An EBF Novice Stakes over 6f 3y on good to firm going.
Decent prize money of £9,000+ for this two-year-old contest. Two with racecourse experience and half dozen debutantes.
A race worth taking note.
It's not everyday you go to the races and see a debutante worth 900,000gns. For some money is no object. Legends Of War is a bay son of Scat Daddy out of an unraced mare. In the ownership of Qatar Racing Ltd, trained by John Gosden who does well at this course and especially so with horses strongly fancied in the betting. I doubt connections would be too impressed with losing here but the horse doesn't know the price tag.
Interesting that Qatar Racing Ltd have another debutante here racing in the second colours. Wiretap is a home bred son of Charm Spirit out of a winning [limited] mare. David Simcock gave this April foal a significant entry so he may have ability. Certainly, the second colours may push the price of this horse out to much bigger odds than normal. Jamie Spencer takes the ride. Simcock does well at this course. A horse that may have a glimmer of hope at a price. There is always the fear he will be in need of the run. Watching this horse in the paddock may answer that question.
Charlie Appleby hasn't unveiled too many sparkling talented this year but one visited the winner's enclosure. Leading Spirit is a home bred son of Exceed And Excel out of a Listed-winning mare. The stable have a decent strike rate here with 5-19 winners in the last five years.
James Tate has start this two-year-old campaign in somber fashion. A few juveniles have made their debut but looked backward if not limited. He is an able trainer who can spring a surprise at just about any price. Zmhar is owned by Saeed Manana. This chestnut colt is a son of Shamardal out of a 90-rated winning mare. With a number of his juveniles showing little, bookmakers may be pricing this his horses a little bigger than usual. It is interesting Gerald Mosse takes the ride.
Dragon Kuza was seen just over 20 days ago when making his debut at Chelmsford. This Irish-bred son of Dragon Pulse wasn't overly fancied that day. The hood was applied and he was always struggling for pace. He had been entered for the Lily Agnes but that didn't seem to register as ability. This step up to 6f is going in the right direction. It is interesting to consider how this horse will go. The significant entry may indicate there is better to come. However, you need to take a leap of faith. This looks a competitive heat and not surprising to see him 25-1.
Roger Varian hasn't sent to many juveniles out this season but another trainer who goes well at this course, especially with debutantes. This Irish-bred son of Lope De Vega is out of a Group placed mare who cost 500,000gns at the yearling sales. San Donato is one of the major contenders.
Phoenix Star and Equiano Pearl are best watched.
Conclusion: An exciting two-year-old race that will get plenty of press. With debutantes worth 900,000 and 500,000gns, respectively. Legends Of War cost, literally, an arm and a leg, and trained by John Gosden. Pretty sure this colt will be primed. San Donato is another expensive buy. Roger Varian does well here and I would expect a big run. Added with Leading Spirit, this is a competitive race which may be difficult to assess. Bookmakers aren't giving too much away on the betting of the leading fancies. Quite interested in how Wiretap goes. It is mainly to do with the significant entry. Could be over priced simply because punters feel this horse is here to make up the numbers. Dragon Kuza my improve for that first run. However, he needs to improve markedly. A fascinating race.
A quick look at Friday's two-year-old racing.
2:20 York -
The first two-year-old Listed race of the season. Sixteen juveniles take part over 5f on good to firm going. Just three debutantes take on a field of talented rivals including eight unbeaten horses.
Those unbeaten:
Aerosphere - trained by Bryan Smart
Ran on well when making her debut at Beverley. That was an auction and more is needed.
Carrie's Vision - trained by William Haggas
Ran on well to win at Great Yarmouth. One of few of Haggas' juveniles to show much ability. The second place that day went close next start. Could improve on that start but needs to show.
Daphinia - trained by Henry Spiller
Ran in a pretty ordinary race on debut, just holding the late charge of a horse which has been beaten easily since. Needs to improve a lot to win this and although open to more may well be outclassed.
Nicki's Angel - trained by Richard Fahey
A trainer who knows his horses. Ran out a ready winner on debut at Mussleburgh when a slow starter and looking unlikely to prevail. The second is a fair juvenile who won next start. Always a slight concern this horse may be slow away which would be a problem over this fast five furlongs. However, one of the major hopes.
No Lippy - trained by Mark Johnston
This filly isn't that big but a wiry type who has plenty of pace and battles hard. She showed that same gritty attitude on both start and took the Lily Agnes at Chester, which is a fair effort. Will be with the lead and should go close. The kind of horse who will battle to put money in your pocket.
On The Stage - trained by Ed Walker
Quite fancied on debut at Kempton. Burst through to win in stylish fashion. Open to improvement. The form of that race doesn't look very strong with the second horse showing little on two starts before. A good-looking horse who is well owned by Lordship Stud. Could have won very easily on that first start so difficult to knock.
Snazzy - trained by Charlie Fellows
An early winner for Fellows who doesn't have many juveniles, so it spoke well to see this youngster out in March. Wasn't in the race for the most part and then hampered but still won in comfortable fashion. Not been seen for a while so I imagine she has been waiting for this race. In the familiar silks of Highclere. The form of that first start at Newcastle isn't anything special but Snazzy is open to more.
Strings Of Life - trained by Charlie Appleby
Ran well on debut at Newmarket. Trainer suggested she would improve a lot for that first start and heading to Royal Ascot. The form has been franked without setting the world alight. Respectable each-way claims.
Debutantes:
Arletta Star - trained by Tim Easterby
Evangeline Samos - trained by Kevin Ryan
Orange Blosson - Trained by James Givens
Form Horses:
Cotubanama trained by Mick Channon
Deia Glory - trained Scott Dixon
Lady Prancealot - trained by David Evans
Signora Cabello - trained by John Quinn
Spell - trained by Richard Hannon
Conclusion: A race where someone goes crazy fast. Plenty of unbeaten two-year-olds who could be anything. It is always difficult to limit a winner even if their form doesn't look much. In general, the fancied horses go well in this contest. No Lippy has pace to sit handy and battle to the line. She isn't the biggest horse but proven to some extent. A few of the other winners are of interest but they don't want to be slow from the stalls. If having to make up a few lengths the leaders will either need to stop or the individual a smart prospect. Not a race I would be betting simply because there are easier races to win at similar odds. Intriguing race to enjoy.
An EBF Maiden Stakes race over 5f on good going.
A competitive heat, this Class 2 contest (Plus 10) for those entitles giving a potential win of £21,828.
Nine two-year-olds take part. Mostly raced with six colts and three fillies taking their chance over the turning five furlong where a low draw can be paramount.
1) Anthem Of Peace -
Went much to fast of debut at Windsor. Interesting Brian Meehan comes here and although a big price - lots to prove - could run well if learning from that initial start.
2) Arcadian Rocks -
Prime draw in stall (1). Mick Channon's team are in good form. Ran in a small but competitive race at Salisbury on debut and far from disgraced. Difficult to assess the form but a few nice-looking horses in opposition and worthy of respect.
3) Awake In Asia -
A wide draw isn't the best starting point for David Evans' charge. This son of Dragon Pulse has been placed on two starts, defeated by decent types. Beaten a few lengths and may need to find improvement.
4) Finoah -
Tom Dascombe sends a lot of two-year-olds here and this son of Kodiac didn't show too much ability when behind Awake In Asia but open to improvement on his second start.
5) Swift Justice -
Another representative for Tom Dascombe and Manor House Stables. This son of Sixties Icon cost 50,000G at the yearling sales. Will need to be prime and clued up to win. Turning courses are never easy for debutantes.
6) Ynys Mon -
Charlie Hills is , much like his father, Barry, selective in the horses he runs at Chester. This son of Olympic Glory is a good-looking colt. He was well backed at Bath on debut but looked inexperienced and the testing ground didn't help. He ran much better at Newmarket but very keen. In ways, this bay colt did well to finish second, which shows a level of ability. This turning course may help save a little energy for the straight. Could well lead although that may provoke him to pull hard. It is always difficult to bet on a horse which displays temperament because you have two gambles to start with. I like this horse but at the odds may be best watched.
7) Elieden -
Another debutante for Gay Kelleway. This bay daughter of Camacho cost just £4000 at the breeze-up sales. This filly has a mountain to climb from stall 9. Interesting to consider she has been entered for this Class 2 race and also a selling race. This is a conflict of interests and a puzzle. I would take a watching brief.
8) Lady Kinsale -
Eric Alston is no stranger to talented sprinter but with very few two-year-olds in the stable they rarely achieve a great deal. This grey filly cost £25,000 at the breeze-up sales. Alston had her entered for the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes but favoured this race. A wide draw makes this very hard work.
9) Wedding Date -
Richard Hannon's filly made her debut at Brighton when a promising second behind James Watt, who is considered a decent type by Michael Bell. Difficult to assess the level of that form but worthy of respect. Draw 6 isn't ideal but may be ok for a horse with experience.
Verdict: Ynys Mon is a decent horse and well drawn. The only fear is if he boils over and pulls too hard. It would be enough to put me off betting.
A Novice Stakes over 5f on Standard going.
Seven two-year-olds take part: three with racecourse experience.
Charlie Appleby was a real powerhouse last season. He started this campaign in good fashion when String Of Life won at Newmarket. Shellbrook is an American-bred son of Shamardal out of a once-raced mare. The stable have serious clout and reason why this horse is short in the betting.
*Hard Forest has been kept busy this season having her third run for Mark Johnston. This daughter of Hard Spun has pace although looked a short runner in a couple of her races where the ground was on the soft side. This all-weather surface is likely to suit and a turning course should help save a little extra for the finish. Her form is ok without being anything special. A relatively wide draw isn't ideal but I can see her being directed to the front and get to the rail. Will make the most of her experience but looks vulnerable to a smart horse.
Robert Cowell has had a lot of two-year-old runners this early season, so much have an increased string. A number have run well. He has two juveniles going here and both have some interest.
So Hi Speed wasn't strongly fancied in the betting on debut at Newcastle. This American-bred son of Central Banker was very keen which didn't help his chances. This colt was with the leaders but faded in the closing stages to finish 5th. He had received a significant entry which suggests more is expected if settling.
The other runner, Pocket Dynamo, ran a stormer at Brighton over five-and-a-half furlongs. This American-bred son of Dialed In was sent off a 14/1 chance on debut but must have touched odds-on in running and looked to be a likely winner until It's The Only Way gathered his stride and won well enough. He has since won again making it two from two, franking the form. A wide draw isn't ideal. He looked a little inexperienced on debut and wouldn't want to be running wide on the bend if trying to get to the rail.
*One One Seven raced on Wednesday at Brighton and most likely be withdrawn.
Hugo Palmer is a trainer who should be respected with his two-year-olds and his first runner of the season ran on very well at Leicester when runner-up. Dragon Kuza wears the hood for debut which may be a negative. This Irish-bred son of Dragon Pulse cost 25,000G as a foal and presently in the ownership of the trainer. Drawn one could be a plus or a minus depended on his start. Certainly a few of the form horses may be eager to get to the rail which could find him struggling unless away well. The betting is the best guide. If weak in the market best watched.
Richard Hannon has started the season in decent order with a winner or two. Jaayiz is an Irish-bred son of Zoffany and £68,000 yearling purchase. I always find this stable to predict on debut but the shorter the price the better the chance.
Conclusion: An interesting race. A mix of form horses and those from bigger stables. It is likely One One Seven will be withdrawn leaving a field of six. Charlie Appleby's Shellbrook is going to start favourite. Whether he will be value is another thing. The betting is the best guide for Jaayiz and Dragon Kuza. The form horses have an advantage on a turning course. However, all have relatively wide draws. This may not be a problem but I can imagine some trying to get to the rail. It wouldn't be good news to be stuck wide on the bend. Hard Forest has good pace although looks limited in ways. This turning course will help her get home. Pocket Dynamo has the best form and quite a big horse. He looked a little bit awkward at Brighton but did well after being keen for much of the race. Should go well. So Hi Speed is open to improvement and may be something of a dark horse if settling today. I will be taking a watching brief.
NR: One One Seven, Hard Forest
An EBF Maiden Stakes over 5f 3y on soft going.
Six two-year-olds debutantes take part.
Mark Johnston has flown the flag for early-season victories over the last few years. However, this year hasn't seen such dominance with just one winner from eight juveniles on their racecourse bow.
Blown By Wind won in stylish fashion at Windsor when cruising clear of the field. A couple of other horses may have been bogged down by the mud and could go well next start so keep an eye on horse Deep Intrigue who was noted by Group Horse.
On the face of this race at Doncaster, it doesn't look the strongest of competitions. No Lippy is interesting for Mark Johnston. This bay filly is a daughter of British-bred stallion Oasis Dream. In the ownership of Barbara & Alick Richmond, this February foal cost 44,000 euros at the yearling sales. The mare raced 10 times, achieving 3 wins including a Group 2 success at Deauville, France. Also, runner-up at Grade 1 class at Belmont Park, USA. The mare didn't run until three and over 1m 4f. She achieved total prize earnings over £150,000.
No Lippy, has been noted by the trainer as a decent prospect so worth keep on the right side. The chances are she will not be much of a price for this race and for that reason I would advise taking a watching brief.
So, the Flat turf season 2018 is underway.
Those preseason nerves, excitement and anticipation transformed to focus on the here and now.
The two-year-old season started with the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes, just like the good, old days. Testing ground conditions have made the turf even more problematic.
Those first few weeks, if not months, can be difficult for any age of horse but especially two-year-olds. Considering most early juveniles will be cantering over the winter period the weather can impact on their progress. Also, the going, if running on the turf. It may be a positive if they have soft-ground breeding or a negative if not. Most trainers will not take a chance with a debutante because they want them to have a pleasant introduction. For many, travelling, a change of routine, different environment and hustle and bustle of the racecourse can be a frightening experience.
But how do we consider betting early season?
I would suggest you take care. The enthusiasm for wanting to bet can be strong (and not always a bad thing). The difficultly being you don't want to look for bets but neither do you want to miss gilt-edge chances. That is the difficulty of guidelines because they need that element of flexibility which says: ''You should bet even when you normally wouldn't''.
Reasons why you should be careful when betting early season:
1) Even trainers need time to assess the merit of their two-year-old string. Sure, they have older horses to run against and gauge the standard of, perhaps, their most precocious juvenile. They need a few runners to appreciate their worth. It's a time even the best of the best hold their breath and hope.
2) Assessing form. Early season form horses can be very deceiving. A horse finishes second and it feels natural to think it has ability. That may be correct or a big mistake. Many of these early form horses will start favourite on their second start and often poor bets with little value. In fact, many will be horrendous bets. Beaten out of sight.
3) Going concerns. As detailed above, these early months can see testing ground conditions on the turf. This makes life difficult on the day and assessing horses when making their second start, which may see them go to race on the all-weather.
4) Betting on debutantes. Even after years of betting, I am fearful of betting on debutantes. You just never know how they will handle the day. As all the early races are over 5f, a slow start, running awkward on a bend or just very inexperienced may leave you with a mountain to climb. It is a strange fact, but often the best horses have terrible debut runs. I take note of favourites who trail home in last because they often fly next start.
So what can we look for as positive pointers?
1) Listen to what horse trainers say. All trainers love to get in front of the camera especially when their horses are running well. Mick Channon was buoyant in his view that because Izzer won the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes, they have a decent two-year-old string. It has proven correct with winners and big runs following.
2) Experience counts for a lot. That first start gives a big advantage when opposing debutantes, especially on a turning course.
3) The intention of the trainer. Trainers are creatures of habit. How do they train their two-year-olds? When do they usually win? You will find that certain trainers never win on debut. Others place their horses to go well on their second start. While most of their chances are price driven. They need to be fancied in the betting. That is true for many but not all. I know trainers who go much better with outsiders than favourites. You simply need to have an understanding of what makes trainers tick.
4) Keep an eye on significant entries. If there is one pointer which helps identify a talented juvenile it is their race entries. Group Horse Daily details all this information for free this season. We work hard to detail the best two-year-old horses in training. You can take a look at previous year's analysis to appreciate how good this information is. It is exceptional.
My personal opinion is to be careful betting early season. You should enjoy what you are doing and be confident in your ability which comes from hard work or attaching yourself to people who do the work for you. The best bets always stand out. The only exception I would make about chancing your luck is if you have an inkling a big priced horse could win. You need so few of these selections to win to be in profit that I wouldn't let them pass by without a small bet.
The Flat racing season has started in earnest. So what are we to make of the two-year-old winners seen so far this season 2018?
Sixteen races:
Mick Channon's Izzer won the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes and then won under a penalty at Bath, making almost £20,000 in prize money. Looks a determine juvenile although prone to others if those penalties act like a millstone round his neck. Channon always found a winner in Jungle Inthebungle. He was found out second start, running on, as if six furlongs would suit.
A couple of Brocklesby Conditions Stakes runners - behind Izzer - have come out since and won boosting the form.
David Evans' Lihou battle well to win at Kempton. Bill Tuner's Arthur's Spirit disappointed on debut and showed ability when runner-up to Mr Buttons as Southwell. Arthur's Spirit led all the way at Kempton with the likes of Bungle Inthejungle outpaced.
Star Performers seen so far.
Charlie Fellows doesn't have too many juvenile and rarely two-year-olds out so early in the season. Snazzy had trouble in running but finished with plenty of appeal at Newcastle. This Class 2 race had very good prize money suggesting it was decent.
Mark Johnston has sent out a few two-year-olds with his classic easy winner or poor loser routine. One horse who was very well backed at Windsor is Blown By Wind. A good-looking colt, he took his time to get going but flew clear of the filed to win by a number of lengths. I get the feeling the placed horses were expecting to win so that speaks well for the victor who will not have any problems stepping up to 6f. Looks the type to keep in mind.
Charlie Appleby, for Godolphin, was a real force last season and String Of Life won nicely at Newmarket. The stable said this Irish-bred daughter of Slade Power would improve a lot for this debut and earmarked for Royal Ascot.
Tom Dascombe has a couple of smart types in Jackstar who won nicely at Newmarket and Light My Fire. The former was clearly expected by the stable and the owner, Mrs Caroline Ingram was almost bursting at the seams with pride and future ambition.
An EBF Novice Stakes race over 5f on good to soft going.
Eight two-year-old colts take part: two with race experience.
Both I Am A Dreamer and Ynys Mon shaped with promise on their racecourse bow.
The former trained by Mark Johnston was a beaten favourite and third of three when failing at even money on testing ground at Musselburgh. This son of Dream Ahead cost 62,000G at the yearling sales. Worth noting he was the only horses entered for the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes. Musselburgh saw heavy going that day, which is far from ideal. Time may tell it was a decent race even with such a small field. The betting on debut and Brocklesby entry encourage me to think I Am A Dreamer has ability.
The first thing that struck me about Ynys Mon, he is a good-looking colt. This son of Olympic Glory drifted to huge prices on the exchanges before being backed down to 13/2 SP. That was a decent Class 2 race, with very good price money of £12,000+ to the winner. Izzer won under a penalty after taking the Brocklesby Stakes. The second that day, John Betjeman, wasn't disgraced on his second start. Ynys Mon is an early runner for Charlie Hills. He doesn't have too many out this time of year and it is often a sign they have ability. The ground that day at Bath was horrendous being over ten seconds slow. This bay colt cost 85,000G. He was slow away from the stalls and playing catch up thereafter. True, on form he didn't show a great deal but there were reasons to forgive that performance and on better ground and experience on side, he isn't without hope.
Aidan O'Brien fields the well bred debutante Van Beethoven. The stable have the ability to win at leisure with their talents. However, this colt doesn't look to be value at short odds although respected.
Tom Dascombe sent out his first two runners the other day but neither achieved a great deal, unfancied in the betting and struggling with wide draws. Jackstar is a grey son of Dark Angel and costly yearling purchase at £120,000. The mare won and contested Group class. If priced 13/2 & less SP should be respected.
Brian Meehan isn't usually one to start the season so early with his two-year-olds. Treasure Quest is a son of Sepoy and cost £30,000 at the yearling sales. The stable can win at speculative prices. Would have more appeal if backed.
Pesci hails from Richard Fahey's stable. He is a superb trainer when it comes to readying a debutante although each horse is best judged on its merits. This son of Elzaam cost £35,000 at the yearling sales.
The first two-year-old of the campaign for Kevin Ryan in Aloysius Lilius. This Irish-bred son of Gregorian cost 46,000 euros at the yearling sales.The stable can win on debut and worthy of respect.
Robert Cowell is a capable trainer who can pop up with a decent juvenile. Vikivaki was far from disgraced on debut at Newcastle. Owner, Mrs Fitri Hay wasn't holding back when this son of Kodiac was purchased for 180,000 euros. Ballistic is out of a twice-winning mare who raced over sprint distances and rated about 90. The betting suggests others are more fancied but could be backed.
Conclusion: A difficult race to assess. A few of these are fancied by connections ,while others cost good money. I Am A Dreamer is likely to have ability. Ynys Mon has something to prove but a good-looking colt who may shine brighter here. Difficult to know what to think about the favourite. I wouldn't be betting at short odds but respect the stable.It means you have bigger odds to play with for an each way bet if that is your angle. The two form horses have valuable experience but this looks a tough race to call.
Who doesn't love a bit of royal ascot hospitality. It's an occasion of exceptional horse racing, pomp, ceremony and opportunity for Ladies & Gentleman to dress up to the nines in all their finery and swagger about the course.
From the 19th - 23rd June, Royal Ascot comes alive.
For those who enjoy two-year-old horse racing there is plenty to get your teeth into.
The Coventry Stakes (Group 2) 3:05 Tuesday 20th June
A Brief History
Open to two-year-old colts and fillies run over 6f. It was first inaugurated in 1890 by the 9th Earl of Coventry. However, the Coventry took its Group 2 status in 2004, previously given Group 3 rating from 1971.
A number of exceptional horses have won this race over the years.
In 1970, Mill Reef shone brightly for trainer Ian Balding. He went on to win 10 high-profile races including the Epsom Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe among other noted victories.
Other winners talents include: Red Clubs (2005), Canford Cliffs (2009) & Carravaggio (2016).
Last year say trainer Richard Spencer prevail with Rajasinghe (pictured), ridden by Stevie Donohoe.
Trends
This usually goes to one of the bigger stables. Aidan O'Brien has been successful four in the last eleven races. As regards the betting, in the last sixteen years the biggest priced winner was War Command 20/1 (2013), trained by O'Brien, ridden by Seamie Heffernan. However, this was very much an anomaly. In fact, thirteen of the last fifteen races have gone to horses priced 8/1 & less. Nine priced 5/1 & less. This data illustrates that even though the Coventry Stakes often features a large field, very few horses have a fighting chance. The major fancies are worthy of respect and especially Aidan O'Brien.
Other notable two-year-old races at Royal Ascot include:
Windsor Castle (Listed)
Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)
Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)
Albany Stakes (Group 3)
Chesham Stakes (Listed)
Just a quick note to say we have a cracking race preview placed on Group Horse Daily. This two-year-old race at Kempton is worth noting today as a few form horses contest this Stakes race. In addition, there is a number of debutantes of some interest. Readers know that when it comes to horse racing we are going the extra mile to keep you informed. Group Horse Daily is free for all this year. Remember, this cost about £500 per year when part of our subscription service. Basically, we should be charging £10 per week for this service. It is all about value. Follow our information for this season and you will see what we mean. Exceptional.
An EBF Novice Stakes over 6f 3y on good to firm going. 
