2:50 Newcastle -
An intriguing race, which may well be a two-horse race.
Teona, trained by Roger Varian, will take some beating and considering it is 1/2f it looks a stiff opponents. Whether this daughter of Sea The Star is value at such short odds is a matter of opinion.
This may be good news for those who are interested in John Gosden's Silver Horn, who is a very well bred daughter of Golden Horn in the ownership of Nat Rothchilds. She was slightly weak in the betting on debut at Nottingham, in soft ground, but ran with promise giving the impression this step up in distance would be a plus and there should be more to come. If touching each-way odds this May foal could be a viable alternative to the jolly.
Looking forward to this race.
3:50 Newcastle -
It's a strange thing that Tim Fitzgerald doesn't train many two-year-olds but they win on debut. So we will see how The Sedberghian goes.
One horse that may have a hope of winning on debut, and I'm generally terrified of betting first time out, is David Barron's Rita R. However, there is a caveat regarding the money going down or not. For me the price is key for this daughter of Tagula, who may well need a stiffer trip. So what's the key to seeing a decent run? If priced in single figures, I'd expect a bold show and fair each-way claims. If weak in the market, I'd give this horse a wide birth.
4:00 Chlesmford -
I've got my eye on Brian Meehan's Impeach. This chestnut son of No Nay Never cost 80,000 euros at the yearling sales. This colt was noted by the trainer, and that hasn't happened much this season. Considering the stable have a number of talented two-year-olds, this could be a sign of ability. There was good money for this horse on debut which started at 6/1. He ran a fair race beaten under three lengths. There should be improvement to come and Meehan's juveniles often run a big race on their second start. If priced 13/2 and less sp, I would expect this March foal to hit the frame.
4:20 Newcastle -
This race has, potentially, some strength and depth. Legion Of Honour hasn't been seen since June, when finishing second place at Haydock when priced 7/2. This expensive yearling cost 280,000 guineas. There must have been a problem for this absence of almost 150 days. I wouldn't be too concerned with this lay off as Varian is unlikley to return this time of year unless fancying their chance to go well. However, backing an even money shot after time on the sidelines and some opposition may not be the value.
Archie Watson is an exceptional trainer of two-year-olds and Colonel Faulkner went close to winning on debut when denied by just half a length. I'm expecting a big run.
Keep an eye on the betting for Charlie Hill's Ariel was beaten 'country mile' on debut when priced 14/1. Racing in the familiar silks of P K Sui, was slow away and the trainer's rep detailed the horse was unsuited by the going and would prefer a 'faster surface'. It's interesting connections took the time to detail this point as it gives the impression they expected more. There has been a little bit of money for this son of Exceed And Excess. If seriously backed, I would consider this a very good sign.
Best chances today: probably Impeach and Silver Horn if available at each-way prices.
If Rita R is priced 9/1 and less sp, I would have a small each-way treble with those two noted.
Good luck.