5:40 Salisbury Racing Tips (29th May)

An interesting race over 5f on good to soft going.

Second Wind ran out a fair winner at Yarmouth on debut, taking advantage of Robasta who was 4/7f and struggled to play catch-up after a slow start. William Haggas [Second Wind] hasn't seen many two-year-olds on course this early season but this son of Kodiac was earmarked for a York Class 2 race but heads to Wiltshire with a win penalty. In my opinion it is always difficult to assess a winner. How do you limit a winner? That was a small field and the runner up [Robasta] has been placed twice since. It will be interesting to see if Second Wind can defy the burden. 

This looks a competitive race.

Rod Millman sends many of his better juveniles to race at Salisbury and Amazonian Dream is probably one of their better two-year-olds. In fact, I would go so far to say that the form of his first two starts is easily good enough to win an average maiden and it wouldn't be a surprise to see this son of Bungle Inthejungle contest pattern class. A good-looking colt with size and strength, he ran a sterling race on debut at Newbury. That was a decent race. He was very unlucky to bump into Tom Dasacombe's Flaming Rib when seemingly dropped in class at Haydock. The way the winners cruised past the opposition, I can only image he is group class. Amazonian Dream is a straightforward horse who has a level of ability. That is usually enough to win a race. Without doubt, he will run a race but will he win is another question. As always, it's about price to chance and value. I would rather bet on this horse each-way (if prices allow) but it's unlikely to get to that price. 

To add to the mix we have another trainer who I associate sending talented two-year-olds to Salisbury. Ralph Beckett unleashed Hello You who won impressively at Wolverhampton. Owner, Amo Racing Ltd have been splashing the cash like no ones business and Lovely Mana is worthy of respect. Beckett can win on debut, especially when his juveniles are strongly fancied in the betting (to be fair he is one trainer who can go well at a price). This daughter of Dabirsim out of a winning mare cost 115,000 guineas at the yearling sales. A horse I would fear. 

We don't stop at these three juveniles. There could be a dark horse hiding in the mist. Bosh, trained by Richard Hannon, may be a talented two-year-old. In fact I would go as far to say this bay colt has a level of ability. This son of Profitable out of a winning mare wasn't the most expensive yearling purchase at 62,000 guineas but money isn't always the answer to a talented two-year-old. Hannon has been in good form with his two-year-olds this season with five debut winners and plenty of others on their second start. If priced 10/1 and less sp has a fighting chance although I am always a little apprehensive about betting on horses on their first time outing. It's never an easy feat to beat an experienced horse. 

Saeed bin Suroor has been quiet this early season. He had his first two-year-old runner at Pontefract (28th May) and that colt disappointed. Home City doesn't look to be fancied in the betting but may have a hope if backed. The mare enjoyed a trip so whether this start over the minimum trip is up for question. However, the sire was a sprinter through and through. Home City has been earmarked for three decent races. A couple of Class 2 stakes races and even thoughts of going to Beverley for the Continental Two-Year-Old Trophy (Beverley 3:10). Those entries could well detail a talented horse. I think the betting will tell the story. If fancied to go well, I would consider this colt has to be priced 7/1 and less sp. 

Conclusion: Even a mundane looking race can hide potential stars of racing. Whether that will be the case here only time will tell. However, make no mistake this is a decent race with strength and depth. Form horses always have a distinct advantage and that's why Amazonian Dream and Second Wind (even with a win penalty) should be respected. It could be the case there are three debutantes heading here with hopes of a perfect start to their racing career. Lovely Mana, Bosh and Home City all catch the eye. The betting will seal the deal for Home City. If weak in the betting I would suspect he needs the run or a step up in distance. I would give Beckett's Lovely Mana a big shout if starting favourite and would be a live chance if not. I'm half interested in Bosh if available on the exchanges at a price. However, there is money for this colt and I would just fear betting at shorter odds because this race won't be a walk in the park. I would have to take a watching brief. 

Author: Jason Coote