Midweek Thoughts (6th April)

I have been very cautious with betting since the start of the flat season, one winner a second and one unplaced and that's been it. I can honestly say it felt good just holding fire without jumping in all guns blazing with these early 2-year-old races as I’m pretty sure I would have been kicking myself for betting on the unknown. It was nice to see Sean Woods back with a 2-year-old winner after being away for a spell training winners in Hong Kong. General Panic was his first horse since being back and with James Doyle on board the Outstrip colt won in good style. The Craven meeting is on the horizon and I’m pretty sure we will see a few nice types out at Newmarket to get the excitement going again but for now I have a few 3-year-old trackers that could be worth a second look on the day. 

16:00 Gowran Park (IRE) 07 Apr 2021 

I will be checking the betting before I decide whether to bet on the Aidan O’Brien trained Pioneerof The Nile 3-year-old colt HANDEL on Wednesday after what was a pretty disappointing debut to say the least last June. A $250,000 purchase at The Saratoga Sale and owned by Mrs John Magnier & M Tabor & D Smith. Handel was sent off 7/1 for his debut race at Leopardstown after opening up an 11/2 shot. I’m even doubting myself here after watching the replay again where he finished stone last beaten over 20-lengths after being slightly hampered and eased off, it’s been a while since we have seen handel so it’s a bit of a long shot this one. One positive is that Aidan thought a lot of Handel last season and although not the most expensive colt in Ballydoyle by a long shot I will give him another chance if the betting allows. Chicago Black Hawk could be a warm order and comes with the best form after finishing third to Van Gogh last timeout. Probe is another who should be in the mix and come on after a decent debut at Curragh a couple of weeks ago. 

17:15 Newcastle 07 Apr 2021 

A pretty hot contest to make your debut in but all horses have to start somewhere hey, I know trainer George Scott gave PUNTA ARENAS a pretty decent write-up in his post last season but Imagine will be up against it first timeout against a few experienced rivals that’s not to say the bay gelding can’t put in a decent performance. Punta Arenas is by sire Quality Road and bred and owned by Flaxman Holdings Limited. 

Eye-catcher

I could be way out here and I know what readers will think, if WILD MOUNTAIN was an eye-catcher you need to go to specsavers and I wouldn’t blame you. I do like the combination of Paul Cole and owner Mrs Fitri Hay who do pop up with a winner now and again. Wild Mountain was pretty short in the betting (5/2) and you would of needed binoculars to see him as he was slowly away and detached until making up some ground towards the finish at Kempton yesterday, as I said it’s a speculative eye-catcher and I will be checking the betting next time he runs for some support. I’m pretty sure the posts will be coming thick and fast soon as the flat hots up so keep a lookout for my next post or follow me on Twitter and get involved as I chat about the days 2-year-old races. 

Thanks for reading and stay safe.