Friday 29 April 2016

6:45 Doncaster Racing Tips (30th April) WALTER CROOKS NO LONGER A NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) (2yo)


A Novice Stakes over 5f on good to soft going. Eleven two-year-olds take part: nine colts and two fillies. Five have made their racecourse bows. Rather busy day so will try to keep this short and sweet which is very unlikely to happen. 

Another Angel is interesting. This Irish son of Dark Angel is out of an unraced mare. He is an early January foal and lovely-looking juvenile although it has to be said that many of Michael Dods' two-year-olds have a robust physique. He was purchased for £50,000 at the yearling sales. This colt was purchased by his owner, Riches Fiddles, who clearly has a good eye being join buyer of Easton Angel [pictured] who competed at Group level for the owner and trainer.

The word was out for this juvenile when he made his debut at Redcar. Heavy going may have been a concern but it didn't stop a raft of money coming which pummelled the price to 6/4f. 

From what looked a promising sign evaporated with a tardy start. This strapping colt was soon adrift by many lengths. Basically, inexperience cost this two-year-old dear. At one point Mulrenan looked more likely to pull up, taking the horse wide. 

In the closing stages, Another Angel looked to be performaing a miracle of his own. He made significant ground and may well have won with an extra half furlong. It would have been a remarkable victory. 

Race fans will be expecting a bold show on this second start. If an each way price there may be value. Although it may pay to note that he looked a touch temperamental swishing his tail when given a reminder. 

That could be down to inexperience rather than a major concern. However, it is worth noting because these signs help measure a horse whetehr win, lose or draw. With this in mind, I will take a watching brief.