Convict Hoping To Make Amends (Plus Previews)

13:15 Redcar 25 Sep 2019. 

British EBF Future Stayers Maiden Stakes. Plus 10 | Class 4 | 2YO only. Winner £10,350 - 11 declared to run.: 

Tracker: Bentley Wood. 

Eye-Catcher: Convict. 

A couple of horses that I have noted here in what looks a tricky contest. First up is the Mick Channon trained, owned and bred Sixties Icon colt Bentley Wood. Mick Channon had given Bentley Wood an entry in Class 2 Peter Willett Maiden Stakes at Goodwood in August, but he never ran. His debut race was in fact at Carlisle early this month and even though he wasn't fancied at 22/1 it was a race full of promise. It wasn't the strongest race but the winner Strawman and Bentley Wood had it between them at the finish. It looks like being soft going tomorrow with the amount of rain around the country at the minute and Bentley Wood should relish the going. 

I added Convict to my eye-catcher list after a promising debut at Newbury back in August. The William Haggas trained Australia colt is a half brother to the exciting Hamish also trained by William Haggas. Convict was slowly away on debut until staying on well without threatening the eventual winner Quadrilateral who won a nice Class 2 Conditions race next start and an exciting filly for Roger Charlton. Everything was set up for a good run next start from Convict and I have to admit I had a few quid on. What I wasn't expecting after a furlong was jockey Danny Tudhope to lose his irons after Convict stumbled on the path and the jockey looking more like a rodeo star. I guess that's the gamble you take and these things happen. He was well-supported that day which was a good sign and hopefully I can get an each-way price tomorrow and get a run for my money at least. We also have Talap who tries the cheekpieces after a disappointing run last time out and a Mark Johnston newcomer who needs a market check on debut. 

18:15 Newcastle 25 Sep 2019: 

Designs Signage Ebf Novice Stakes. Class 5 | 2YO only Winner £3,752 - 7 declared to run. 

Tracker: Anastarsia. 

Eye-Catcher: Crystal Pegasus. 

I noted the Michael Stoute trained Crystal Pegasus as an eye-catcher at the start of this month after a promising debut at Ascot. Crystal Pegasus is a half-brother to Crystal Hope who won second time out at 14/1. Ryan Moore gave Crystal Pegasus a nice enough ride, and he stayed on well-behind the John Gosden trained Enemy. The extra distance should bring out more improvement from the Australia colt. He won't have it all his own way though because we have a serious rival in the name of Anastarsia. The John Gosden Sea The Stars filly has a Group 1 fillies mile entry and we all know how John Gosden loves a 2-year-old winner at Newcastle. I won't be betting on this race, I think it's one to enjoy and just watch. 

Good luck and thanks for reading.