1:20 Chepstow Racing Update (30th August)

Just a quick word or two about this race over 6f 16y on good going. 

A sizable field of 10 runners. 9 with racecourse experience and one debutante featuring prominently in the betting.  

Archie Watson's twice-raced Manitou is a good-looking colt who has run creditably on both his starts to date, finishing third on both occasions.Recently been gelded. Probably due to his exuberance which has seen this son of Sioux Nation tire in the closing stages of his races. Nonetheless, this strapping colt has enough ability to win a race for owners Hambleton Racing Ltd, who have their share of winners. Whether you would want to bet at odds on is another thing. 

Vetiver hails from Andrew Balding's stable that's been in flying form all year long. This daughter of Twilight Son wears the hood for her debut, which may be a slight cause for concern. This home bred would have claims if priced in single-figure odds. 

Narasha is a good-looking filly who had no luck on debut when bumped and out the back. However, this grey daughter of Zoustar is out of a talented mare who won at Group class. She cost 38,000G at the yearling sales in the ownership of Paul Turner and someone who is a key patron of the stable and tasted success.The stable do have two-year-old winners although they can be thin on the ground. Very few of their second time out winners are priced in double figures so it would be a positive if not prerequisite for the money to come. A horse with a fighting chance but one I would have concerns if not seriously backed. 

Henry Candy has had a quiet season with his juveniles and very little in the way of winners. Cluedo was half fancied on debut but finished seventh. The stable can go well with horses on their second start but there needs to plenty of money for this daughter of Kodiac to shine. 

A quick word for Mark Loughnane's Leonna, who races in the familiar silks of K Sohi. This daughter of Expert Eye cost 48,000G at the yearling sales and showed a little bit of ability on debut but fell flat second start a 14/1 shot. Perhaps there is more to come. At 50/1 she might be a speculative punt but you are chancing your arm. I must admit the stable do not fill me with any confidence at all. I hope these words will tempt fate. 

Lahaayeb would be a contender if backed to single figures but that looks unlikely. 

Conclusion: In ways this race is all about Manitou who has proven form, holds some reputation within the stable, and odds-on for this. On the downside, he can be a touch keen which may see him vulnerable at the finish. I'd keep an eye on the betting as any of those in opposition would need support. Narasha may be an each-way alternative but there would need to be money for this good-looking filly. Support for the likes of Cluedo and Lahaayeb would catch the eye, while Leonna may be a speculative punt if you are the forgiving type. 

Author: Jason Coote