Welcome to May (1st May)

What a frustrating end to April that was, first was Chef De Partie for Roger Charlton and Richard Kingscote, no each way available so I took the 7/2 and had a few quid win. I was hoping he was quicker away and less keen today, Chef De Partie was away well so that was nice to see, helped by the rail he didn't hang as much but still a bit keen, this was more like it as Chef was in a perfect position to take the long time leader and favourite Frantanck who had made a bold bid to make all, it was only a matter of time I thought until the Frankel colt tired but no Frantanck was gutsy and wouldn't let Chef De Partie past for all he tried, I can't complain really it was a nice effort.❎

Next was Graceland's Girl who I had a few quid on each way at 9/2, I was pretty convinced she could finish in the first three, another who was slowly away last time out and I was hopeful it wouldn't happen again. Here we go as they went behind the stalls, I felt pretty confident at this point, ah fuck slowly away and playing catch up. David Allan got Graceland's Girl back in the back but used a little effort getting there, it was a copy of the Chef De Partie race as Lucia Joy made all and my fancy couldn't get past, a small loss. I feel with a bit of luck this month could have been alright but I've ended up with a small points loss. ❎

The first eye-catching performance that I will add to my trackers.

17.20 Doncaster 30 April 

Self Praise is trained by Hugo Palmer and made his debut on Saturday evening at Doncaster. The son of Twilight Son cost 37,000 gns and is a half-brother to the Richard Hannon trained Foden who's a two times winner. Early support for Self Praise saw his price drop to around 9/2. Ross Coakley was in the saddle and in what was a scrappy start to the race when Self Praise was slow out the stalls and in a bit of scrimmaging as they tried to sort themselves out, push come to shove a few furlongs out and the sprint was on, Self Praise was behind three of the six field as Ross made his move and went for a gap that wasn't really opening up to be honest then losing all momentum and playing catch up, I'm pretty sure Self Praise would have won with a clear passage. One I will be looking forward to next time out. 

15.17 Salisbury (Tracker Evolicatt)

Nine go to post here in this fillies Conditions Stakes

Tough little race with one 2yo with experience and the rest make their debut. I'm pretty sure the market will sort itself out come race time.

Evolicatt is the first of the David Evans runners here. The March foal ran well in the Brocklesby finishing fifth, next run saw her come second to Jiffy Boy at Leicester on soft going. The form looks decent and I'm hoping experience counts against the debutantes. 

Angelic Davis for Roger Teal, a capable 2yo trainer who can pop up with a big priced winner even though doesn't have many 2yos, not to be overlooked.

Baccarat Baby for Ralph Beckett. The 72,000 yearling out of mare Volunteer Point who won fto over six furlongs for Mick Channon. Ralph's Sunny Orange made a winning debut at Leicester last week. Decent fto strike rate at the course, if negative in the betting I would take a watching brief.

Cuban Miss for Rod Millman and the Middleham Park Racing team. Been some support for this daughter of Havana Grey. Half-sister to Triple Spear who won three times for Michael Appleby. Given a good write up in the blog and described as a very speedy filly. Trainer not known for fto 2yo winners. 

Durley Boy for Mick Channon. April foal who at the time of writing is weak in the market. Trainer had a great fto strike rate back in 2018 but poor since, did have a second on Friday with Desperate Hero 

Girlswannahavefun is David Evans second runner here. If supported could have an each way squeak.

Jilted, Brazen Beau filly for Richard Hannon. A 22,000 gns March foal. Trainers had 3/13 with debut winners this season, 12/1, 9/1 and 1/1, plus stable has won this race a few times in the past. The mare won on debut back in 2014.

Early favourite Katey Kontent for Clive Cox. Trainer no first time out 2yo winner yet but strong in the market this morning. A half-sister to the useful Karl Burke trained El Caballo who finished second on debut last season over five furlongs, pedigree looks spot on here and if backed to short odds should be there about.

Princess Naomi second runner for Rod Millman who is currently the outsider of the field.

Conclusion:

Katey Kontent makes plenty of appeal on pedigree and with a few if the big trainers sending one over its a tough one to be confident. I'm chancing a small win bet on Evolicatt hoping it's third time lucky and the experience counts. 1 point each way.

Other trackers:

17.02 Salisbury: Vaslad.

Thanks for reading.