Thursday's 2yo Racing Insight (20th April)

2:15 Ripon - 

I thought Ziggy’s Phoenix ran well on debut. Been given a Class 2 stakes entry which suggests they think this filly has ability. The form of the Kempton race was franked by She’s Smart who ran well at Newmarket. From a statistical point of view, has fair claims (price to chance at about 2/1). Could well improve from that first start and wasn’t given a hard time. Hannon does well at Ripon too. 

Desert Master is well bred. The mare went close in Pattern class. Tate got off to a flying start when his first two-year-old of the season won well at Newmarket. This horse would have high stats if 11/4 and less sp. 

Havana Prince is a good-looking colt. Showed good pace on debut before tiring in the final furlong. Tony Coyle is a fair trainer whose horses are half limited but up to winning a race. The Brocklesby form has been franked by a few although is colt was beaten a few lengths. I can see it showing good pace and leading but whether he will be caught in the final furlong? Coyle’s stats for second time out at 13/2 and less sp is 0/13 but half were placed. Perhaps he’s been unlucky and a win or two will set the record straight but it does suggest his fancied horses sometimes flatter to deceive. 

Charlie Johnston’s juveniles have been a little up in the air so far. I do associate the stable with bringing out their better horses in May. If Kandy House is priced over 9/2 who have less chance of winning. Fair stats if shorter priced. 

David O’Meara is a decent trainer and I like his runners at Ripon. He usually places his horses well at this course and owners Bronte Collection 1 (they seem to have changed their colours from last year’s blue and white check) are often very good when the money comes. Stage Door is worth watching in the betting. Has fair stats if 7/1 and less sp. He won this race two out of the last three years with talented individuals (both on their second start). 

I can’t say I’m a fan of Tim Easterby on debut unless priced 9/2 and less. In the good, old days, Easterby use to target this racecourse with a few talented juveniles. It’s interesting there has been some money for Dandy Fitz. On balance, would need to be seriously fancied in the betting to give real hope. 

Conclusion: A tricky-looking race. The betting may help pick between the lines of these. I don’t see much (if any) value. Ziggy’s Phoenix is one of three fillies taking on the colts. Not always ideal. Showed ability on debut and looks the type to improve and sets the standard. If Desert Master starts favourite (11/4 and less sp) I would expect a big run. The betting will help identify strength or weakness. Havana Prince is a nice-looking horse who will set the pace but the stable stats do bring slight concerns although they do suggest fair place chances. Betting will tell the story for Charlie Johnston’s Kandy House. David O’Meara has his two-year-old in good form and I do like his juveniles running at this course. May well have claims especially if strong in the betting. The betting will help here but not a race I would be betting.

Author: Jason