Revisiting the 2021 Brocklesby Conditions Stakes (30th November)

RACE 1 RESULT – @UnibetRacing Brocklesby Conditions Stakes

🥇Chipotle
🥈Wonderful World
🥉Makalu

Jockey: @bishopcharlie12

Trainer: @johnsonhoughton

Owners: The Woodway 20

📸: @nigekirby

Sponsors: https://t.co/C8xYHaHLfJ pic.twitter.com/1ONMoAN5x6

— Doncaster Racecourse (@DoncasterRaces) March 27, 2021

Let's go back to the beginning. 

Revisiting the 2021 Brocklesby Stakes. The first race of the turf season, for two-year-olds colts and fillies. 

This race has seen some exceptional winners over the years including Hearts Of Fire, Mind Games, The Last Lion. It's a very special race for me as it is like the first piece of the jigsaw puzzle. To be fair, the Brocklesby has had its highs and lows. Many runnings have come and gone without any start turn. However, when the horses are lined up I'm always hopeful there will be a sparkling winner or juveniles which progress to show they are exceptions to the rule. 

The 2021 Brocklesby Stakes didn't disappoint. 

That made my year. 

Source: Racing Post

What a brilliant winner we had in Eve Johnson-Houghton's Chipotle. A decisive winner taking the Brocklesby in style and so much more. 

Today was our richest raceday and it proved you don't have to be a millionaire to be successful in horse racing as bargain colt Chipotle won the William Hill Two Year Old Trophy, following on from a Royal Ascot success.https://t.co/11bfBLgnRX pic.twitter.com/MAocaYFgv7

— Redcar Racecourse (@Redcarracing) October 2, 2021

Chipotle form: 

Total earnings: £139,714 

Vintage Clarets Form: 

Total earnings: £26,868 

Other winners include:

Total earnings: £14,198

Total earnings: £7,488

Total earnings: £14,381

Black Hill Storm returns to the winner's enclosure after our first race of the day, the Join Racing TV Now Selling Stakes, under Shane Kelly. There was no bid for the grey colt who made the long trip from Monmouthshire worthwhile pic.twitter.com/D9KoVuA6XZ

— Redcar Racecourse (@Redcarracing) April 29, 2021

Source: Racing Post 

Wednesday's 2YO Info (7th July)

Another late post.

Four two-year-old races today. I'm not looking at the juvenile nursery races as I find them a distraction and, sometimes, a very frustrating race type. So last year I decided to give them a miss as they can take a lot of time to assess and appreciated, which, in my opinion, isn't time well spent. They are a race medium from the highest to lowest grade. I consider if you can't work out the chances of a horse running in a maiden then you have little hope of tipping a winner in a nursery race. 

Each to their own. 

Anyway, let's take a quick look at today's proceedings.  

1:15 Catterick - 

Many punters will be looking at Russellinthebushes as a certainty. It might win but I won't be betting on it. Why? Because from experience when a half-talented horse is dropped in plating class it is a sign of disaster. There might be a slight difference between selling and claiming races. I wouldn't be betting at about even money that's for sure. To be honest, I wouldn't bet in this race unless I could get about 4/1 on Black Hill Storm. That's not going to happen. However, I do feel Evan's runner, who has won and raced well at this grade, is here because that's where he should be and fighting for a winning chance rather than the slightly desperate look of Tom Dacombe's charge. Neither look much value at the prices so I will be watching. 

2:30 Yarmouth - 

In an ideal world, I'd be at Yarmouth races today. However, things haven't gone to plan over the last two weeks and I'm at home. This race is interesting. Eve Lodge is a talented filly for Charlie Fellowes and she should enjoy this faster going. She won well on her second start and wasn't disgraced at Royal Ascot when contesting the Albany Stakes (Group 3). She carries a penalty but odds-on here. She's clearly up to racing at Group class so this banded race may be easy pickings for her even carrying a win penalty. She is a naturally speedy type and held in high regard by connections. It's probably a matter of whether the penalty is enough to slow her down a length or two. Most two-year-olds that are fancied in the betting, carrying a penalty, run well. Clearly being odds-on the bookies are hardly giving anything away. This could well be a stepping stone to better races. She has been earmarked for the Lowther Stakes (Group). 

I have half an eye on Hugo Palmer's Crocodile Tears as an each-way alternative. The bookmakers aren't going to be giving anything away. If betting, you'd have to do so on the exchanges as the win market will possibly offer much bigger odds. The place is about even money. This daughter of Bungle Inthejungle ran ok on debut at Bath. Her level of form compared to the favourite is lacking. However, she should improve for that debut effort and if fancied in the betting has decent each way claims. You may be looking to get your money back rather than winning (which is never a good bet) but she holds some chance of running a race. I'd be hoping she drifts to about 10/1 on the exchanges and cover the place. If that doesn't happen, I'd just watch. 

I can't see Ye Gud Thing doing much even though Mohammed Moubarak does well at the course. I think she will be outpaced and running on. If betting, you would be wise to do so in running as I'm sure you will get bigger odds. Although I can't see her winning. 

Adnaan ran ok here on debut and showed decent pace when stepping up to 6f on his second start. This son of Ardad is well owned and trained. Not the easiest of horses to assess in ways and may be one that flatters to deceive. He's about 20/1 on the exchanges and you may just about get 11/4 for a place so you wouldn't need too much cash to hope he hits the frame (no lose bet) and hoping for the win. Who knows? That's why you might be betting on a 20/1 shot because it has some chance and could be worth a small each way bet at speculative odds. 

Winning and losing on the horses is all about value. If you don't have that on side you will be struggling whatever the case. 

Conclusion: I would fear the favourite but wouldn't be betting at those odds. I'd have to look for an each way alternative such as Crocodile Tears (they may be a punters) or Adnaan as a bit of a speculative poke. I would definitely need 10/1+ on the exchanges if betting on Palmer's horse. Adnaan is one of those horses with a glimmer of hope at odds but just might prove a frustrating option. 

3:20 Lingfield - 

Profound Alexander is held in some regard by William Muir and Chris Grassick (naming of trainers is getting longer). She has a decent level of form, likes the going and these banded races don't, usually, take that much winning. The downside, there is little value. I'm not keen betting at short odds because it can be a frustrating way to make money. I do think she will take some beating though. 

Brett Johnson doesn't have many two-year-olds and Damascus Finish is a nice looking gelding. It surprised me reading the race comments for the Racing Post than no one mentioned how keen he was over 7f last time out on this course. It was a miracle he lasted as long as he did. This drop back in distance should help and I would respect his chances. This March foal has been well backed. I can't see much value at 15/8 but I would like to see him go well for the stable. 

Brilliant News looked a bit disappointing last time although the form of that race has worked out quite well. However, I do think this colt will struggle to win although possible. 

No bet. 

5:45 Kempton - 

Philosophy is held in high regard by Simon & Ed Crisford. This son of Exceed And Excel is no price but should take some beating. There may be each-way alternative in Lady Fantasia for Roger Varian. This bay filly was fancied to go well on debut but the stable has been really struggling with its juveniles this year which does bring some concerns. If fancied in the betting would hold very good claims. Spiceline showed promise on debut and looked a touch disappointing last time but it may have been the case it was a very good race. 

Couldn't bet in this race although will be surprised if Philosophy doesn't win. 

Author: Jason Coote

Brocklesby 2021 Early Entries Preview

1: BLACK HILL STORM trained by David Evans and owned by Mrs E Evans. Clodovil - Tilda’s Best / Grey colt. Dam Tilda’s Best was pretty poor for trainer Thomas Mullins after a string of unplaced efforts. Black Hill Storm was purchased for 4200 euros. David Evans has never won this race and has a poor first timeout strike rate with 2-year-olds. 

2: CHIPOTLE trained by Eve Johnson Houghton and owned by The Woodway 20. Havana Gold - Lightsome / Bay colt. Eve’s view: Chipotle Is showing a lot of early speed and would be one of my earlier types. Purchased for 10,000. Dam Lightsome was placed three times as a 2-year-old for Clive Cox. Eve has never won this race but had a couple of nice first timeout winners last season but over a further distance. Debut winners are often priced under 15/2 but can pop up with a big priced winner too. 

3: CLAIM TO FAME trained by Richard Fahey and owned by Five Go Mad In Malton. Aclaim - Rohlindi / Bay colt. Purchased for 33,000 gns at the yearling sales. A half-brother to three winners. Richard has won this race four times and twice in the last three years and has a decent strike rate over five furlongs. A negative if weak in the betting. 

4: DASHING RAT trained by William Stone and owned by Ron Spore And Sheryl Meldram. Adaay - Hot Secret / Bay colt. Purchased for 6000 gns. A half-brother to Roger Varian trained Moraawed who won a couple of nice handicaps as a 3-year-old. Dam Hot Secret won fourth timeout as a 2-year-old for Andrew Balding. William has never won this race and never had a debut 2-year-old winner. 

5: FORCA BRASIL trained by George Boughey and owned by Amo Racing Limited. Cotai Glory - Najas / Ch colt. Purchased for 60,000 gns. A half-brother to the Philip Makin trained Muker who is a speedy type and got off to a great start winning on debut at Newcastle last June when making all over five furlongs. Muker went on to run an excellent race in the Windsor Castle when finishing third to Tactical. First season sire Cotai Glory was also a speedy type winning the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes. 

6: GRAFTONAT trained by David Evans and owned by Mr S W Banks. Heeraat - Erica Bing / Bay gelding. Dam Erica Bing won second timeout as a 2-year-old back in 2016 for trainer Jo Hughes. 

7: KENYAN COMMANDER trained by Mark Walford and owned by Ursa Major Racing & The 8 Amigos. War Command - Kiringa / Bay colt. Purchased for 4500. Dam Kiringa won a handicap for Robert Cowell back in 2016. Trainer Mark Walford had two big priced 2-year-old debut winners over the past two seasons so not one to be dismissed so easily. Candescene won at Pontefract in June last year at 25/1 and Magical Max won a class 3 race at York in 2019 at odds of 20/1. 

8: LITTLETIMYHOULIHAN trained by Adrian Keatley and owned by Ontoawinner And B Keatley. Due Diligence - Secret Romance / Bay colt. Could be a bargain buy at 4000 gns for this Ontoawinner And B Keatley owned colt. Queen Of Rio and Quiet Assassin both won for this owner and trainer last season. A half-brother to Triple Spear who won three times for trainer Michael Appleby. Dam Secret Romance only raced twice for trainer Tom Dascombe and won her debut race at Bath over five furlongs. 

9: LOVE DE VEGA trained by Mark Johnston and owned by Crone Stud Farms. Lope De Vega - Ribble / Ch colt. Purchased for 92,000. Dam Ribble only raced twice and was beaten soundly in both but is a half-sister to the talented The Right Man who was trained by Didier Guillemin and ran some sound races around the world including an excellent victory when winning the Prix de Seine-et-Oise Group 3 in 2017. Mark Johnston has won this race twice and of course one was with the brilliant The Last Lion. Mark does well at Doncaster. 

10: MAHAK trained by George Boughey and owned by Amo Racing Limited. Galileo Gold - Bronze Baby / Bay colt. A half-brother to Lexington Grace who won four times as a 2-year-old for Richard Hannon and Middleham Park before moving to America. Dam was unraced. Purchased for £25,000. 

11: MAJOR GATSBY trained by Mr Brocklesby himself Bill Turner who has won this race six times the last time in 2013 with Mick’s Yer Man. The Grey Gatsby - Monteamiata / Grey colt. Purchased for 26,000 and owned by Mr & Mrs Rj Manning. Out of unraced mare Monteamiata. 

12: MAKALU trained by Kevin Ryan and owned by K&J Bloodstock Ltd. Mehmas - Jolly Juicester / Bay colt. Purchased for 20,000. Out of unraced mare Jolly Juicester. Kevin has never won this race before. If drifting to over 10/1 would be a negative first timeout. 

13: MUSKATEER THREE trained by John Butler and owned by Miss M Evans. EquIano - Scented Garden / Bay colt. Cheap purchase for John Butler. Half-brother to Kevin Ryan trained Waking Warrior who won second timeout as a two-year-old. Out of unraced mare Scented Garden. John Butler is not known for debut 2-year-old winners. 

14: VINTAGE CLARETS trained by Richard fahey and owned by A Tattersall & Partner. Ardad - Enchanted Princess / Bay colt. A £20,000 purchase at the Goffs Sales. A half-brother to Morache Music who was a speedy 2-year-old for Peter Makin winning three times in a decent first season. Dam Enchanted Princess won second timeout for John Gosden at three. Richard has won this race four times including 2019 with Show Me Show Me. 

15: WONDERFUL WORLD trained by Mick Channon and owned by George Materna & Roger Badley. Bungleinthejungle - La Gifted / Bay colt. A half-brother to Xiang Yin who was trained by Channon and won three times over a mile. Dam La Gifted, also a winner over seven furlongs, doesn’t look speedy of pedigrees but Doyle takes the ride. Mick Channon won this race with Izzer in 2018. A 13,000 purchase. 

16: BANANA trained by Martyn Meade and owned by Mantonbury Stud. Aclaim - Bazzana / Bay filly. Dam Bazzana only raced three times winning a maiden second timeout at Wolverhampton over six furlongs, never involved in the Group 3 Albany Stakes next timeout before retiring. Banana is a half-sister to another Martyn Meade runner called Headland who won a handicap nursery at Salisbury at two. Trainer Martyn Meade has never won the Brocklesby. Martyn Meade can come up with a big priced debut winner as it showed when Gloucestershire winning 22/1 last December. 

17: DENIM SHORTS trained by George Boughey and owned by Ontoawinner Finneran And Partner. Galileo Gold - Wee Jean / Ch filly. Purchased for 11,000 gns and another entry for the owners of the 2019 Brocklesby winner Show Me Show Me. Dam Wee Jean was a nice type for trainer Mick Channon winning on debut at Chepstow in 2013. Ontoawinner are in good hands with up and coming trainer George Boughey who was only granted his licence in 2019 but has plenty of experience after learning his trade with Hugo Palmer. I will be looking forward to seeing how the daughter of first season sire Galileo Gold runs. 

18: MUSKATEER ONE trained by John Butler and owned by Mis M Evans. Charm Spirit - Satulagi / Bay filly. Thanks for reading and good luck.

Chipotle and @bishopcharlie12 have won the @UnibetRacing Brocklesby Conditions Stakes for @johnsonhoughton, the first race of the 2021 British Turf Flat season 👏🥇 pic.twitter.com/xPvgRVF7MC

— Doncaster Racecourse (@DoncasterRaces) March 27, 2021