Two-Year-Old (2yo) Eye-Catchers

Imperial Yellow was a £40,000 purchase at the 2019 Premier Yearling Sales for Roger Varian. His dam Soteria never set the world alight for Roger Varian and owners China Horse Club International when only racing three times in 2015. The New Bay colt started his career in what looks like a pretty decent maiden at Newmarket at the beginning of June. The winner Modern News finished fifth in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot last week and looks a nice type for Charlie Appleby this season. Another Appleby runner Noble Dynasty who finished second in that Newmarket Maiden also looks a nice type and could even be the best horse to come out of that maiden, looks one to keep an eye out for in future. Imperial Yellow opened up at 22s and was supported to 16s at the off, the bay colt dwelt at the start and was then steadied towards the rear by jockey Andrea Atzeni before making steady progress all the way to the line. Imperial Yellow wasn’t beaten far in the end and when stepped up in distance will hopefully pick up a win for the Varian yard. 

Nurse Florence was a 33,000 euro purchase for Jamie Osborne at the 2019 Orby Sale. Owners The 10 For 10 Partnership also owns Overpriced Mixer who rattled up a couple of wins at the back end of last season. Hopefully, Nurse Florence can do the same after a promising start to her career at Yarmouth this month. Even though it was only a four runner affair and Nurse Florence wasn’t fancied in the market at 10s, I’m pretty sure Jamie Osborne would have been pleased with the performance of the Gutifan grey filly put in. Nicola Currie kept Nurse Florence in a decent enough position from the start even though slightly slow away from the stalls before making steady progress and finishing a close up third with plenty more left in the tank. The winner that day Yazaman has since run a great race to finish second in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. I can’t see much of a price for Nurse Florence next time but hopefully, she can get a win on the board for trainer Jamie Osborne. 

Ventura Tormenta who was having the first race of his career at Royal Ascot last week in the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) and ran an absolute blinder for the Richard Hannon and the Middleham Park Team. The Acclamation bay colt was purchased at the Goffs Premier Yearling Sales for £95.000 and could be a name to look out for this season after an impressive debut. Considering Ventura was setting foot on the racecourse for his first time he looked professional and knew his job from the start against more experienced rivals. Waited within midfield by jockey Pat Dobbs Ventura Tormenta could never really get involved in the finish and I can see Ventura Tormenta being more tuned up and ready next timeout but take nothing away from him this was an eye-catching performance first timeout. Thanks for reading and stay safe.

The one I have put in my trackers is the Roger Teal's Dark Angel colt Gussy Mac who was purchased for £52,000 at the Goffs Premier Yearling August Sale. This April foal was slowly away (which can be forgiven for his first run) and was then settled in at the back of the field by jockey Jason Watson before making headway a few furlongs out to finish a never nearer sixth. I hope Gussy Mac can settle down next start and hopefully pick up a race for Roger Teal.

Three-year-old (3yo) Horses to Follow in 2020 (Part 3)

THRONE HALL is by Kingman (GB) out of Appearance (GB), trained by K A Ryan and owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. The Kingman Bay Colt didn’t show any sign of inexperience on debut at Haydock last August when finishing third to the experienced Atheeb. I wouldn't say the form of this race is anything special even though the fifth that day King Carney does look a nice prospect after winning the Silver Tankard Stakes at Pontefract. Hopefully, with a good winter behind him, he will pick up a Maiden this season. 

THEBIAN is by Kingman (GB) out of Amarillo Starlight (IRE), trained by John Gosden and owned by Ms. Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum. Not much to go on with this Kingman Bay Colt but I just have a hunch the £230,000 Breeze up purchase could be better than what he showed on his debut at Chelmsford last September. Thebian was weak in the betting and crawled out the stalls but still managed to get back to the lead and used a lot of energy doing so before fading the final furlong and finishing at the back of the field. I will be checking for any support next time out after a few months off the track. 

TOMOUH is by Dubawi (IRE) out of Sundrop (JPN), trained by Saeed Bin Suroor owned by Godolphin. I won’t be giving up just yet on this Dubawi Filly despite a pretty average performance at Newmarket last August. The winner that day was the talented Powerful Breeze who finished second in the Fillies Mile. Tomouh was well-backed on debut but could never land a blow and was soundly beaten, the support and the fact she had a few nice entries make me think better was expected that day. Dam Sundrop ended her career with a win and an official rating of 112 the highlight being the Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares). A step up in trip will hopefully bring the improvement needed to get a win on the board. 

TOP CLASS ANGEL is by Dark Angel (IRE) out of Expensive Date (GB), trained by Richard Hannon Jr and owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. The 240,000 Euro Dark Angel bay Filly purchased from the 2018 Orby Sales looks a nice type for Richard Hannon despite still being a Maiden. Her two runs last season both showed a win will come sooner rather than later. Top Class Angels last run at Haydock was a bit unlucky I thought as she was drawn out wide and had to be settled at the back by Pat Dobbs, losing a few lengths in doing so. The winner West End Girl won the Sweet Solera Stakes for Mark Johnston a couple of runs later as for Top Class Angel she was staying on under a considerate ride and looks a nice type for the new season. 

TURAATH is by Oasis Dream (GB) out of Fadhayyil (IRE), trained by C Hills and owned by Mr. Hamdan Al Maktoum. The Oasis Dream Bay Filly was a bit clueless over the first few furlongs on her debut at Leicester last September. The price she went off was a sign she would come on for her first run at the racecourse. Dam Fahdhayyil was pretty decent with an official rating of 110 the highlight winning the Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Listed) race as a 3-year-old. Turaath will hopefully know more next timeout and the market could be the key to her chances this season. 

VILLAIN'S VOICE is by Poet's Voice (GB) out of Balayage (IRE), trained by Roger Varian and owned and bred by Promenade Bloodstock Limited. The homebred Poet’s Voice Colt had one run last season at Yarmouth in July. Villain’s Voice was well backed from 9/4 down to 15/8 and looked professional in his job when finishing a decent third to the experienced Mark Johnston Colt Iffraaz. Hopefully, Villain’s Voice can pick up a Maiden early this season. Thanks for reading and look out for my unraced 3-year-olds to follow.

Roger Varian: Its Been An Exceptional Season (Part Two)

The first part of my Roger Varian 2-year-old review I mentioned an unraced 2-year-old filly who I thought would be making a name for herself in the future. Delta’s Royalty made her long-awaited debut at the beginning of the month and if you were quick off the mark a tasty 7/2 was available the night before, the Galileo filly ended up 4/5 favourite at the off and made a winning debut despite surviving a steward’s enquiry after running green the final furlong and hanging left. Delta’s Royalty will come on plenty for that and should be one to follow next season. 

Roger Varian unleashed three nice 2-year-olds towards the end of July. 

The first a Dansili filly called Stylistique who made her debut in a Maiden Stakes race at Newbury. Stylistique was well-supported on debut and backed into 5/2 favourite for her debut and despite running green it was a promising debut, I thought it was only a matter of time before she got her head in front. 

The phrase always the bridesmaid and never the bride springs to mind with Stylistique after she filled the runners-up spot three times in her next five races. That said, it’s fair to say she has bumped into a few nice types. A superb second in the Group 2 Shadwell Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket when running on late and only beaten by her stablemate Daahyeh her best effort in a promising first season.

I hope she can get the win she deserves next season and I won’t be giving up on her just yet. 

The July Ascot meeting saw Roger unleash a couple of his big guns. Queen Daenerys is a superbly bred Frankel filly who is owned by H H SH Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and bred by Coolmore. Ryan Moore was on board the 6/1 shot for her debut and despite running green she ran a race full of promise. (For all of you who don't watch Game of Thrones (me included) Queen Daenerys is a major character is this acclaimed production).

The second start saw William Buick take over and Queen Daenerys won a shade cosy from the nice John Gosden filly Wasaayef. 

The Group 1 Fillies Mile was Queen Daenerys next stop and ran a great race to finish sixth. 

One who will also improve next season and not to be taken lightly.

William Buick said: ''Queen Daenerys did it nicely and is a nice prospect for next year. The trainer will decide if she runs again this year - Oliver St Lawrence, spokesman for owner Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa.''

The second race on the card saw a Night Of Thunder colt make his debut. How Molatham was allowed to go off a 14/1 shot in a seven runner race is beyond me, I imagine it was thought he needed the run but that wasn’t the case as Molatham ran a tremendous race to just get beat by the Richard Hannon colt Mums Tipple. 

He confirmed the promise of his debut run when winning the Class 2 Convivial Stakes at York and picking up the cool £43,000 prize money to go with it. 

A win in the Flying Scotsman Listed Stakes followed before a fourth in the Dubai Autumn Stakes in what was an amazing first season for the Roger Varian colt. 

Molatham will be contesting at a high-level next season. 

The last Roger Varian two-year-old horse I want to mention is an unexposed Kingman colt who made a promising debut at Sandown at the end of August.

LORD CAMPARI was bought by Roger Varian for owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum at the Tattersalls sales from the 2018 October Yearling Sale Book 1. The Bay colt was born 20 March 2017 and cost a cool 350.000 Guineas. Lord Campari was priced 11/2 for his debut after attracting some late support. 

A smart break and up with the pace although pulling in the early stages and pretty green, the Kingman colt was always in contention without given a hard time by jockey Andrea Atzeni. 

A pleasing debut but nothing spectacular in a decent little race. 

A couple of significant entries followed including the Group 1 Dewhurst makes me think Roger has a nice colt on his hands. 

Lord Campari hasn’t run since his promising debut and is one to look out for next season. 

Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas to you all. 

Related post: Read Part 1: Roger Varian It's Been an Exceptional Year

Pictured: Daahyeh, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum.

Roger Varian: It's Been an Exceptional Season

It’s been an exceptional season for Newmarket trainer Roger Varian and his 2-year-old team. Let’s rewind back to the start of the season. On the 18th May at Newmarket racecourse Roger Varian introduced a lovely looking Bated Breath filly in the name of Daahyeh. Born 29 January 2017 and sold for £75,000 at the 2018 Goffs yearling sales. 

The money was down as Daahyeh opened up 4s but that soon went, and she was sent off 3/1 joint-favourite for her racecourse debut. The result was never in doubt as Daahyeh beat the Mark Johnston filly Raffle Prize. That was an impressive performance considering we didn’t know Raffle Prize would turn out to be a 113 rated filly. 

As for Daahyeh her next start would see her win the Group 3 Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and go on to finish second in the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes and the Moyglare Stakes before adding the Group 2 Shadwell Rockfel Stakes to an impressive first season. Daahyeh wasn’t finished as Roger Varian gave her the chance to finish the season in style as Daahyeh traveled across the pond to take on the best in the Breeders Cup Juvenile fillies Grade 1 turf race at Santa Anita. It was a valiant effort by Daayeh who ran a fantastic race to finish second to the American filly Sharing in what was a brilliant debut season and I can’t wait to see her back out as a 3-year-old next year. 

The following Friday another Roger Varian 2-year-old superstar was about to be unleashed at Haydock Park. Bought for 140,000 Guineas at the 2018 October Yearling Sales by Roger Varian for owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. 

Pierre Lapin must have been setting the gallops alight as the Cappella Sansevero colt was sent off even-money favourite for his debut. Pierre Lapin quickened clear in the final furlong showing why he was such short odds on debut. 

A string of significant entries followed but no sign of the Varian colt turning up. Finally 120 days later when Roger Varian was happy with Pierre Lapin he lined up for the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury where his half brother Harry Angel was victorious in 2016. Another easy victory here as Pierre Lapin showed his class and won again at odds of 9/4. The futures bright and I can see him being a real star next season when he fills out and learns to settle. 

My first Roger Varian 2-year-old to follow also comes with a big reputation and a touching story. DELTA’S ROYALTY has a lot to live up to being the only foal produced by the sadly departed American superstar Royal Delta. 

Owner Mr Benjamin Leon Jr bought Royal Delta for $8.5 Million at the Keeneland sales in 2011, and she went on to win six Grade one races in America. As for Pedigrees, they don’t come much bigger than Delta’s Royalty after the mare Royal Delta was bred to the brilliant Galileo, but it came at a price as on the 1st February 2017 Royal Delta gave birth to Delta’s Royalty only to die due to complications which must have been heartbreaking for owner and connections. 

By all accounts, Delta’s Royalty has impressed in her work and the fact she had an entry for the Group 1 Fillies Mile this season and has been given an early entry for the Group 1 Irish Oaks next July gives the impression it won’t be long before she gets off the mark. 

Roger Varian likes to wait till he has his horses spot on before they hit the track and even though Delta’s Royalty may not be much of a price I really hope she can give owner Benjamin Leon Jr another brilliant filly like her mother Royal Delta was. 

Thanks for reading and look out for part two of Roger Varian's horses to follow.

Angel's Hideaway to Keep Gosden's Great Record in the Nell Gwyn Stakes Going

After the excitement of the Aintree Grand National and the Scottish Grand National, it's time to concentrate on what racing is all about, the Flat racing. 

The first big race is on its way. The Nell Gwyn Stakes Group 3 for 3-year-old fillies only. 

I can’t wait. 

The Newmarket race was first held in 1961 and won by a horse called Verbena, it was officially called the Spring Fillies Stakes before being renamed to its current name the Nell Gwyn Stakes after the long-time mistress of King Charles II. 

As readers of my blog know, I don’t really give tips out because my blog is about my betting journey this season, but saying that if I find any useful stats that I may use myself. I will be writing them down on here for future reference, and any trackers I have coming up will also be going on my blog. 

John Gosden has a great record in this race and runs the talented Angel’s Hideaway (pictured), who is rated 105 after a great 2-year-old season with the highlight for me being the Group 3 win at Ascot back in July. It's not an easy race to work out as we have some talented horses in the field. 

For instance, Mark Johnston runs the consistent Group performer Main Addition and the Oh So Sharp Stakes Group 3 winner Mot Juste also enters calculations and to add that we have a few unexposed fillies to make life a little more difficult to find the winner, I might just stick with the Gosden runner and hope she can reverse form with Mot Juste. Alandalos is a horse I have my eye on, and runs in the 445 Fillies Maiden Stakes for Charlie Hills, she caught my eye last December when running a great race and finishing strong in a race won by the potentially smart John Gosden runner Entitle. Alandalos was sent off 20/1 that day and after dwelling in the stalls ran on well, she is another horse who had an early entry last season in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes which is an indicator that the trainer holds her in high regard but with a short price likely It will be a no bet for me. 

My Bets Review: 

As it’s early stages of the 2-year-old season the pennies are staying in the pocket. I know we all love to bet but sometimes and I can take it or leave it until something decent jumps out at me. One three-year-old newcomers, I had been waiting a good while for was Roger Varian's Farnham. 

What I didn't expect was an early evening show of 2/1 and actually going off 13/8 fav. It was a funny old race as first she missed the break and was stuck in behind a wall of horses in this 19 runner field. Even though I didn’t bet, because of the short price, I was still keeping a close eye on her during the race, I thought she was travelling well, considering she missed the break. Jockey Danny Tudhope decided to switch her right over to the rail and make his move, to me it looked like she was coming to win her race but for whatever reason never went through with it and finished 5th. I could be wrong but I think she was the best horse in the race and will be keeping an eye out for her next start and especially if moving up to a mile.

On to Saturday and I had a few low stake speculative bet’s on what I thought was big priced runners, Modern Millie was the first at 33/1 who, to be honest, didn’t run a bad race to finish 6th in the Group 3 Duty Free Stakes. 

Next up was Heer We go Again who ran a decent race to finish 2nd at Thirsk to impressive winner Xcelente. 

First time out runner, City Wanderer, never got into the race and finished 7th at 66/1. 

My last bet was the most interesting as when I had a quick look last night at the betting Kiefer was a 50/1 shot and when I went to put my bets on in the morning he had been backed into 14/1 but didn’t really matter as he never got a look in. 

I am looking forward to when I can have a good bet but at the minute I will just be having a few speculative ones for a bit of interest. 

Thanks for reading and have a great week.

Roger Varian to Unleash Farnham at Newbury

You know the flat season is well and truly underway when trackers start coming through for the first big meeting of the season. 

Newmarket kicks off next week with some cracking racing, first off we have the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes on Tuesday, followed by the Group 3 Craven Stakes on Wednesday (Can’t believe I will be in work for both). 

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, if we look at Friday's meeting at Newbury there is also what looks to be a few decent races and I will be taking a keen interest in what I think could be a potentially nice horse, will she win on Friday? Well, that's a different story, but I hope my trackers can at least show a bit of promise. 

2.00 West Berkshire Brewery ‘ Newcomers’ EBF Maiden Stakes. 

This looks a 2-year old race full of potential here but I will just mention my trackers. As you may know *Making History was entered for £3.752 race at Windsor on Monday but bypassed that to run here, I always make a note of S Bin Suroor first few runners of the season, as over the years they are normally of a high standard and Making History could be another to add to the collection, this Godolphin bred Dubawi colt will be hoping to pick up the £6.469 prize money, the negative is the trainer doesn’t have the best record here, so I will be keeping an eye on the market. 

Barry Magoo is my next one for trainer Adam West, now the positive here is that this 2-year-old colt had an entry for the Brocklesby at one time, but the negative is he didn’t have a 2-year-old winner last season. Now the next one I know nothing about, only he’s trained by Clive Cox, but with a name like Klopp Of The Kopp he’s a winner already. 

5.50 Coin Valley Stud Bridget Maiden Fillies’ Stakes 

This looks a great race, but the horse I've been waiting for a while for is Farnham, it has seemed an age since I got an email last year off Group Horse noting this bay Filly by Farhh as a dark horse to look out for, owned by Clipper Logistics and trained by Roger Varian, she was bought at the Tattersall Sales for 110,000 gns. Why have I been looking forward to seeing her run? Last season she was potentially one of the better 2-year-olds in the Varian yard with a host of Group entries including the Group 2 Lowther Stakes, the Fillies’ Mile Stakes(Group 1) and the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes. 

I do wonder why Roger Didn’t run her in any, could be many reasons but hopefully, she has strengthened up over the winter and can fulfil her potential. 

Also, looking through the stats of sire Farhh, I would think Farnham will act on the forecast soft ground. 

So, two nice races coming up with some potentially good horses on show, but as always I will be checking the market before I think about having a bet. 

Betting Review: Just a quick update on my bets this week. Well, I got a tip from Sam (@sdyates85) on Sunday and while picking the kids Grand National winnings up thought I would have a bet on his tip, Oh my word Gone Platinum scooted home by 4 lengths, probably the easiest winner I have had for a while (thanks mate). Next was Lexington Quest who I had as a tracker and to be honest wasn’t going to bet but the discipline went out the window again and Lexi ran in snatches and disappointed, but I will keep him in my trackers for another day, hopefully, he can improve next time out. 

Thanks for reading and good luck this week if you have a bet. *Making History None Runner.

Photo: Deep Intrigue owned by Clipper Logistics

Exciting time for Middleham Park Racing (Doncaster Blog)

If you follow me on Twitter, you will know I have been waffling on about the Flat racing for a while now. Also, I have mentioned my love of 2-year-old racing. Hopefully, this year, working with my friend Jason Coote (jason@grouphorse.co.uk), we'll be giving the bookies a run for their money. 

As it's still early season, and it takes a while to get going with the information we need, I will be writing about subjects that take my interest. 

The Week Ahead: 

The early declarations are out for the first Flat turf meeting of the 2019 season: the Unibet Lincoln Race Day taking place at Doncaster. 

The Unibet Lincoln is the highlight of the day (but not for me as I will be taking a keen interest in the Brocklesby) but more on that later.

Looking back at the past running of the Doncaster Mile Stakes shows Roger Varian likes to target this race with some nice types, including 2018 winner Zabeel Prince and 2016 winner Belardo. This year Sharja Bridge has been given an early entry, so depending on price, could be a possible bet for me, especially as he likes the soft going which he proved by winning his last race at Ascot. 

The Unibet Lincoln is a race that D O’Meara has done well. In the past two seasons, Lord Glitters finish second in 2018, and Bravery outrunning his odds to win the 2017 renewal at 20/1. 

Humbert, who has changed stables from the Hugo Palmer yard, has seen some early support backed from 25/1 to 10/1. Waarif, who is owned by Middleham Park Racing who also run Ventura Knight, have a chance of winning the £62,250 prize. 

Next race on the card (I have been waiting for what seems an age) is the Unibet Brocklesby Conditions Stakes for 2-year-olds. With no form guide, it’s a bit of a minefield.  As with all unraced 2-year-old horses, it’s worth keeping an eye out on market movers. Even if they get beat this time, that bit of information could be gold dust worth noting when the horse makes its next start. 

I have already written an article about past winners (detailing a few stats), but now the early declarations are in I see the same old trainers are ready to unleash a ''superstar''. I will mention a few horses entered for the Brocklesby Stakes. 

Mick Channon won this race last year with Izzer, who was backed into 4/1. He fields Birkenhead and Sir Gordon. 

Bill Turner normally runs his best two-year-old here. However, the last two years have proven disappointing. Both horses started at odds of 10/1. I will be checking the betting to see if Hell of a Joker is fancied or not. 

Lexington Quest is another interesting runner for the Middleham Park Racing Syndicate, trained by R Hannon. If he runs, I imagine he will be fit and ready to go as most Hannon 2-year-olds are primed, especially if strong in the market.

Conclusion: This looks a decent Brocklesby with a few top trainers looking to win the £7,116 prize. I have only mentioned a select few. It’s always good to keep an eye on the market, especially as the winner of this race has been 4/1 and under the past four years. 

Good luck with whoever you back, I might just watch and enjoy this one.