Recent Two-Year-Old Eye Catchers

Another frustrating weekend for the blog, when nothing went right, to be fair most of my 3-year-old trackers, are running well but when my hard-earned cash is on running well is not good enough. I was pretty hopeful Freedom Flyer would run well after seeing early support for this Simon and Ed Crisford trained colt but as the price started to drift near race time so did my hopes. The Invincible Spirit colt 10/1 shot was out the stalls alright but very keen for his first time on the racecourse and that's never a good sign, the writing was on the wall a few furlongs out as he backpedaled and faded into fourth place and my each-way bet was gone. I will give Freedom Flyer another chance as soft ground, debut run and greenness could have all contributed to an average performance. 

Riviera Belle was another who just finished out the places and I will keep in my trackers after staying on but not threatening at Chelmsford on Saturday night. I’m sure the Charlie Fellowes filly can get a win on the board soon. Ice Sprite looks a nice type for William Haggas and despite finishing fourth and yet another bet just out the places, I liked the way the Zoffany filly was gradually staying on at the end. 

Two out of my three eye-catchers have won in the past week, Yes short prices I know but it was nice to see Imperial Yellow and Ventura Tormenta both win. 

Eyecatchers:

DARVEL is a 380,000 guineas Dark Angel colt trained by Kevin Ryan and owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. Darvel made his debut at Haydock just over a week back and was pretty strong in the market at 13/8 despite opening up at 11/10 and needed a few strides to get back on the bridle. I think Darvel will have learned a lot from this experience and despite getting back into contention could never land a blow against the more experienced runners in the field. Definitely, one to keep on the list for the next start.

CALCUTTA CUP was purchased for 100,000 euros at the Arqana 2019 October Yearlings Sale and is trained by Andrew Balding and owned by Mrs. Fitri Hay. I do love Andrew Balding 2-Year-olds and especially second start. The Territories chestnut colt was thrown in at the deep end in the Investec Woodcote EBF Stakes on Saturday at Epsom so that in itself is a good sign. Calcutta Cup totally missed the break and was always behind and ran green from then on. I’m pretty hopeful I will see a more professional performance next start and will be interested to see if he attracts any market support. 

FAST EMMA is another one who was still asleep coming out of the stalls on debut. The Michael Bell cheap purchase was fancied on debut when starting off 7/2 but showed signs of greenness when fluffing the break. The Fast Company filly only cost £6.000 and won’t be one of Michael Bells' top 2-year-olds but will have learned a lot from that debut race and hopefully pick up a win in the coming weeks. 

Others to note: 

YOUTH SPIRIT, trained by Andrew Balding. 
BAHIA STAR, trained by Richard Guest. 

Thanks for reading and stay safe.