Tuesday 23 May 2017

2:20 Brighton Racing Tips (23rd May) Maiden Auction Stakes (Class 5) (2yo)


A Maiden Auction Stake over 5f 215y on good going.

Eleven two-year-olds declared. I won't be writing about all of these. It is a restricted race type which often favours form horses. 

Interesting to see how Move To The Front goes after a dismal effort in the Brocklesby Stakes. Clive Cox's two-year-olds have been flying this season but this son of Lord Shanakill didn't figure on his debut at Doncaster. There was clearly something amiss that day. I would imagine the stable expected a bold performance and after some time on the sidelines, they are ready to roll. This bay colt cost just £10,000 at the yearling sales and races in the ownership of Paul & Clare Rooney. Today's trip sees him step up a furlong. It is slightly concerning to see the blinkers applied for the first time. I would take this as a negative although you have to consider the trainer knows best. 

Arabian Jazz will start favourite. She unseating her rider on debut. Micheal Bell's juveniles are in good form and recent York winner Main Desire has ample class. Arabian Jazz was fancied to go well at Chelmsford City. She started 9/2 but misfortune ruled the day. That starting price was a major indicator to this daughter of Red Jazz having ability. She is a good buy for the Ontoawinner syndicated who paid just 11,000E at the yearling sales. It was no surprise to see her start at double-figure odds when returning to Leicester. Unseating the rider doesn't fill too many people with confidence but I was positive of a sterling effort. She ran on well in the closing stages to take second place. This step up in distance will suit. The horse to beat. 

Safe Waters may be an outsider with some hope. Eve Johnson Houghton's two-year-olds can win on debut but rather hit and miss. 

Conclusion: Not too much to say about this race, to be honest. Arabian Jazz sets the standard although took her time to get going over 5f and will need this extra yardage to shine. I don't think there is a great deal of value at 11/8. I'm intrigued to see Move To The Front. It must be a significant sign heading to the Brocklesby especially with a number of talented two-year-old winning since. He didn't cost much money, disappointed on debut, and needs to show much more today. I would suspect Cox thought this colt would go close to winning on debut. It is slightly concerning to see the blinkers applied. There may be a number of reasons for this but it would be a worry if it is due to being very lazy. I couldn't bet on either of these horses but interested in seeing how they go.