring (FSS HAVANA GREY), a half-brother to a useful sprint handicapper.   

Revenite didn't have the support the Racing Post expected, (9/4>11/4) and all the money was for Rocket Rodney (DANDY MAN) (evens). The favourite, with the benefit of the rail won nicely in the end, always disputing the lead and keeping on when his challenger for the lead weakened well inside the final furlong. That challenger being, Lahina Bay (FSS CRACKSMAN), whose supporters (erm!) may feel a touch hard done by, drawn toward the centre of the course she showed lots of speed to lead entering the final furlong but then ran out of breath and, just to rub salt into the wound, lost second place close home. The fourth Shouldhavebeenaring (FSS HAVA . NA GREY) was running on very strongly and very late after fluffing the start and being behind early, worth noting, perhaps

Wednesday.  April.  27             6.30 pm.

Before looking at Thursday's races a quick word about a smart debut by the SIOUX NATION (FSS) colt, Bakeel. Always travelling well on the outside of the field he had no trouble holding off the challenge of the favourite Whistle And Flute. Can only improve. 

Tomorrow's races:

Redcar  2.40.    5f.   Selling Stakes.       Class. 5.          Good To Firm

Comedian Leader (ACLAIM) drops into a seller   and her chance is obvious but at 6/4 I'll duck.

Strong morning support for Gem Cutter (13/8f)  couldn't quite land the gamble, third beaten a head and a neck. Comedian Leader is proving disappointing.

Musselburgh   1.50    5f.  Novices   Class. 4            Good

Jungle Time, a JUNGLE CAT (FSS) filly, made a nice debut at Yarmouth when second to CJungle Timearmela and has a favourites chance here, 11/8 at the moment.

Jungle Time, the 4/5 favourite, made all and was always in control.

Chelmsford  4.40.   5f.    Novices.  Class 5        Polytrack

Agostino a colt by first season sire HARRY ANGEL is a half-brother to two smart sprint handicappers, one of which coped well with Dundalk artificial surface and the 5/1 on offer, just gone 11/2, looks like a sporting small interest might be justified. 

 Agostino, the outsider of the field at 16/1, showed lots of speed and was in the lead approaching the final furlong but had no answer when Daytona Lady (BUNGLE INTHEJUNGLE), .the strongly supported 11/10 fav., challenged down the outside. Agostino lost second place close home, Ms. Turner irritating some each-way punters. 

Apologies but I lost my internet access yesterday and I've only just re-connected. Update later hopefully.

Monday    April 25              2.00 pm

Preview of Tuesday's 2-y-o races.

Brighton 1.50. 5.5f.  Novice Class 5   Good to Firm

I'm unable to find any enthusiasm for any of the runners here. Quite a few have had runs but none of them looks an obvious choice here. I am a long time supporter of the Stuart Williams yard, I worked for him for a very short while about 20 years ago, so I will be keeping an eye on his runner here, Lucy Lightfoot. She's a FAST COMPANY filly who ran in a competitive looking race at Newmarket, she showed some speed that day so is not without hope.                                                 

Nottingham  2.00   5f.  Fillies  Novices.  Class 5.    Good to Firm

A number of these met when finishing behind Powerdress at Newmarket. Lost Angel (DARK ANGEL) finishing in front of Radio Goo Goo (HAVANA GREY) and Family Ties (EXPERT EYE) in third, fourth and fifth. The seventh home in that race Bojink did little for the form by running unplaced at Southwell about 15 minutes ago. Just Dashing (ARDAD) probably disappointed connections when only managing 4th. on debut at Musselburgh, should improve for that run. Among the ones making their debuts I'm keeping an eye on Spiritual Love (STARSPANGLEDBANNER), a half-sister to a decent 7f. handicapper.  

Sunday  April  24.   7.00 pm.

There were no 2-y-o races today.

There are tomorrow.

Ayr  1.45.   5f.  Maiden.   Class 5          Good

Nothing stands out among the newcomers and the three with form all ran in the same race at Pontefract earlier this month. Legend Of Xanadu (SIXTiES ICON) finishing second to Duchray (beaten since) with Gincident (COTAI GLORY) a length behind in third and Sprezzatoura (MUHAARAR) back in fifth. The market has Legend Of Xanadu to confirm that form but my feeling is that Gincident will benefit more for the debut run.

Southwell  1.55. 5f. Novices.  Class 4.      Tapeta

Eddie's Boy, by First Season Sire HAVANA GREY, is half-brother to useful 8f. handicapper. Of the runners with some experience, Bojink (GALILEO GOLD) who was sent off 9/2 jf. for a competitive Newmarket event was disappointing but could well come on a lot for that run, Zephina (ZOUSTAR) is having her third run, last time at Redcar she finished third to Star Of Lady M, a winner again since. A tricky little race best watched I feel.

Naas. 4.45.     6f.     Maiden.   Fillies          Good

Some interesting newcomers here. The strong favourite Deneuve (11/10) is by NO NAY NEVER and is the first foal of, Actress, a Group 3 winner over 6f. La Dolce Vita (CARAVAGGIO) is a half-sister to a Listed miler. A mention has to be given to Slick Chick (BELARDO) who ran fourth on debut in what looked a decent race at the Curragh over a furlong shorter, she should appreciate the longer trip.

Windsor  5.25.   5f.  Novices  Class. 4         Good to Firm

Among the newcomers I could only find Full Prime (MEHMAS), a half-sister to a mare placed in a Listed 6f. on Lingfield's AW surface. What A Dude (FSS KESSAAR) and Dunnington Lad (CAMACHO) finished 4th. and 5th. behind Holquin in a maiden at Newbury which is usually well-contested. Ignoc Lamar (DANDY MAN) is having his third run here and he ran a decent race when third at Southwell last time. Another one I'm sitting out.

Friday  April 22             4.00pm.

Four 2-y-o races for our delectation on Saturday.

Leicester 1.35.     5f.   Maiden        Class 4            Good to Firm

Two FSS runners interest me; Al Dasim (HARRY ANGEL) is a half-brother to a Listed 7f. 2-y-o who went on to run third in the 2017 Royal Hunt Cup, the other one is I Still Have Faith (EXPERT EYE)  a half-brother to a useful 7f. handicapper.

The well-supported EXPERT EYE (FSS) colt, Sunny Orange, won this in nice style, can only improve for the run. The two I picked out disappointed.

Ripon  1.45.    Novice  Class  5.      Good

A couple in this with decent form on their debuts; King's Crown finished second to the useful-looking Fix You but he was over 4 lengths behind the filly at the line. Insolente (FSS HARRY ANGEL) is a half-sister to a decent 7f. Irish 2-y-o and ran 4th., on debut, to Star Of Lady M, at Redcar. Both the winner and the second in that race have franked that form by following it up with a win. One other I have to mention is Florida Filly who is by FSS SIOUX NATION and is a half-sister to a winner of a Listed sprint.

From what I could glean from the TV paddock shots, Honour Your Dream (OASIS DREAM), who had finished behind King's Crown on debut, looked ready for this and when going to the front a furlong out looked as if he had it won but he couldn't withstand the late challenge of The Twilight Lady (TWILIGHT SON) who, on debut at Musselburgh last weekend, had finished 5th. of 6 beaten 6 lengths by Miss Jungle Cat. 

 

Navan   2.00.   5.5f.   Maiden.    Good

 Probably between Midnight Toker (ACCLAMATION), a half-brother to a Group 3 sprinter, he ran well on debut at the Curragh only going down a head and a neck to Ocean Quest, that form has yet to be franked. Likely favourite?? Aesop's Fables (NO NAY NEVER)  is a half-brother to very smart sprinter Washington D.C.. A mention for another FSS runner in Wild Rover (SAXON WARRIOR).

Midnight Toker (ACCLAMATION) was always just favourite, eventually going off 10/11 with Aesop's Fables (NO NAY NEVER) at 7/4. In the race the favourite gave a lovely lead for the O'Brien horse (who looked much more forward than his stablemate, The Antarctic,  their recent winner). He always looked to have the race under control and stayed on well at the end of this quite stiff test. Midnight Toker lost out on second place as Tanaiyla (SIYOUNI) stayed on well up the hill. In fourth, Wild Rover (SAXON WARRIOR) showed enough to suggest he can win a race, over a longer trip perhaps. 

Doncaster  6.35         5f.  Maiden  Class 5         Good to Firm

Two FSS runners that might be worth watching but in truth I'm struggling here. Brave Nation (SIOUX NATION) is a half-brother to a useful sprint handicapper and Jim's Cracker (HAVANA GREY) is a half-brother to a useful French miler.

Although there being some money for Jim's Cracker  HAVANA GREY) there didn't seem to be a lot of confidence behind any of the field. Brave Nation (SIOUX NATION) went off at 2/1f. and despite being green (keen and hanging very right in the final furlong) won unchallenged. I believe I heard one of the Sky pundits say "Royal Ascot next stop". None of the rest caught my eye.  

Thursday   April  21   2.15 pm

Surprisingly there are no races for 2-y-o on Friday but there are four of them on Saturday.

Wednesday  April  20  12.00 noon.

Two races to look at for Thursday.

Beverley  1.20   5f.  Fillies Novices   Class 5  Good

With 14 runners the draw could well be important.

I can't see anything exciting among the newcomers so we are left with the ACLAIM filly, Primrose Ridge, who has shown lots of speed when finishing second in both her races. She probably deserves to win but I don't think of Beverley as a speed course. The obvious alternative is the EXPERT EYE (FSS) filly Coraje, well fancied on debut at Kempton but never managed to get in a blow at the impressive winner that day, Ocean Cloud, finishing third and making ground at the line. It's quite possible the course will suit Coraje the better.

Neither the worst draw (14 0f 14) or the stiff course proved any problem at all to Primrose Ridge (ACLAIM) like a bolt from the stalls she was able to cross over to a position about five horses off the far rail and basically the race was over, she won unchallenged by seven lengths. Coraje (EXPERT EYE) was never spotted I'm afraid. One who made a lot of late progress, after a slow start, down the outside to finish 6th. ( btn 8.25 lengths) was Breath Catcher (BATED BREATH).

Tipperary 3.55  5f.

There is a very interesting newcomer due to run in this; The Antarctic (DARK ANGEL) is a full-brother to the top-class 5f. sprinter Battaash. Aidan O'Brien doesn't always have his newcomers fully wound up and the price is not likely to be generous. The SHOWCASING colt Wadao probably found a hot race for his debut and wasn't disgraced in 5th. place beaten six lengths. Also, a mention for the PROFiTABLE filly, Profitable Edge, a half-sister to a sprint handicapper who has won three races on artificial surfaces.

Ryan Moore earned his riding fee here. The Antarctic, a grey son of DARK ANGEL was as green as Astroturf. Played up in the stalls, ducked left as he came out of them,  evidently he has lots of speed  but he doesn't know yet how to race. However under a strong ride he did manage to hold off the strong challenge of the second favourite, Wadao (SHOWCASING) who had had the benefit of a previous run. Obviously a lot of potential in the winner can he develop it? 

Tuesday  April  19  11.30

Just five runners in the only 2-y-o race of the day.

Salisbury   4.25.    5f.   Novices   Class 4         Good to Firm

I can't find much encouragement here for the newcomers so it's between the second and third from the Windsor race on April 4. Kaasib (FSS U.S. NAVY FLAG) finished two lengths in front of Democracy Dileema (COTAI GLORY). Kaasib, who went off the 5/2 favourite for that race, had a nightmare of a run, having ducked left at the stalls was short of room clipped heels and stumbled and then ran into more traffic problems inside the final furlong. Provided that experience hasn't had too much of an effect I can't see why Democracy Dilemma should reverse the placings, even though he had some trouble in running himself. Kaasib may well be at very short odds. 

It was the expected two-horse race with Kaasib (U.S.NAVY FLAG) confirming the Windsor form over Democracy Dilemma (COTAI GLORY) both were sharply away from the stalls with the latter,  on just in front. After a strong duel Kaasib went to the front inside the final furlong to win by two lengths. Papabella (ARDAD) was running on at the death. 

Monday   April 18  11.30 am.

Yarmouth provides the only 2-y-o fare tomorrow.

Yarmouth 3.05      5f. Maiden Fillies     Class 5       Good to Firm

Soleil Blanc (FAST COMPANY) who finished second on debut at Windsor is likely to be well supported here. That was a strange race and I'm a little suspicious of the form. Both the winner of the race, Miss American Pie (CAMACHO) and Soleil Blanc came from way off the pace with runs down the stand rail, while the fancied horses were battling out down the centre of the track. I'd be dodging a short price. Plenty of First Season Sires represented ;the two most interesting, in my opinion, being the TASLEET filly, Carmela, who is a half-sister to a smart 3-y-o sprint handicapper and the KESSAAR filly, Adjani, a half-sister to a decent Irish 6/7f. horse. 

No way of knowing if my suspicion of the Windsor form was correct as Soleil Blanc completely blew her chance when rearing up as the stalls opened and then never got into the race. The finish was dominated by first season sires progeny all making their debut, all three ran well. The winner Carmela (TASLEET) broke well and raced on the pace nearest the stand rails and when asked, entering the final 2f. quickened away nicely. Jungle Time (JUNGLE CAT), who took second was always up with the pace and had every chance until the winner quickened. The third Just Janet (ZOUSTAR) missed the break slightly but was running on well inside the final furlong.

Sunday  April 17    6.30

Just the Kempton 1.45 to look forward to tomorrow.

Kempton 1.45. 5f.   Novices  Class 4.    Polytrack

Only four runners and the market is headed by Ocean Cloud(CAMACHO) at 10/11, I thought she was quite impressive when winning over this course and distance on debut, obviously has to carry a winner's penalty but she seems to have a lot going for her. A mention for the CARAVAGGIO colt Dance Ahead who is a half-brother to a filly who ran second in a Listed 8.5f. event at Epsom.

Loadsa money for Brocklesby 7th., Blatant(BRAZEN BEAU), meant that Ocean Cloud(CAMACHO) was allowed to go off at %/2, which was nice. Gay Kelleway's filly repeated her debut performance, fast brak, made all, won unchallenged although I thought her stride may have been shortening in final 100 yards. Blatent showed improvement but he never got to the filly. Surprise, surprise, TV pundits suggesting she could be a Royal Ascot filly.     

Saturday April 16     2.00pm

Two races to look at for Sunday.

Newbury 1.40  5f.   Maiden   Class 4

All of these having their first run and to be honest I'm finding it difficult to find a great deal of enthusiasm for any of them. The HARRY ANGEL (FSS) colt, Redemption Time, may well head the market, he is a half-brother to a decent 10f. handicapper. Backing Ballymore, an ACCLAMATION colt is a half-brother to a horse who has run well in a couple of races over 7f. at Dundalk.

This was won by Holquin, a colt by FSS HAVANA GREY.. He broke well, raced just behind the pace, challenged and ridden to lead one out and kept on well to repel the strong challenge of the runner-up, Colonel Straker (KODI BEAR). the second took the lead early and tried to make all, a sound effort on debut. Redemption Time (FSS HARRY ANGEL) was all the rage and went off 10/11. Raced a touch keenly early on but was alongside the first two entering the final furlong but run out of gas inside the final half-furlong. 

Southwell 5.30   5f.   Novices   Class  5     Tapeta

An interesting looking little race with a previous winner (carrying a penalty) Duchray, Strength N' Honour who made a decent debut in a race at Leicester that seems to be working out well and Bishop's Glory (COTAI GLORY) who is a half-brother to a smart 8f. handicapper. The market will obviously tell its own story but at this distance I'm looking to Strength N' Honour giving even more credence to the standard of the Leicester race. 

A nice win on debut for the RIBCHESTER filly, Absolutely Flawless, the slowest from the stalls she was making ground when running into a little traffic trouble but she battled on to take the lead inside the final furlong, running on. Bishop's Glory(COTAI GLORY), one of the 5/2 joints, ran well enough, joining the leaders two out and then running on well to take second. I was disappointed with Duchray (THE LAST LION), the other joint favourite and especially Strength N' Honour(SHOWCASING), perhaps unsuited by the surface and the flat course, he was always struggling to go the pace. 

Friday April 15   2.30pm

Three 2-y-o races on Saturday.

Musselburgh  3.47   5f. Novices Class 4    Good to Soft

First season sire EXPERT EYE has Explicit here, he is a half-brother to a useful French sprinter. Another FSS runner Miss Jungle Cat (JUNGLE CAT) is a half-sister to Tonkinese who showed decent form as a 2-y-o over 7f. in Ireland but in the latter stager of his career he developed into a stayer/hurdler. Just Dashing, a daughter of ARDAD is a half-sister to a moderate maiden.

Explicit (EXPERT EYE) soon took the it up and led at a very fast pace but had nothing left when challenged by the JUNGLE CAT filly, Miss Jungle Cat, who had been held up until making ground and taking the lead approaching one out and keeping on well.

Lingfield 5.30  5f.  Maiden   Class 5

Knowwhatimeanharry well beaten 9th. of 12 on debut in the Brocklesby is by FSS HAVANA GREY. Rock Girl (PROFITABLE) is a half-sister to a very moderate 7f. handicapper in Ireland.

The un-raced AWTAAD colt, Knebworth was always a strong favourite and his supporters would have had no worries, Knowwhatimeanharry, who had been a bit of a handful at the stalls, broke very quickly and gave the favourite a lovely lead out and when asked he went clear to win very nicely. Rock Girl (PROFITABLE) came through to take second but had no chance with the winner.  Youknowwhatimeamharry kept on for third , he showed so much speed you could seehim winning a small race over a very sharp 5f. 

 

Nottingham 5.40  5f.   Novices  Class 5

True Statesman  a son of CHURCHILL is a half-brother to a useful 7-8f. handicapper, his 2-y-os last year seem to need a run. COTAI GLORY, last year's Champion FSS has two in this; Glorious Angel, a half-sister to the winner of a decent 5f. nursery at Chester last year. Sahoud, the other Cotai Glory is a half-brother to a rather moderate 2-y-o handicapper.

Rather a weak market for this with Dare To Hope (CAMACHO) and Sahoud (COTAI GLORY) going off 7/2 jts. The former missed the break but was given plenty of time to recover, made ground throughout the final two furlongs to take the lead half a furlong from home and won going away.  

Wednesday April 13  11.00 am

I am very sorry it has only just dawned on me (Doh!) that by updating the way I have been means that you have had to scroll down to see if the post had been updated. What can I say?

Three 2-y-o races scheduled for Thursday.

Ripon 1.00 5f. Novices Class 5  Soft

Three to mention; Star Of Lady M, a daughter of FSS HAVANA GREY, is already a winner putting in a brave effort against a headwind on soft ground at Redcar to beat the 1/2 fav. for that race, Primrose Ridge 3/4 length. One is making her debut and is by one of my favourite sires of 2-y-os, MEHMAS. Majit is a half-sister to a  smart 6/7f. Listed/handicapper. Finally, Beach Breeze only finished eighth in the Brocklesby but Mark Johnston's  FOOTSTEPSINTHESAND colt did show plenty of speed before weakening, with the yard having its first 2-y-o winner at Pontefract on Monday a better performance should be expected.    

Despite having a penalty for the Redcar win Star Of Lady M was sent at 10/11. Raced prominentley throughout and ran on well again, defeat never looked a question. 

Newmarket  1.50.  5f. Novices Class 4  Good

First Season Sire KASSAAR has a runner with Tajalla, trained by Roger Varian. NO NAY NEVER has Royal Mariner, the first foal of an un-raced mare. Our OLD CCHAMP, KODIAC has Candy Rain running for him, she is the half-sister to a fair sprint handicapper. Probably should give a mention to Cheeky Maxi,  Hannon's DANDY MAN colt who went off 15/8f. on his debut at Leicester but missed the break and his jockey reported that he had run green.

Tajalla, a colt by FSS Kassaar, always headed the market and went off 11/8f. The OASIS DREAM filly, Fragrance, was very sharply away from the stalls and led, Cheeky Maxi soon challenged for the lead with the favourite a couple of lengths back but when pushed along a furlong out Tajalla soon went clear and was going further clear. Could be smart but not sure he beat a lot in this.

Bath  4.55  5f, Novices Class 5. Good to Soft  

Sees the appearance of CRACKSMAN first runner, Lamina Bay, she is the first foal of an un-raced mare. HAVANA GREY (FSS) has two runners, Hot In Havana who showed little on debut and a newcomer, Mintana, a half-sister to a decent sprint handicapper, who won on his racecourse debut as a 2-y-o. GLENEAGLES is represented by, Global Effort who made an encouraging start to his career with a fourth to Jiffy Boy at Leicester. On The Pulse (DRAGON PULSE) did have the kindest of introduction to racing at Kempton, slowly away and hampered against the rail after a furlong. Her trainer David Evans' 2-y-os are showing up well in their races.  

Global Effort (GLENEAGLES) was all the rage for this, going off 10/11. His rider, Silvestre De Souza, had him out quickly, looking to take advantage of the experience of the debut run, in an attempt to make all. It didn't succeed, never managing to create a big enough gap back to the DANDY MAN colt, Whistle And Flute. The second favourite always looked to be racing comfortably and went to the front just inside the final furlong and won nicely. On The Pulse (DRAGON PULSE). who finished third may be worth keeping an eye on, she broke well enough but had to be pushed along to go the pace, was seen making some progress up the middle of the course and in the latter stages was keeping on nicely without being punished, on this evidence a longer trip would help considerably.      

Tuesday April 12  7.00pm.

As the season moves on and there are more 2-y-o races being run and form lines developing my focus will be changing. I will be concentrating on horses making their racecourse debut or have had just the one run. Once their ability has been established, somewhat, in their races, I will leave others to compare and contrast. Even with the lightly raced babies I will be "cherry-picking" what in my opinion are the most interesting ones. Also the race reviews will be mainly covering the ones I have mentioned, except if there is a really eye-catching run to report. I feel I have to take this approach, as long as there are only a couple of races a day I can cope but when we have 3 or 4 meetings a day with one or more 2-y-o races  in each, then the whole thing becomes a chore and I know I will fall by the wayside.

Right with that out of the way I'll move on to the one 2-y-o race being run tomorrow.

Beverley 1.00  5f. Novices  Good

Two FSS with runners SIOUX NATION - Brave Emperor, trained by Archie Watson and 9/4 second fav. at the moment, not a great deal to recommend him on the immediate dam side. UNFORTUNATELY, is represented by Let's Go Huge (33/1). Much more interesting to me is ACCLAMATION's Rousing Encore (2/1 fav.). I thought he put in an eye-catching effort when third to Jiffy Boy at Leicester, unfancied at 14/1, he missed the break, ducked right, away from the rails, raced keenly but made headway and was running on late to be only beaten two lengths in third place. Drawn OK in stall 4 and this stiff 5f. should suit well.

It's nice to see a race pan out as you expected, a too rare experience for me. Rousing Encore confirmed the promise shown at Leicester on debut, he broke well settled in third place on the rail and moved through to lead as they entered the final furlong and kept on well. It didn't go so well for Brave Emperor. drawn 1, the favoured inside stall, is great if you break well, this didn't happen here, sluggishly away he found himself "tail-end Charlie", on the inside rail with a rear view of the field, race over basically, but in fairness when they were approaching the final furlong and he had some daylight he ran on well past quite a few, finishing 6th. five lengths behind the winner. There will be other days.

WE HAVE LIFT OFF

The two year old season gers ihe mark with a double bill at Doncaster 115 and Curragh 1.30.

Up in Yorkshire this season's batch of First Season Sires are well represented HAVANA GREY with two, MASSAAT also with two and one from EXPERT EYE.. Of these, the EXPERT EYE colt I Still Have Faith, a half-brother to a smart 7f. handicapper looks the most likely but I am finding it difficult to look past Persian Force (10/11 at the moment), a son of MEHMAS and a full-brother of Gubbass, a winner on debut, winner of that Weatherby's Sales race at Newbury and going on to run a good 5th. in the Prix Morny at Deauvilee last year. Not a vert daring selection but if this one is anywhere near his brothers' s standard this should be his.

For once ATR gave us some time to look at the horses before the race. Not always easy all you want to from TV pictures but with the valuable help of Lou Carvey it was fairly obvious that the favourite Persian Force was very near being the finished product. Plenty of muscle, coat looking good and he looked very laid back. The race played out nicely for him, good pace set by Primrose Ridge, the favourite nicely just off the pace. When asked he quickened away to win impressively. Inevitably the team were talking about him being a Royal Ascot runner.

At the Curragh we have a different situation with only SIOUX NATION of the first crop sires is represented.his daughter Ocean Guest is a half-sister to a winning five furlong handicapper and shouldn't be short of speed.Today's going of Yielding shouldn't test my query about the sires's progeny needing fast ground. this race, however, may go to one of the proven 2-y-o sires; KODIAC, NEW BAY, ACCLAMATION and KINGMAN all have runners.Of those the ACCLAMATION colt, Midnight Toker and the KINGMAN filly, Finsceal Go Deo look the likeliest and it is very difficult to ignore the breeding of the latter. The dam won the 2007  1,000 Guineas and one of her sons was good enough to win the Beresford a recognised test for classy 2-y-os. This Jim Bolger-trained filly is available at 9/4 at the moment. 

Not having access to Racing TV I watched this race on replay but one of the reporters in Ireland gave us her paddock views. The Bolger colt, who was rather weak in the market, didn't impress being rather light-framed. Her paddock pick was Ocean Guest, the SIOUX NATION filly. In a rather eventful race, Ocean Guest who didn't get away to well, found herself in about 4th.  approaching the final furlong ran into trouble, bumped and stumbling but managed to accelerate close home and just got up.

The next 2-y-o race to be run is at empton on Wednesday evening. A fillies novices Class 5 run over 5f. of this Polytrack course. First Season Sires; EXPERT EYE (Coraje), HAVANA GREY (Hot In Havana) and SIOUX NATION(She's Hot) are strongly represented..

Coraje - her half-brother did win as a @-y-o but not until late in the season on softish ground but showed very little as a 3-y-o.

Hot In Havana - not much to enthuse about with the dam's previous progeny.

She's Hot - her half-brother won first time out as a 2-y-o but didn't do a lot afterwards.

One of my Old Boy's, ACLAIM, has a runner, Comedian Leader. Her half-brother only ran at two and had very little to show for his efforts. According to my stats ACLAIM's babies (first crop last year) did well on an artificial surface and running on debut didn't appear a disadvantage. He had 30% winners and a reurn of £275 for £100. Small sample size, I know. Another thing to bear in mind was the run of ACLAIM's filly Primrose Ridge at Doncaster in the Brocklesby. She showed bags of speed to lead until the impressive Persian Force whizzed past but she did keep on to finish second.

Obviously the picture may change when the market forms but I'm thinking a speculative win and place on Comedian Leader. 

Comedian Leader is around the 11/2 mark at the moment, a very small profit if placed. The amount of confidence in the Boughey yard for Coraje suggests she has been showing up well at home and a 6/4 winner is a 6/4 winner. It might be worth keeping an eye open for market moves throughout the day. Good luck if you do invest.

Money for She's Hot into 7/2. Now 6/4. Coraje out to 9/4 and Comedian Leader to 7/1.

As you see quite a confused picture in the ring. She's Hot went off 13/8 with Corajes, 7/4 considering the apparent confidence of both yards I think you would have to say that they were rather disappointing efforts. Not that that should take any credit away from the winner Ocean Cloud(12/1),who put in a thoroughly professional performance, broke well, made all and to my mind won unchallenged. She's Hot, from a favourable draw broke well enough but never really got to the winner, made some ground when race was basically over.  Corajes didn't have such a good draw and was struggling to go the pace early, she was also running on late. No doubt both will benefit from the run. My win and place speculative suggestion finished, where all such bets seem to finish -FOURTH. Comedian Leader tried to match the pace of the winner but weakened a furlong and a half out.

Next up is Novice race over 5f. at Leicester Friday 1.00. There are three runners representing First Season Sires. I can't work up any enthusiasm for the un-raced pair HAVANA GREY (Rhodium) and HARRY ANGEL (Sandy Redhead) but MASSAAT's Evollicat did show ability in the Brocklesby, she made late ground on the far side to finish fifth and it would be no great surprise if David Evans' improved a great deal for that run. The other runner in this that ran well at Doncaster last Saturday was Jiffy Boy, a son of MONDALISTE who has his second crop running this year. He put up an eye-catching performance last week, missed the break gradually improved up the stand side and when ridden made up quite a bit of ground to finish third. The stiffer course at Leicester may aid his cause. Of the others, Rousing Encore, an ACCLAMATION colt is a half-brother to the smart 10f. horse Majestic Dawn who finished a half-length second in the Listed James Seymour Stakes at Newmarket last October. This one interests me but I see that in the stats that I have come up with for ACCLAMATION I made the comment "his runners should be avoided on debut". Hmmmm trained by Richard Fahey a man I never get right?! Just one more to mention and that is the SHOWCASING colt Strength 'n Honour, a half-brother to Declared Interest, a useful 8f. handicapper and placed fourth in a Listed event on Lingfield's artificial surface. I'll have another look when the market goes up to see if that clarifies my thoughts.

The early money for Jiffy Boy (11/8) not much for Hannon's Cheeky Maxi (3/1) so probably he's not another Persian Force.

Some money eventually came for Cheeky Maxi and he went off 15/8f., with Jiffy Boy drifting out to an attractive 4/1. In the race, previous experience proved invaluable, Jiffy Boy and Evollicat who both missed the break at Doncaster last week, were much sharper this time, both quickly into their stride with Jiffy Boy on the stand rail and Evollicat about six horse-widths off it, both kept up a strong gallop and nothing really got to them. The run on the rails probably giving Jiffy Boy enough of an advantage to prevail. Hannon's runner? Well, no Persian Force on this display, missing the break and never involved. One horse has to be made a note of though; I mentioned Rousing Encore in my preview above but early prices -drifting out to 20/1 - suggested that not a lot was expected, however there was some very late support-went off 14/1. Another who fluffed the start he was held up, racing keenly and was soon in a group behind the leaders, then when asked to quicken he didn't respond immediately but when the penny dropped he ran on well to take third in the last 50 yards. I would suggest he is well capable of winning a race over 6f. 

There are no 2-y-o races in GB or Ireland today but for those who might be interested there is a 4.5 f. event at Saint-Cloud at 12.58. There are two First Season Sires represented EXPERT EYE with Hayami (4/1 in Sporting Life) and SIOUX NATION has Rosie Rocket (25/1). That's all i know I'm afraid.

There is a seven-runner 5f. maiden at Cork 3.47 Sunday. There are no First Season Sires represented and none of them have racrd yet.There are four runners from my "old boys";  ACCLAMATION (Beauty Crescent), KODIAC (Borletti), ARDAD (Crispy Cat) and KODI BEAR (Polar Bear. I can't work up any enthusiasm for the last two named, the ACCLAMATION colt is a half-brother to a useful mile handicapper in the US of A but I have a query about this sirs offspring on debut, KODIAC's powers should start to wane soon but Borletti, his runner here, is a half-brother to a 2-y-o 7f. maiden on soft ground at a late October Doncaster meeting. Perhaps the market when it appears will give me a direction to go.

Sunday April 3  6.00 am.

The betting on the Cork event is very tight and is not giving a lot away.

Borletti 5/2

Beauty Crescent 3/1

Crusty Cat 3/1

Polar Bear 7/2

10/1 Bar

I will be looking out for any significant moves.

11,30 am

Bit of a move developing for Crispy Cat into 11/4

With the other three all at 100/30

9/1 Bar

Sunday 3.15 pm

Money really coming for CrispyCat now in to 6/4.

The two French runners by FSSs were unplaced on Saturday.

In the race at Cork, Crispy Cat drifted out to 5/2 late on with Beauty Crescent favourite at 9/4. The commentary team thought the front four in the market all looked OK with a slight preference going to Beauty Crescent. In the race they ran in quite a tight bunch with all four fancied ones showing up well. As they entered the final furlong Crispy Cat, who had been racing on the nearside rail, pulled away and won with a little in hand. The second Beauty Crescent and the fourth Borletti both kept on well. 

Sunday April 3  1.15 pm

Two races to look forward to tomorrow.

Redcar 1.00  5f.  Fillies Novices Class 5

Insolente, a daughter of First Season Sire Harry Angel, is a half-sister to Take A Deep Breath who as a 2-y-o finished second in a 7f. Group 3 at Leopardstown. However it is very difficult to look past the claims of Primrose Ridge, who set a very strong pace to lead the Brocklesby, she couldn't cope with Persian Force but kept on to hold second place at the line. The third in that race won at Leicester in the week with another Brocklesby runner in second place. Looks a fine opportunity for Daryl Holland's  filly but they are fillies and we know they can surprise at times.

Windsor 2.15  5f. Novices Class 5

I can't find anything amongst the First Season Sire runners but David Evans'  Democracy Dilemma looks very interesting. This COTAI GLORY (last years Champion FSS) colt is a half-brother to Angel Alexander, winner of the  Ayr Gold Cup as a 3-y-o and then going on to finish second in a Group 3 in France. Of the two Hannon runners I give slight preference for the STARSPANGLEDBANNER filly, Refine. with no great confidence. 

Monday April 4  11.15

In other news, a piece in the Thoroughbred Daily News this morning:

FIRST WINNER FOR G1SW SAXON WARRIOR Coolmore'sfirst-season sire Saxon Warrior (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) is off the mark after his son Ser Sed (Ire) captured the 5 1/2-furlong Prix Mercier for unraced juveniles at Le Lion d'Angers on Sunday evening. Professional to load and speedy from the gates, the February-foaled bay was steadied to track the leading trio by Hugo Lebouc. Delivered wide in the short straight, the Azeddine Sedrati and Jean-Claude Seroul-owned colt grabbed the lead passing the furlong pole and saw off the 9-10 favourite Once Upon a Time (Fr) (Pedro the Great) to score by a neck.

Closer to home at Redcar 1.00 Primrose Ridge is available at !/2 , looks the winner but I don't mind letting those sorts of prices pass me by.

The rain-softened ground and a head-wind did the 1/2 Fav., Primrose Ridge's, chances no favours at all and she was never travelling with the fluency she showed at Doncaster, became a little unbalance and veered right two out and looked as if she may fade altogether but in fairness kept on to keep second place. The winner Star Of Lady, M, a grey daughter of FSS HAVANA GREY, broke well and seemed to handle the conditions well, bit slow to react when the second picked up but was soon running on well again. The third Zephina (by Zoustar) had the benefit of a run at Kempton and was making good late ground here. In the circumstances, I thought Insolente (by HARRY ANGEL) made a nice debut, slowly away and keen early, appeared on the far rail inside the final 2f. and was only run out of third close home. 

The Windsor 2.15 looks much more open. Clive Cox's  U.S.A NAVY FLAG (FSS?) colt, Kaasib, heads the market at 9/4, with Hannon's DANDY MAN filly, Dazzling Gem, second in at 4/1. A word about Hannon's early 2-y-o runners at Windsor, often referred to by pundits "a standing dish" or some other cliche. In the last five years he has had 25 2-y-os that have run at Windsor before the end of May and five have won. A decent enough strike rate of 20% but the returns on £100 win would have been approx.£50, overbet it seems. The Hannon STARSPANGLEDBANNER filly, Refine, seems rather neglected, as is Democracy Dilemma (12/1). I might try a speculative win and place on the last named, David Evans' COTAI GLORY colt has lots of speed on both sides of his pedigree.

Parade-ring viewing on the TV showed that the Clive Cox-trained US NAVY FLAG, a FSS, colt, Kaasib, looked the part and was ready. He went off the 5/2 favourite, it proved an unsatisfactory race for favourite supporters, he and Democracy Dilemma both made for the stand rail and as they passed the junction of the course Democracy Dilemma veered right , as if to duck out, and took the favourite's ground, meanwhile Sunningdale (Gleneagles) and Michaela's Boy (RIBCHESTER) were having the run of the race toward the centre of the course. Michaela's Boy won that battle but by now Kaseeb had found some daylight and challenged on the outside but could never quite get there. Even though my each-way suggestion, Democracy Dilemma, scraped into third on the line I was slightly disappointed with his performance. A messy race.

Thursday April 7  1.45pm.

Dundalk Friday April 8  Dundalk. 5.20  5f. Maiden

Just five runners with no First Season Sire runners but there are two running for my Old Boys. The Aidan O'Brien NO NAY NEVER, will obviously have his supporters, he is a first foal of a BORN TO SEA mare. PROFITABLE has Belatucodoros running for him, he is a half-brother to a filly who ran third in a  8f. Group 1 in France. Encouragement there and also in the trainer's, Donnnacha O'Brien, stats at Dundalk; a strike rate of 37.5% and a return of £176 for £100.   

The market suggested that the trainer's stats at the course were not going to improve after this race. His father's and his sibling's horses were much more prominent in the market. Joseph's, Alexis Zorba, went off 6/4f. and Dad's, Bluebeard 15/8. In the race, the once-raced Brazilian Song broke quickly and led until 2 out, Blackbeard appeared to be struggling to go the pace early on with Moore looking quite busy, inside the final two the son of NO NAY NEVER found a nice burst of acceleration to go clear and then keeping on despite a touch of inexperience. So Ballydoyle's first 2-y-o runner of the season is a winner.  

Saturday April 9  9.00

Thirsk  12.55  %f. Maiden  Soft

A bit late to this one, busy yesterday afternoon. Not the most exciting of events from my point of view, with no First Season Sires having representatives ( I'm a bit confused about ZOUSTAR being described as a FSS, as he has been at stud in Oz for some time and his first crop appeared there in 2017?). Three OLD BOYS have runners; SHOWCASING (Dyed In The Wool), STARSPANGLEDBANNER( King's Crown) and NIGHT OF THUNDER (Fix You). All of them first foals of mares that didn't achieve a lot on the racecourse. The soft ground should favour Dyed In The Wool (9/2) and King's Crown(10/1). I'm guessing here but a small win and place on the latter if a gun was held to my head.  

There didn't seem to be that much confidence behind any of the runners, there was a little for Fix You who went off 3/1 fav., after 4's being available. An even break with the favourite just off the lead toward the centre of the course, inside the final 2f.  Rossa Ryan shook up the NIGHT OF THUNDER filly and she went clear, winning by a long four lengths. King's Crown did manage second place but had no chance with the winner. 

Saturday  April 9  £.45 pm.

There are two 2-y-o races to enjoy at the Curragh tomorrow.

!

1.20  5f. Maiden Fillies  Yielding

Ftrst Season Sires represented by U.S.Navy Flag with Remind, the first foal of a moderate race mare. The OLD BOYS have NO NAY NEVER's Meditate running for them, she is the first foal of a decent French 7f. handicapper. My interest is in Laranjal (by Camacho) who ran very well behind Ocean Quest at the Curragh at the end of last month, showed up well in a group just off the lead and then made a forward move toward the centre of the track, the run petered out but the filly finished 5th. beaten just over 3 lengths. Looks good enough for this.

1.55   6f. Maiden Yielding

The first 6f. race of the season and five Old Boys with runners. The best would appear to be NEW BAY's, Forceful Speed, who ran second in that Curragh race mentioned above, he tried to make all and he was only beaten in the final few strides.  Trip and ground shouldn't be a problem. Couple of others to look out for Tough Talk (KINGMAN) is a half-brother to a smart 7f. handicapper and Little Big Bear (NO NAY NEVER) a half-brother to a smart 10f. handicapper.

Sunday April 10  8.00 am.

Curragh 1.20

I'm very surprised to see Laranjal available at 12/1 (maybe one of her legs has fallen off). Drunk In Love  (BUNGLE INTHEJUNGLE) is the very well-supported favourite at the moment, 13/8 from 7/2, ran an odd  race on debut at Dundalk, favourite for that as well, very unsettled in the stalls and then jinked/jumped, stumbled just after leaving them, never really got into the race after that and not given a hard race. Connections seem to have a very high opinion of her, she is a half-sister to Lundy (FASTNET ROCK) who ran second in a 6f. Listed event as a 2-y-o for A, O'B only beaten by stable companion Peace Envoy. In today's market Aidan's NO NAY NEVER filly, Meditate is second in at 5/2.  

Drunken Love was sent off the 15/8f. but once again after about a half-furlong she started bucking and gave away a lot of ground, she did recover and raced prominently on the stand rail but once the NO NAY NEVER filly, Meditate, quickened inside the final furlong  the race was over. Laranjal who took the winner on in front had had enough a furlong out and faded into 5th.

Curragh 1.55 

In this first 6f. contest for the babies we have another very strong favourite. Little Big Bear (NO NAY NEVER) could be one of Ballydoyle's Coventry hopes, 10/11 available at the moment. Little Big Bear is a half-brother to, American Graffiti (PIVOTAL), a useful 10f. handicapper for Godolphin.

My thoughts before I saw the markets was an each-way double with Laranjal and Forceful Speed, 5/1 and on the drift at the moment. I'll settle for a watching brief. 

The support for Little Big Bear dried up near the off and he eventually went off at 7/4. He broke well and was always prominent but was unable to hold off the strong-finishing KINGMAN colt, Tough Talk (5/2). Forceful Speed tried to match strides with the favourite but weakened and faded well before the final furlong. In fourth place was Panic Alarm who was staying on late looks as if the KUROSHIO colt needs seven furlongs already.

Sunday  April 10  7.30 pm. 

Two races on Monday.

Pontefract 1.55  5f. Novices  Soft

Can't get too excited by this event; Gincident (9/2) is a son of last year's Champion FSS, COTAI GLORY, and is a half-brother to a decent 10f. handicapper. Comedian Leader (5/2), who is an ACLAIM filly, probably raced too freely on her debut at Kempton fading from second to fourth place inside the final furlong. She might find the stiff Pontefract track and soft ground too much for her.  

Some money in the ring for Gincident, !3/2 from 9s, allowed Comedian Leader to go off 3/1 jf. with Jaxta. Comedian Leader took it up soon after the start and made the running until weakening just inside the final furlong and eventually finishing fifth. The race went to Duchray (5/1), Mark Johnston's THE LAST LION colt, broke nicely and took a position just off the pace and despite showing greenness took up the running, when the leader weakened, to win with a bit in hand. I thought that Gincident (COTAI GLORY) put in a promising performance, having fluffed the break Hanagan gave him plenty of time to settle and he was making smooth headway close home under a sympathetic ride to finish two lengths behind the winner in third place. 

Windsor 2.55  5f. Fillies Novices  Good to Soft

Ange De L'Amour (10/1), by FSS HARRY ANGEL, ran 5th over course and distance last week and should benefit from the run. Havana Angel (14/1) is a daughter of FSS HAVANA GREY, she is the first foal of a moderate race-mare. Samba Lady (13/2) is a daughter of KODI BEAR and the first foal of a mare who won a small race at Bath as a 2-y-o. The 11/10 favourite for tomorrow's race is the Archie Watson-trained, Holly Doyle-ridden, daughter of MEHMAS, Fifty Year Storm. The trainer, jockey, sire combination has produced winners in the past.   

Well Fifty Year Storm did go off favourite but at 7/4 probably not that much stable confidence behind it. This MEHMAS filly didn't have the best of draws but she soon tacked over and was disputing the lead until coming under pressure approaching the final furlong, she eventually won the three horse battle down the centre but two horses that had lost ground early came off the pace down the stand rail to pass her in final half-furlong. The winner Miss American Pie is a daughter of CAMACHO and went off  at 28/1 (in fairness to Jason Weaver this was his paddock pick for the race), in second place was Soleil Blanc, a daughter of FAST COMPANY, at 12/1.

Monday  April 11 6.30 pm.

Two races on Tuesday and the Craven meeting gets off to a start at HQ with this 10-runner event.

Newmarket 1.15  5f. Maiden Fillies Class 4 Good

There are two FSS represented; EXPERT EYE by Family Ties, a half-sister to a decent sprint handicapper who won on her debut as a 2-y-o, and HAVANA GREY by Radio Goo Goo a half sister to a decent handicapper over 6-8f. Of my OLD BOYS, STARSPANGLEDBANNER has Flying Barty in this and her half-brother, Boonie, ran third in the Group 3 Molecombe at Goodwood last year. Also running for the OBs is Lost Angel , a daughter of DARK ANGEL who is a half-sister to a smart Irish 7f. horse. The early market suggests that the Newbies are up against it in this, Lost Angel is the 7/2 second favourite with Flying Barty third best at 5/1.

A very open market for this and they went 9/2 the field. From the TV pictures, Bojink (GALILEO GOLD) was probably the paddock choice, looking ready for the race, the OASIS DREAM filly, Dreaming Princess looked a nice type. In the race those two didn't have the best of luck, the former getting bumped and the latter missing the break. Going back to the paddock-watching, I may have discovered a new method of winner-picking - noting the body language of the horse's groom (don't laugh) the 'lad' leading up the Hannon-trained, DANDY MAN-sired, POWERDRESS, oozed confidence with a "let's get this done" attitude. The colt was of the usual Hannon mould, medium sized, neat and compact and nicely relaxed. He raced in mid-field made ground to challenge final in the final and got up close home with, I think, a little in hand. The DANDY MAN filly, Yahsat, made a pleasing debut only going down close home.   

Dundalk  5.30  5f. Maiden AW

Eight runners, three by FSS; U.S.NAVY FLAG has two, Ocean Vision and Maidstone, the former is a half-brother to a staying mare who did win as a 2-y-o but over 7f. and the latter a half-sister to a winning French 8f. handicapper. SIOUX NATION is represented by Tiger Paw, AOB-trained and the even money favourite at the moment, the dam , Rhiannon, was not that good on the racecourse and to date hasn't produced a lot. One OLD BOY with a runner, BATED BREATH by Lady Tilbury, whose dam has only produced a moderate 6f. maiden. Think I'll give this one a miss..    

A winner for FSS U.S.NAVY FLAG with Ocean Vision. I don't think the even money favourite for this, AP O'Brien's Tiger Paw, is going to be one of the stable stars, not on this evidence. The winner had a nice run up the inside and despite greenness won quite nicely, at 12/1. Lady Tilbury (BATED BREATH), who finished second at 14/1 was given a strange ride, she was making headway when  switched  2f. out from the outside across to race with the eventual winner on the inside. Not sure it was a great race.