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Woodcote Stakes preview

Next up, it's the traditional 2yo race, the Woodcote Stakes. Preview again by William Kedjanyi, @keejayOV.

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Investec Woodcote Stakes
Listed 2yo 6f
1435 local 2335 AEST


The Hannons have taken the last two renewals of this and with their 2 year old hand here Nelspurit must be respected, for all that he made hard work of landing his maiden at odds-on at Goodwood. That day he looked as if he’d appreciate a step back up in trip – he made his debut over 6f at Newbury – but the maiden that he landed was decent enough for the grade (it was a class 6) and he should be up to going close. It should also be noted that his yard has a line through nearly every runner in this race

Buratino has the strongest form on paper courtesy of his National Stakes second, while there’s plenty to like about the attitude that he showed when a winner at Newmarket in a Novice Stakes, having previously been well behind Coventry Stakes contender Log Out Island. He may have less to offer than most here, but should be well upto giving a bold account and looks sure to run his race.

The same connections' Aleko’s maiden form is completely unproven, but the style in which he landed that Haydock event more than justified a stepping up in class here. Miss Moneypenny duly improved on her Newmarket third to land a Windsor maiden but both events appeared rather weak and the same comment applies to Jeanie’s Place who was impressive on debut but in an even worse race

Be Bop Tango may have appreciated the softer ground when landing a Catterick maiden after making his debut at Thirsk on good and Art Collection, breaking from the rail here, has a lot of ground to make on his debt form when the winner was well beaten in the National Stakes.

No Education made a fine debut when fourth behind King of Rooks – since a deeply impressive winner of the National Stakes – at Newbury when promising to improve next time out and he looks well overpriced at 25/1 even taking into account his poor draw. There were several promising types there and taking out the impressive winner, he was beaten just half a length in the finish; He looks worth considering.

Just Emma always had manners in total control when taking her maiden at Brighton – an ideal preparation for Epsom in so many ways – having been beaten in a strong event for the track. That form has been franked by the runner u and she makes more appeal than a few here.

Captainthunderbolt looks overmatched on all form.

Advice: 1pt win Buratino 4/1

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