Thursday Chester (5th May)

It was a case of going with experience over debutantes in my last post as I sided with the David Evans trained Evolicatt over the newcomer Katey Kontent. Evolicatt drifted from 7/2 to 6s so I ended up doing an each way bet in the end after cashing out for a small loss. It didn't really matter in the end as Evolicatt finished fourth lacking the speed of the winner Katey Kontent who had plenty of it in her pedigree. Evolicatt looks to need six furlongs for me but I won't be waiting around to find out. ❎

Points -2 

Next bet was another big outsider, I can't let these go without a small each way just in case, but they are doing no good for my points total as Tashkent was a staying on 50/1 fourth for the Hannon yard. I'm pretty sure she is better than this but it's one of them how many times can you back a horse. ❎ 

Points -2 

I mean my page is starting to look like a game of family fortunes with all these letter X's. All I can do is stick at it. 

Total points -4 

At least Jason Coote has been mentioning a few winners, my guest post writer sure knows the time of day with these 2yos as he gave Lucy Lightfoot a positive mention and she duly obliged by winning at Lingfield. 

16.45 Chester 05 May 

Eleven go to post here in a tasty 2yo race at Chester with £12,885 up for grabs. It's a real shame my tracker SELF PRAISE runs here as I would have loved a lower grade class race than this class 2 at bloody Chester. I mean the 37,000 gns purchase is certainly up against it here, drawn wide, the son of Twilight Son fell out the stalls on his debut at Doncaster and needs to be a lot sharper here, if he's slow that's my bet down the pan. I do however feel this February foal is a nice type for Hugo Palmer and with James Doyle on board I'm really praying he's in a nice position to finish this race strong. Plenty of dangers here and It won't be plain sailing, I imagine a couple of the speedy types will try to bomb It and hold on. Explicit was certainly away quick at Musselburgh on debut so you know Franny Norton will be going all out here. Blatant is no slouch either and has a plum draw, plus a few newcomers make it a fascinating race. 1 point each way 5s. 

20.30 Cork 06 May 

A couple of trackers here, Frankel colt Malabu Drive for Ger Lyons who comes from a nice mare called Tates Creek. The other tracker is my cliff horse Paris Lights who I'm sure will get a win on the board soon. I hope I'm right because I've banged on about this Siyouni colt for a while now, slowly away last timeout and staying on without threatening against Wexford Native who has since finished second in a Listed race. Hopefully an each way price here. Possible 1 point each way if the price allows.

Thanks for reading.

Saturday Reviews And Thoughts

Reviews

What an absolute stinker of a Saturday, I did say I will be honest about the good and the bad this season. I got up feeling positive about a few trackers I had put on the night before. I checked the market a few times throughout the day and updated my notes.

First bet was a speculative each way on Elmaftun who was an Irish tracker (say nothing) the 33s I took turned into 50s and by now I knew my outcome, second to last, not to be disheartened because I wasn't too confident anyway. 

Second bet was Thunder Moor for Kevin Ryan, a few whispers the night before so took 7/2 and good to see the Dandy Man colt get smashed into 15/8 favourite, I was confident until I saw money for the Burke Jungle Cat filly. Thunder Moor looked a bit green before going into the stalls but was away well and I thought she would stride away the final furlong but instead hung right and faded, the money horse Miss Jungle Cat won well. 

Third bet was supposed to be Paris Lights. I actually felt the Siyouni colt had a chance at 7s but ended up a non runner.

The day wasn't going as planned but I still had what I thought was a few beauties up my sleeve, next was Chef De Partie who I thought looked nailed on for a place under the guidance of Hollie Doyle at Newbury, dwelt ffs here we go again, always playing catch up and never got to the leaders but not sure he would have won to be honest, also had Tashkent for Richard Hannon, I thought my 16s was a good each way bet but he soon drifted to 22/1 and never got involved. 

The bets were adding up, this was supposed to be my disciplined season, I checked out Rock Girl the 2yo Amo owned George Boughey filly, looked a poor race on paper, Hughes had the favourite Knebworth, not a trainer you would associate with first time out 2yo winners but Knebworth was steady in the market, I know best I'm gambling on Rock Girl, the race started Knebworth the Awtaad colt was quickly away while Rock Girl couldn't keep up with the blistering pace, how wrong was I as Knebworth won easily, Rock Girl stayed on to finish second but no money coming back again.

I think I knew how the day was going to end, you just get a feeling it's not your day.

I backed Valsad who again drifted out but to be fair the Ryan Moore mount actually ran well to finish fifth at 28s.

The lucky last bet at Nottingham for me to at least keep my head up high and get one winner. I noticed support for the Queen's 2yo runner Crosstich into 4s and jumped on but the gelding ran green and faded. 

What did I learn from today? I have to be more disciplined definitely, practice what I preach. Today all the 2yo debutantes that won were backed late, that's something to consider when thinking I've got a decent price the night before. Irish 3yo trackers are the devil so staying away from them, all in all, noting down my bets and looking through them is something that can only benefit me as I try to become more consistent and make profit from this wonderful sport. Another pointer with the 2yos so far is we've had sixteen races and twelve winners have been under 5/1.

It's going to be tough trying to get back on top in April but with more discipline and the right approach I will try my best, now time for my other addiction, eating Easter eggs.

Thanks for reading and Happy Easter. 

Saturday Reviews And Previews

A quick update before I get stuck into the trackers. I think I'm back to my old tricks of needing a bet when I see a 2yo race. Newmarket is always a tough place to get a win and Tuesday wasn't any different, I didn't really fancy anything in the opening race so tried my luck with Lucy Lightfoot but she was beaten pretty quickly. A few winners could come from this race and the eventual winner Powerdress won very well for Richard Hannon.

The Brocklesby form seems rock solid and Wednesday Rousing Encore was running at Beverley for Fahey, Rousing Encore had finished third to Jiff Boy on debut and Jiffy Boy came  third in the Brocklesby at the start of the season, one small problem we had an Archie Watson hot pot in the same race. I needed a drift on Archie's horse. I took a gamble, a straight win on Rousing Encore, and prayed to the lord that Brave Emperor would drift, the lord works in mysterious ways and the early short price turned to 5/2, the rest is history as Brave Emperor dwelt and was hampered and Rousing Encore never looked like getting beat, you little beauty.

Then I ended up undoing my hard work on Thursday when betting on Beach Breeze even though I fancied Teatime Tipple then backed Cheeky Maxi who never got near the impressive Varian winner Tajalla.

Lessons to be learnt for sure. 

Trackers:

16.45 Newbury Sat April 2022

A couple of trackers here in what looks a decent looking maiden with many of the top yards turning up. I will only mention my trackers because time is against me.

CHEF DE PARTIE

Harry Charlton & Roger Charlton tracker here owned by Brook Farm Bloodstock. A 95,000 gns purchase at the October Yearling Sales. The Siyouni colt had one run already last season at Doncaster when relatively unfancied in the betting going off 11/1. The brilliant Hollie Doyle rode him that day and Chef De Partie, despite looking green towards the end, found his feet and was making ground up but too late to get involved. A half-brother to the Roger Charlton trained Extra Elusive who picked up two group 3s in 2020. Hollie's back on board today and should have learned plenty from that debut race in September and can hopefully be involved.

TASHKENT

Hannon has a couple in this including the early favourite Dulas but one I'm interested in is the unraced Tashkent. Last year the Acclamation colt was well regarded by Richard Hannon, now I'm not sure why he didn't run and that's a worry but I'm willing to give the 92,000 gns yearling a chance. A full-brother to Melancholy who finished third on her only start in November for Simon & Ed Crisford. Whatever he does today, don't give up. I'm sure he will win a race or two this season. 

Cork 16:00 Sat April 16 

I mean it this Irish Racing is going to leave me broken. One tracker that popped up in my email is Paris Lights for Jessica Harrington. I mentioned the Siyouni colt a few weeks back when nowhere to be seen until staying on at the end. The winner Wexford Native is decent so maybe it wasn't too bad of a performance to finish fifth and with the extra couple of furlongs hopefully Paris Lights can get involved here, also have Ninja as a tracker here. 

Cork 13.40 Sat April 16

Elmaftun for Kevin Prendergast.

Pessoa for John Murphy.

Newbury 5:20 Sat April 16

Valsad for Roger Charlton 

Thanks for reading and remember it's early days yet. 

Newmarket Thursday (14th April)

Bit of everything here, first off I'm not putting my bets up as I just don't have time plus it's been a bad month, only kidding. I will just put my trackers up and details like I used to do. 

13.50 Newmarket Thursday 14 April.

Small field here but I will give it a go. 

1: Cheeky Maxi

The Brocklesby winner combo of Hannon & Amo Racing are back again here. A 38,000 gns purchase at the Goffs Sales. Dam Alhawdaj only ran twice, winning second timeout as a 3yo over six furlongs on soft ground. Cheeky Maxi has already had one run under his belt, it's always good to get a bit of experience and sometimes a bad looking debut means nothing with 2yos as they can look a different horse next timeout, he certainly need to improve here I imagine after finishing near last on debut at Leicester on April Fool Day. Really well supported into 15/8 favourite, could have been the Amo factor we will see. Cheeky Maxi was a bit slow away that day but soon caught up, Brocklesby runners Jiffy Boy and Evolicatt showed their experience by drawing away while Cheeky Maxi faded to finish towards the back. Interesting to see the betting here if a big price would be a negative for me.

2: Kingdom Of Dreams 

James Tate runs his first 2yos here and on paper the 100,000 gns Oasis Dream yearling Kingdom Of Dreams looks a nice type. Dam Beneventa had a RRP rating of 110 for trainer John Dunlop, and won a group 3 in 2004. Notable offspring would be Bow Creek (118 best RPR) for Mark Johnston and Dare To Dream (111 best RPR) for Jeremy Noseda. Owner Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum ran El Hadeeyah at this meeting last year and finished third on her debut.

3: Royal Mariner

James Tate's second runner here. Unraced dam Learza was a half-sister to the Aidan O'Brien Middle Park winner Ten Sovereigns who now stands stud at Coolmore. James Doyle takes the ride. 

4: Tajalla 

Roger Varians first 2yo runner. Rogers first 2yo runners have finished 2,2,2,2 and 4 since 2017. The 90,000 gns yearling is by dam Armum who won second timeout on good to soft back in 2017. Over 15/2 would be a negative.

5: Candy Rain 

Trainer Micheal Bell not really noted for his first timeout 2yo winners but last season actually wasn't to bad with a 16 percent win strike rate, May was notably the best month for his juveniles winning on debut. Surprisingly he's hasn't had a first timeout 2yo winner at Newmarket over a five year period, if well supported it would be a positive for the Kodiac filly who is a half-sister to the Richard Hughes gelding Aussie Stormer who won twice over five furlongs in 2020.

6: Fragrance

Charlie & Mark Johnston run the 105,000 gns yearling Fragrance for owners Highclere BredRacing. Mark Johnston always hits the ground running at the start of the season and had his first winner the other day with Duchray. Won this race in 2016 with Sutter County. 

Conclusion

Do the opposite to what I write ha as nothing seems to have turned out like I expected, that's the beauty of 2yo racing, you can look like Hugh Taylor one day or a total loser the next. Difficult race and one I imagine I won't be getting involved in. Cheeky Maxi is interesting after being made favourite for debut and interested to see the market. Tajalla being Rogers first runner should know his job.  

Wed 13 April 16.15 Gowran Park

Tracker Alroos 

Could be the last Irish 3yo tracker I mention because even though I'm not betting on them I'm pretty sick of them, I blame Aidan O'Brien, this one looks alright to be honest. Alroos was well regarded last season by Kevin Prendergast and stayed on well when beaten by Purple Dawn last timeout, the Golden Horn filly could have claims here against a O'Brien hotshot. 

13.00 Ripon Thursday 14 April

Trackers Beach Breeze, Teatime Tipple

Star Of Lady M won well on debut at Redcar for David O'Meara but she has a penalty to carry here and will be all the rage. Tony Coyle only has a small string of 2yos but gets the odd winner, Teatime Tipple was very green on debut but managed to run a decent race in the Brocklesby, if the gelding settles could improve from that fine effort. Beach Breeze was behind Tipple that day, was also keen but faded quickly. Shame it's only six runners here. 

Early entries trackers: 

17.30 Sat 16 April

Blatant for Eve Johnson Houghton.

Knowwhatimeanharry for Bill Turner.

16.10 Sat 16 April Newbury

Chef de Partie for Harry & Roger Charlton

Tashkent (3yo to follow) for Richard Hannon.

16.45 Sat 16 April

Valsad for Harry & Roger Charlton

Via Serica for Brian Meehan

Thanks for reading, hopefully I can fit another post in if some of the early entries run. 

Unraced Three-year-olds To Follow (2022)

First of all I hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Personally it's been quiet and that is just how I like it, spending time with the family, drinking beer and trying to sort my trackers out. In total I have over one hundred and sixty three-year-olds to follow for this season which is a ridiculous amount, obviously I will narrow them down. Let’s take a quick look back at some of the highlights of last years three-year-olds to follow: 

EMPRESS JOSEPHINE was one of my unraced 3yos to follow and didn’t disappoint when winning first time out way back in March for Aidan O’Brien and then running at a decent level in pattern races for the the rest of the season. I would love to say I backed her for the 1000 Guineas but I never and the rest is history as the Galileo filly won by a short head at 16/1. Total earnings: £268,841. 

THIRD REALM went in the notebook as a 2yo with after a nice debut back in 2020. The Roger Varian colt got off the mark on his reappearance then went onto win the Listed Derby Trial at Lingfield at 14/1. Third Realm ran a great race in the Derby finishing fifth and another who ran to a decent level the rest of the season. Total earnings:£98,943. 

GEORGE PEABODY was a nice winner for the George Scott team when winning first time up as a 3yo last March at 11/1. It was nice to see him follow up with another win before finishing down the field in a nice race at Ascot. Total earnings:£5,724. 

SNOW LANTERN was in everybody's 3yos to follow and the Frankel filly didn’t disappoint when winning her maiden and going on to run some brilliant races last season in all the top races. I was pleased to see her win the Group one Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket when quickening up nicely to beat Mother Earth under a brilliant ride by Sean Levey. Hopefully Snow Lantern can bounce back as a 4yo after a lacklustre run in her final race of the season. Total Earnings:£356,236. 

Time to look at this season's 3yos to follow, I will start off with a few unraced 3yos who will hopefully make their mark in some of the top races. As always, the first time out you just never know so personally I will be taking a watching brief. 

1: EXPRESS WAY is by Dark Angel and out of Alluring Park, trained by Paddy Twomey. Dam Alluring Park has produced some great offspring, five out of the eight are all rated above 100 so the signs are good for the Dark Angel filly. Express Way is a half-sister to a few nice types including Aidan O'Brien's Was who won the Oaks in 2012. Well regarded by Paddy so hopefully Express can get a win on the board this season. 

2: FIORELLINA is by Galileo and out of Sapphire, trained by Dermot Weld who has had success with dam Sapphire before. Dam Sapphire was top class herself for Dermot winning plenty of nice races in a decent career including finishing her career in style winning the Group 2 Champion Fillies and Mares Stakes race at Ascot in 2012, offspring include full-sister Federica Sophia who ran some decent races for Dermot. 

3: WHISPERING ROMANCE is by Kingman out of Sante, trained by Charlie Appleby. Dam Sante wasn’t anything special winning once in her career but Appleby does rate this filly so I'm pretty sure she will get a win this season. 

4: NEWFOUNDLAND is by Deep Impact out of Best In The World, trained by Aidan O’Brien. Wow a full-brother to the brilliant Snowfall and one I will be really looking forward to seeing on the racetrack, I Imagine a few of these will be short prices but sometimes it's not all about betting for me. Interestingly Snowfall didn’t come into her own until tackling longer trips as a 3yo so I will be keeping that in mind. Another one is well regarded by the trainer. 

5: TASHKENT is by Acclamation out of Colour Blue, trained by Richard Hannon. Dam Colour Blue ran to a decent level in her three year career, her other offspring is the Simon and Ed Crisford trained Melancholy who came third on her debut at Lingfield in November and looks sure to improve. Tashkent is another who I will be looking out for this season. I have plenty more 3-year-olds to follow and will write another post soon. Hopefully these posts will keep a few people from going mad while the National Hunt season is in full swing. Thanks for reading and stay safe.

Read Part 2 Here

2yo Unraced Hidden Gems for the Future

As the 2-year-old season draws ever closer to the end I still have a few unraced gems who could be potentially nice types for the backend of the season or with the winter behind them could be worth keeping and eye out for next season. I will mention a few in no particular order.

1: Ralph Beckett has had a few nice 2-year-olds this season including Prosperous Voyage, Angel Bleu and not forgetting Hello You now trained by David Loughnane who is owned by Amo Racing. Ralph Beckett and owners Amo Racing still have a Kodiac colt called MALEX who has yet to set foot on the racecourse but is well-regarded at Kimpton Down Stables. Dam Trois Lunes was a nice type for trainer Francois Rohaut winning a Group 3 at Longchamp back in 2012. 

2: Another trained by Ralph Beckett is DAIQUIRI DREAM and runs in the familiar colours of owner Mr J.C.Smith, I’m pretty certain this Dubawi filly has ability and hopefully will set foot on the racecourse soon. Dam Cocktail Queen was owned by Smith and another who won group races as a 3-year-old in France. Another well-regarded at Kimpton Down Stables. 

3: Been on the radar for a while this one, in fact DENIM SHORTS had an early entry for the Brocklesby way back in March but didn’t run. Trainer George Boughey has been in fine form this season banging in plenty of winners and I’m sure this Ontoawinner Galileo Gold filly was a nice filly who was showing some early speed for George and the team. Not too sure what’s happened to the 11,000 gns purchase so a word of caution when we see her on the track. 

4: Richard Hughes and owners Clarke and Waters have had a few winners in the past including Glendevon, Lady Madison, two I can think of off the top of my head. They have another potentially nice type in the name of ZERO CARBON who is another one I will be keeping an eye out for. Dam Clotilde seemed to improve with age so hopefully with the winter behind the Acclamation colt we will see a nice sort for Richard Hughes. 

5: It wouldn’t be a list without Charlie Appleby 2-year-olds and the next one that could be nice is the Kingman colt KING OF TIME who is a half-brother to the Ed Walker trained Agrotera who won a few nice races including the Snowdrop Listed race back in 2019 at Kempton. 

6: Next Charlie Appleby 2-year-old to look out for is the Ribchester filly PEARL BORDER who is well-thought of by the boys in Blue. Dam Firth Of Lorne has certainly been busy and produced a couple of nice types for Charlie already including Master Of The Seas who won his first two races as a 2-year-old and withdrawn in the Breeders Cup Mile on Saturday. Pearl Border is a half-sister to Latharnach who also ran to a decent level for Appleby. Nice pedigree this one and one I’m keen on seeing when making her racecourse debut. 

7: Next one for Charlie Appleby has an early entry for Kempton on Wednesday. MAKKARI I imagine will be all the rage for this so it could be time to just watch and see if the hype is right. Dam Sobetsu was a high class filly for Charlie winning a couple of group races in Deauville back in 2017. Makkari has been giving the right signals at home but the Galileo filly needs to produce it on the track to show how good she is. 

8: PURE DIGNITY could be special for the Roger Varian team and another who can’t wait to see it hit the racecourse. A half-sister to multiple group winner Sottsass who has gone from strength to strength and won the L’arc De Triomphe in October. I really hope Pure Dignity is an exciting prospect for the Varian team. 

Time is getting on so I will add a few more below with no write-ups. 

PRINCESS OLLY, Richard Hannon and Amo Racing. 

TASHKENT, Richard Hannon and Al Shaqab Racing. 

Thanks for reading and good luck.

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given