As it's still early season, and it takes a while to get going with the information we need, I will be writing about subjects that take my interest.
The Week Ahead:
The early declarations are out for the first Flat turf meeting of the 2019 season: the Unibet Lincoln Race Day taking place at Doncaster.
The Unibet Lincoln is the highlight of the day (but not for me as I will be taking a keen interest in the Brocklesby) but more on that later.
Looking back at the past running of the Doncaster Mile Stakes shows Roger Varian likes to target this race with some nice types, including 2018 winner Zabeel Prince and 2016 winner Belardo. This year Sharja Bridge has been given an early entry, so depending on price, could be a possible bet for me, especially as he likes the soft going which he proved by winning his last race at Ascot.
The Unibet Lincoln is a race that D O’Meara has done well. In the past two seasons, Lord Glitters finish second in 2018, and Bravery outrunning his odds to win the 2017 renewal at 20/1.
Humbert, who has changed stables from the Hugo Palmer yard, has seen some early support backed from 25/1 to 10/1. Waarif, who is owned by Middleham Park Racing who also run Ventura Knight, have a chance of winning the £62,250 prize.
Next race on the card (I have been waiting for what seems an age) is the Unibet Brocklesby Conditions Stakes for 2-year-olds. With no form guide, it’s a bit of a minefield. As with all unraced 2-year-old horses, it’s worth keeping an eye out on market movers. Even if they get beat this time, that bit of information could be gold dust worth noting when the horse makes its next start.
I have already written an article about past winners (detailing a few stats), but now the early declarations are in I see the same old trainers are ready to unleash a ''superstar''. I will mention a few horses entered for the Brocklesby Stakes.
Mick Channon won this race last year with Izzer, who was backed into 4/1. He fields Birkenhead and Sir Gordon.
Bill Turner normally runs his best two-year-old here. However, the last two years have proven disappointing. Both horses started at odds of 10/1. I will be checking the betting to see if Hell of a Joker is fancied or not.
Lexington Quest is another interesting runner for the Middleham Park Racing Syndicate, trained by R Hannon. If he runs, I imagine he will be fit and ready to go as most Hannon 2-year-olds are primed, especially if strong in the market.
Conclusion: This looks a decent Brocklesby with a few top trainers looking to win the £7,116 prize. I have only mentioned a select few. It’s always good to keep an eye on the market, especially as the winner of this race has been 4/1 and under the past four years.
Good luck with whoever you back, I might just watch and enjoy this one.
