Sport is made for betting

A bit of harness action this weekend with the world famous Elitloppet at Solvalla, Stockholm. It's a format which would shock thoroughbred fans, with heats and finals being run on the same day - these horses are tough! For more details on the race and its unique history, via the Elitloppet website . Stepping up to preview this time-honoured event is an international harness racing aficionado who had the pleasure of being there last year, Luke Humphrey, @WorldRacingLuke . --------------------------------- Elitloppet Saturday - Solvalla R1 (Swedish Cup Heat 1): 5(BEST BET)-1-2-3 R2 (Swedish Cup Heat 2): 2-4-6-3 R3 (Swedish Cup Heat 3) 1-2-6-4 R4: 6-8-10-11 R5: 3-6-7-9 R6: 6-11-3-1 R7 (G2 Swedish Cup Final, Field dependent on Heats): R8: 3-11-9-8 R9: 11-12-10-9 R10: 11-6-8-2 R11: 5-8-1-9 R12 (G2 Harper Hanovers): 14-13-15-2 R13: 6-9-10-8 Most of the races on the card in my opinion are incredibly tough especially Race 10 and also Races 8, 9 and 11. Best Bet of the ...

I've tried my best with the 2yo race reviews but I'm afraid... Just can't keep up! Will try to preview as many of the 2yo pattern races as I can though. Normal service with guest-written feature previews and the odd rant (yes, haven't done one in a while) to resume.

Round two of the US Triple Crown tonight, so we'll either have the latest reincarnation of Pegasus if Always Dreaming wins, or a dud crop if his quest for TC glory goes awry. And one thing Pimlico Racecourse is famous for is one almighty party of the infield where the vast majority of them would be blissfully unaware a $1.5m horse race is being run, let alone it's importance. Anyhow, enough moaning about Trumpland, it's onto the preview, with regular US racing guru Jon da Silva, @creamontop . ------------------------- The Preakness Stakes Grade 1, US$1,500,000, 1m 3/16s (1900m for the sensible) Pimlico Race 13. 1848 local, 2348 BST One thing with the Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands is that the winner does not stand on his laurels and 2 weeks later gets to go again. Often the horse follows up but they are beaten enough that at Evens or less one feels one can take on this year's winner. Indeed to call the Kentucky Derby a satisfactory race to base such a ...

Tidying up one that slipped through the net... Chelmsford 1810 May 2 Filles Novice Auction Stakes 5f, Class 5, 1m1.51s (slow by 3.51s) Standard Blessed to Empress . Feb 1, 17k gns. First foal of dam, a sister to Listed winner Bounty Box. Jumped OK, worked to the lead, kept going. Whip not pulled but ridden fairly hard H&H. Three Little Birds . Mar 22, 11k gns vendor buyback as yearling. Sat midfield, pulled out top of the straight and pushed right to the line to claim second in final stride. (8/1 into 5/1) Princess Lyla . Apr 10, £3k 2yo sale. Half-sister to two winners but family is pretty limited. Settled directly behind the leader on the rail. Switched off her back at the furlong, never closer and then nabbed on the line, pushed back to third. Dorcas . Feb 27, £8500 yearling, dam won at two. Sat outside the leader, couldn't match her, then under pressure approaching furlong and soon weakened. Asheena . Sixth between Bengali Boys on debut Apr 19. Settled near the ta...

Doing a review of every 2yo race for the season doesn't have much point unless I start using the information before a race. And it's hard work trying to keep up with them all! So here we go with the opening race at York on Friday, the Listed Marygate Fillies Stakes. -------------------------- Marygate Fillies' Stakes Class 1, Listed, 5f, £50k York, 1420 local, 2320 AEST Blessed To Empress . Won on debut at Chelmsford, but it was 4/1 the field in a seven-horse race, and returned the second lowest winning RPR for a 2yo race this season. Unfashionable jockey and trainer, out of depth here. Che Bella . Went backwards at her second start, and the debut wasn't particularly flash either. Nope. Daddies Girl . Successful at her third start, each time against decent quality. New jockey again which can't be a positive but counter that with a big improvement from 5lb claimer to Andrea Atzeni. Drawn in the middle, so plenty of options if bias is a concern. Dolly Dagge...

Newmarket 1610 May 7 Maiden Stakes 5f, Class 4, 1m0.54s (slow by 2.94s) Good to Firm Way of Wisdom. Mar 26, bred in house by Godolphin. Dam full sister to star Aussie mare Miss Finland (Golden Slipper and Oaks winner). Parked on the shoulder of the leader, challenged and took control in the last furlong. Margin not big but looked to have gears left. Yet another juvenile winner for Charlie Appleby. Kit Marlowe . Feb 25, half-brother to at least nine winners. Fractious in the gates. Away well, settled rail-side of the leader and close up. Made move inside 2f, stuck to the task well but not good enough to beat the winner. Qaaraat . Fourth on debut at Newbury Apr 21, strong race, behind Gold Town. Broke well, straight to the front. Challenged on both sides inside 2f, couldn't match them but not beaten far, nor slaughtered for the result. Red Roman . Mar 8, 30k gns yearling. Settled behind the leader, poised to strike but couldn't go with them when it mattered. Kept on wel...

Great start to the Damte meeting, despite the persistent rain, with yesterday's preview landing a fantastic double-figure odds winner . Thursday means a focus on the eponymous race of the week, the highest regarded of the Derby trials, the Dante Stakes. Returning to the blog to weigh in with his assessment is international racing aficionado and racecalling prodigy Luke Humphreys, @WorldRacingLuke . -------------------------- Betfred Dante Stakes Group 2, £185,700, 1m2f56y York 1530 local, 0030 AEST ODDS LISTED ARE BEST AVAILABLE AT TIME OF POSTING 1 Benbatl (7/1): Saeed Bin Suroor was quoted saying in the past couple of days this horse will enjoy the rain over the past few days. Easy winner on debut by seven lengths at Doncaster on Good ground over 7f in a maiden and then went up to G3 class for the Craven Stakes over a mile at Newmarket and was 3rd behind Eminent and Rivet, who have since run respectably in both the Newmarket and French Guineas. Expected to enjoy st...

The magnificent heavyweight of northern Flat racing, York, hosts the Dante Meeting this week and one staple of the three-day festival is a wealth of dastardly handicaps. A regular contributor, the particularly astute @RightJudgeIAm , specialises in handicaps and has recently launched a tipping service, focusing on the races many of us either despise, or simply don't have the time for! For more details, please visit his site, The Handicap Snip . ------------------------------- Skybet First Race Special Handicap Class2, £25,000, 1m2f56yds York 1420 local, 2320 AEST This 1 mile 2 furlong handicap for four year olds and upwards opens the Dante Meeting on 'The Knavesmire', one of our premier tracks. Twenty runners are scheduled to line up and the going is given as good to firm as this piece is being written up. However, there is a strong possibility of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday and it's more likely the ground will be on the soft side. Some that entered in expec...

Doncaster 1750 Sat May 6 Novice Stakes 5f, Class 5, 1m0.39s (slow by 2.49s) Good to Firm Mutanaaseq . Won nicely on debut at Bath Apr 21, penalised here. Pinged the lids and went straight to the front alongside Bengali Boys, allowing him a half-length lead near halfway. Went for home at same time as that runner, 2f out, fought on well and just got the bob in on the line. Better jockey aboard probably made the difference. 15/8 into 11/8. Bengali Boys . Won low rating race at Beverley Apr 19, but well supported from flying 2yo stable. Led, went for home at 2f, stride for stride with Mutanaaseq, 3lb claiming jockey perhaps not strong enough to get him home. Backed 4s into 3s. Story Minister . Mar 9, £45k yearling. Half-brother to multiple winners, full sister Beldale Memory won first two starts, including Listed race at York. Slow to begin but no ground lost as pace was moderate. Poised nicely at 2f to make his run, kept on well but unable to go with the front two. Nice debut. Jim...

Cork 1435 May 6 EBF Auction Maiden 5f, 1m0.63s (slow by 3.93s) Good to Firm Mamba Noire . Feb 21, €60k yearling. Half-brother to four moderate winners. Settled midfield with cover on each side. Made headway approaching 2f to challenge without full effort. Kicked away after gentle urging and coasted to the line, whip never pulled. Summerseat Mist . Third start, latest a third at Navan on Apr 23. Settled just off the pace against the rail. Given a slap to smarten up around halfway. Pushed along rail to challenge, overcoming Spirit Power but soon passed by winner. Just battled on final stages. Angelique . Feb 13, €40k yearling. Slightly slow to begin, settled near tail. Made headway from 2f, lengthened stride nicely in final furlong to claim third. No whip. Spirit Power . Third start, second to Sirici at both runs, latest Apr 21. First run on turf. Contested early lead, challenged on both sides 1f out, kept on, lost third in final stride. Spiorad Saoirse . Mar 29, €34k yearling...

Thirsk 1355 Sat May 6 Novice Auction Stakes 5f, Class 6, 1m1.18s (slow by 3.28s) Good to Firm (Watered) Guzman . Mar 31, £25k yearling. Settled midfield early, eased out before halfway to ensure clear run ahead. Urged along to challenge at 1f and held them off. Not much left on the line but sound debut. Backed from 5/1 into 5/2. Trainer keeps on rolling out juvenile winners. Trusting Friend . Feb 22, $30k yearling ($80k foal). By second year US sire who won two G1s as a 3yo. Jumped well, sat close to the pace. Always seemed to need urging along, whip pulled inside the 2f, minor interference when Just For The Craic edged left, kept on well to just miss. Seen The Lyte . Apr 12, €24k yearling. First foal of a dam who never earned a cheque from five starts with Dermot Weld. Pinged the lids to lead early but jockey reluctant to do so. Still under a hold whens went past at halfway but then extended nicely in last 100yds to get within a length on the line. Danehill Desert . Mar 30, ...

Musselburgh 1430 Fri May 5 EBF Maiden Stakes 5f, Class 2, 58.8s (slow by 0.80s) Good to Firm Faithful Promise . Third start of career, second last time (to 66/1 shot) at Ripon Apr 20. Jumped well, straight onto the lead, one-off the rail. Kicked clear approaching 2f and comfortably held them off. Shobrom . Sixth on debut at Newmarket on Apr 18 in a high-rating race. Shifted right at start, settled just behind the pace and urged along near halfway. Tried hard but never got any closer to the leader. Backed from 10/11 into 4/6 , couldn't see why there'd be any clear advantage over his form than the winner. Shanghai Elastic . Feb 8, 5k gns yearling. First foal of dam who ran second on debut and that was as good as it got from six starts. Contested lead early but got left behind at 2f, suffering minor interference at the winner crossed to the fence. Battled on OK but not up to first two, at least without the advantage of experience. Hypnotic Dancer . Third start, managed t...

Redcar 1400 May 4 Selling Stakes 5f, Class 6, 1m0.61s (slow by 3.61s) Good to Firm A seller in the first week of May. Safe to say the ambition is over for all of these owners. Popsi . Three previous starts, all in France, for regular Channel-hopping trainer Jo Hughes. Straight to the front, challenged at the 2f on the near side, beat off Placebo Effect but probably never saw the runner-up. Pushed out right to the line and just got there. Our Little Pony . Apr 2, Only debutant in the field. Dam won from 7f-1m4f, also for Richard Fahey, and peaked at OR107. Slightly slow to begin, settled at the back, a bit unsure about what to do. Picked up at the 2f, made good progress and just missed. Placebo Effect . Beaten almost 10L on debut at Beverley on Apr 19. Parked just behind the pace, challenged at the 2f, weakened late. Society's Dream . Beaten 11L at Ripon on debut, Apr 20. Settled close to the pace in middle of track. Outpaced at 2f and battled on home. Tie Em Up Tel . 2...

Brighton 1705 May 3 Novice Median Auction Stakes 5f59yds, Class 5, 1m1.66s (slow by 1.06s) Good Cardsharp . Mar 3, half-brother to three winners. This wasn't a difficult debut assignment and the money gave a strong indication he meant business. Jumped well, crossed to the rail to lead. Drifted off rail going down the hill but accelerated well when shaken up by Joe Fanning. Whip not used, comfortably. Milton Road . Third start of career, second at this track a week ago. Sat outside Cardsharp, tried to challenge as they flattened out but outpaced by winner, simply battled on. Felisa . Fourth on debut at Wolverhampton. Bit green early, didn't like sitting behind others and hooked wide. Outpaced when the others got going but came home well in final 50m, very strong through the line which is dangerous at Brighton (comes to a dead end)! Captain Kissinger . Unlucky less than 24hrs earlier at Wolverhampton, when copped significant check in the straight. Sat behind leader on ra...

Ascot 1400 May 3 Conditions Stakes 5f, Class 2, 59.76s (slow by 0.76s) Good to Firm Frozen Angel . Last of nine in terrible debut at Newmarket on April 18, when slowly away and rather green. Contested lead, took over at 2f and shot away. Impressive and high rating figures. Corinthia Knight . Won first two starts (both AW) by a total of 10.5L. Tracked Frozen Angel, niggled along near 2f pole, and couldn't catch the winner. Not quite as good on turf or not a fan of the straight? Still a decent run, don't write him off just yet. Inviolable Spirit . Nice win on debut at Redcar on Apr 10. Awkwardly away, made move at 2f but unable to go with the front two. Decent run but that's her level. Global Tango . Mar 22, £42k yearling (€29k foal). Settled at rear, only four lengths from the lead. Hooked into centre of track at 2f to make his run, no acceleration, cue put back in the rack soon after. Tangled . Feb 5, £67k yearling. Broke well, contested lead hard against the r...

Pontefract 1415 May 3 EBF Novice Stakes 5f, Class 4, 1m3.63s (slow by 2.13s) Good to Firm Brandy Station . Overraced on debut at Redcar on Apr 10, beaten almost 10L. Jumped well, straight to the lead despite drifting right and off the rail before the bend. Stoked up on straightening and nothing chased him down. Won easily at 33/1 (specked at 66s). Jasi . Won at Southwell on debut on Apr 6 in low-rating race. Broke well, sat second. Unable to go with the leader on straightening and made no further impression. Kept on well to keep others at bay. Ventura Dragon . Apr 19, £60k yearling, dam has thrown several winners. Slow to get going, settled near rear. Got serious after th ebend and stayed on well to take third. Armed Response . Apr 19. 44k gns foal, but only £20k vendor buyback as yearling. Dam sister to G1 winner Prohibit. Slightly slow to begin, pushed up to settle fourth. Mad run from the furlong pole but just plodded on. Marsh Storm . Third on debut at Newcastle on Good ...

Yarmouth 1420 Tues May 2 Maiden Stakes 5f42yds, Class 4, 1m1.57s (slow by 1.57s) Good to Firm To Wafij . Mar 14, 130k gns yearling. Brother to No Leaf Clover, 2yo winner, peak OR of 99. Away well, contested lead on moderate pace. Pushed along approaching 1f, couple of cracks with the whip and found enough to win. Looks to have decent scope for improvement. Choice Encounter. Fourth at Nottingham on debut 10 days earlier behind Simmy's Copshop in high-rating race. Led, pushed out at 1f when challenged, couldn't go with winner but didn't give up. Validator . Apr 11, home-bred. Dam won on debut, peak OR 98. Awkwardly away, soon caught up on slow pace. Switched right at 2f to find space, worked home nicely late without use of whip. Indian Warrior . Feb 18, 45k gns yearling. Half-brother to six winners. Nicely away, camped right on the pace, but under pressure at 2f and soon outpaced. Battled on OK late. Contribute . Eighth of nine on debut at Newmarket, but finidhed a...

Wolverhampton 2030 Tues May 2 NoviceAuction Stakes 5f20yds, Class 5, 1m02.53s (slow by 2.73s) Standard Our Kid . Mar 25, €15k yearling, this win rated him equal to the best of the foals from dam Red Shoe. Jumped well, sat in the box seat, one back, one out. Came three wide on the turn, challenged under a hold at the 1f, then put the race away with a short burst. Wouldn't suggest there was a lot left, but had something still in hand. RPR of only 66 though, weakest of season. Storm Doris . Sixth on debut at Bath behind the handy Mutanaaseq less than a fortnight earlier. Broke well, camped on the pace just behind leader. Challenged upon straightening, wobbled a bit under pressure as winner came longside. Kept on well but not able to challenge winner. Shesgotthelot . Third at Kempton behind Corinthia Knight but beaten ten lengths. Away well, settled in midfield. Went for gap at top of straight then laid in at 1f, checking Captain Kissinger and Data Protection. Kept going, not be...

Nottingham 1410 Tues May 2 Fillies Novice Stakes 5f13yds, Class 5, 59.05s (slow by 0.55s) Good to Firm Main Desire . Mar 18, €40k yearling. Camped just behind Mraseel on near side, always looked to have plenty up her sleeve. Given a gentle nudge inside the furlong, pushed out for about four strides and cruised away very impressively. By High Chaparral, expect her to go better the further she goes. She Believes . Feb 8, 45k gns yearling. Half-sister to two RPR100+ horses. Followed Aquadabra down the middle, took lead in that group 1f out but never likely to reach the winner. Aquadabra . Still hadn't turned two by this run (May 10 foal), finished third again with a consistent performance. RPR figs of 70,74,70 from career so far. Started favourite. Led down centre of track, pushed along at 2f, challenged 1f, battled on OK. Mraseel . Last on debut at Newmarket in hot race a fortnight earlier. Money suggested a greatly improved run here, backe dfom 8/1 into 4s. Led on the nea...

Brighton 1400 Tues May 2 Novice Auction Stakes 5f59yds, Class 5, 1m2.58s (slow by 1.98s) Good (Good to Firm in Places) Starlight Mystery . Third on debut at Leicester, missed start slightly here and had to settle behind leader (after being checked). Bit green/unbalanced coming down the hill. Got off the back of leader at 1.5f, went past these easily and kept going. Super Florence . Apr 17, €9k yearling. Settled at tail, caught behind others when winner went for home and always struggling to make that ground up. By Zebedee, should be ready early, will be competitive once she learns to jump. Floss The Hoss . Fourth on debut at Beverley when drawn wrong side. Away well, wanted to overrace early, sat outside leader coming down the hill. Under pressure at the 2f and just battled on from there. Firenze Rosa . 100-1 on debut at Windsor. Led against the rail on a contested lead, went for home at bottom of the hill (2f) and got a small advantage but winner then loomed up and she weaken...

Beverley 1355 Mon May 1 Novice Median Auction Stakes Div I 5f, Class 6, 1m2.25s (slow by 1.25s) Good to Firm Time Trail . Apr 2, £38k yearling. Half-sister to three winners. Broke well, contested lead against rail. Challenged inside 2f but wouldn't lay down. Kept on fighting and won by narrowest of margins. Noble Manners . Fourth in hot Newmarket race on debut. Contested the speed, slightly behind leader, down middle of track. Hard ridden inside 2f, gradually worked closer to winner but couldn't quite reach him. Luis Fernandez . Mar 27, $35k foal, $6k 2yo - not a good sign! Half-brother to some decent ones including Benbaun and Captain Colby, speedy pedigree. Missed start slightly from gate 1, had to settle behind midfield. Worked home well in closing stages without ever threatening. Porchy Party . Mar 15, 18k gns yearling. Settled wide with cover in midfield, directly behind Noble Manners. Slow to move when runs were being made, finally got going inside thefurlong, ni...

Naas 1340 Mon May 1 EBF Fillies Maiden 6f, 1m10.60s (slow by 1.20s) Good to Firm Alpha Centauri . Feb 28, stable flying. Retained by breeder, three half-sisters went for €250k+ at sales. Led comfortably, lengthened stride nicely inside 2f and ran away from them. Actress . Jan 12. $250k yearling. Away well, camped on the leader's back. Stoked up at the 2f as leader kicked away. Not getting any closer to the winner but did manage to hold off rest of field comfortably. Shapes . Apr 30. Passed in for €68k at sales. Half-brother to a couple of RPR100+ horses who both won at two. Jumped well, parked close to the pace. Revved up at the 2f after being outpaced, kept on one pace. Yulong Gold Fairy . Apr 28, €8k yearling. Dam won three times as a 2yo then retired, peak OR91. Wore noseroll. Settled just ahead of midfield, reached third approaching furlong pole but weakened late to concede that position. Now You're Talking . Feb 5, €185k yearling. Half-sister to seven winners....

The Aussie racing spotlight heads to Adelaide and Brisbane this week, and after a promising debut last week, Arif Mutluel, @AMutluel , is back in the ring for another swing.... ------------------------- James Boag's Premium Doomben 10,000 Group 1, AU$700,000 1200M Weight for Age Doomben R7, 1604 local, 0704 BST Just what Australian racing needed, another WFA 1200m Group 1 sprint. Although I’m not the biggest fan of the distance change, this year’s edition presents an intriguing contest. The speed in the race have drawn out wide, there’s three or four consistent but non-winning performers, there’s also mudlarks on a drying track and we also have one of the few remaining boom 3-year-old colts. No real advantage for the 3-year-olds at WFA conditions this time of the year and with the track drying out should give every horse a chance. Luck and tactics will play the biggest role in this race and I’ll be searching for the horse most likely to get the best run in transit. M...

Beverley 1430 Mon May 1 Novice Median Auction Stakes Div II 5f, Class 6, 1m2.36s (slow by 1.36s) Good to Firm Havana Star . Jan 21, €37k yearling. Dam won as 2yo on debut for this trainer, ran third in the Super Sprint, peak RPR97. Jumped awkwardly, dived left, settled toward the rear. At least 8L behind at halfway when Stott got to work, made solid ground along the far rail, one tap with the whip inside 1f. Long sustained run and ran through the line strongly, although hung right across the track. Early foal, looked mature. Have to think there is more to be seen from him. Rockin Fella . Third start, close up each time but can't quite break through. Broke well, contested early lead along the far rail and then came back under McDonald comfortably. Switched around the leader inside 2f as the gap on the rail was likely to close, took lead inside furlong but hung left under pressure. Kept on OK if a little wayward. Leeshaan . Jan 26, £60k yearling. Dam half-sister to G1 winner R...

Naas 1445 Monday May 1 EBF Race 5f, 1m0.60s (slow by 2.80s) Good to Firm Dali . Runner-up at Dundalk on debut 19 days earlier. Led, moderate pace at best. Moore turned it into a 2f sprint for home and had them all comfortably covered. Hawaam . Mar 26. €120k yearling. Half-brother to the very speedy Waady. Wore noseroll. Eased to settle behind leader, always appeared to want to go faster. Looked likely to challenge approaching 2f but unable to get past Dali in sprint home. Nice debut. Trading Post . Mar 19. 40k gns yearling (€48k foal). Settled midfield but going too slow for him so pulled out into the breeze. Challenged near furlong but unable to go with them. Beat the rest well though, will win races. US Navy Flag . Feb 6. Full brother to G2-winning 2yo Roly Poly, would have cost a mint if he went through the sales ring. A little slow away, settled at the back on a walking pace early. Pushed along approaching 2f, outpaced, took time to get going, finally made some ground near...

Bath 1600 Mon May 1 Median Auction Stakes 5f10yds, Class 4, 1m1.73s (slow by 1.23s) Firm Rock of Estonia . Won on debut at Windsor three weeks previous. Jumped straight to the front. Challenged at 2f on both sides, showed big heart to fend off rivals on both sides and win pushed out hands & heels in the end, giving at least 11lbs to rest of field. Joe's Spirit . Apr 1, £42k yearling (17k gns foal). Settled on the rail behind leader. Pushed through on the rail to lead by half-length at the furlong but run ended, only just held onto third. Ghepardo . Apr 30, €20k yearling. Dam very slow but half-sister to handy 2yo Sir Reginald among others. Parked outside leader and appeared to be going better when challenging at 2f but couldn't go with front two. Kept working home late and still seemed to have something up sleeve on the line. Cranworth Phoenix . Apr 6, half-sister to several winners. Reared at start, settled a few lengths behind. Never got near them. Watch Tan - ...

Salisbury 1500 Sun Apr 30 Fillies' Conditions Stakes 5f, Class 3, 1m0.26s (slow by 0.46s) Firm Daddies Girl . Third run of career, unplaced as favourite six days earlier at Windsor. Had benefit of 5lb claimer here. Jumped well, contested lead. Wound up at halfway and wouldn't let anything past. Foughht on well. Take Shelter . Strong second at Newmarket 11 days ago. Jumped well and went towards rail, causing mild interference behind. Sat three wide with cover. Challenged 2f out but unable to get past the winner. Billesdon Brook . Feb 24. Checked at start, lost a few lengths, settled at tail. Made ground from halfway then given full bore approaching 1f pole. Claimed third on the line. Nice run, bred for further. Campion . Poor debut at Wolverhampton when started 5/2 fav. Started well, settled just behind the pace. Made his run at 2f, only lost second and third in final 75yds. Di Fede . Apr 20. Half-sister to seven winners. Little slow to begin, settled on rail 3-4L b...

Doncaster 1725 Sat Apr 29 Newcomers Maiden Stakes 5f, Class 5, 1m0.04s (slow by 2.14s) Good to Firm (Good in Places, watered) Koditime . Feb 1, £65k yearling from maiden dam. Away nicely, parked midfield right beind Dahik. Accelerated nicely when the gap opened. One tap with the stick and a comfortable win. Impressive. Dahik . Mar 6, £62k yearling. Half-brother to five winners. First 2yo runner of the season for Roger Varian. Backed from 8/1 into 5s. Jumped nicely, contested lead under comfortable hold. Given a bit more rein at 2f, challenged 1f out. A little green after a couple of strikes with the whip but couldn't match the winner. Will learn plenty from that. Jellmood . Mar 3. First foal, dam had form in South Africa and Dubai. Settled close to the pace and improved without effort to challenge approaching furlong. Given a couple of cracks with the whip but unable to match the first two. Solid debut. Central City . Mar 28, €50k yearling. 8/1 into 9/2. Not the fastest awa...

Leicester 1455 Sat Apr 29 Novice Stakes 5f, Class 5, 1m0.80s (slow by 1.90s) Good to Firm (Good in places) VIDEO REPLAY UNAVAILABLE Never Back Down . Narrow runner-up in high rating race at Newmarket 11 days earlier. Led from the start, responded well to pressure to hang on. Haddaf . Feb 1, €85k yearling. Closely related to numerous 2yo winners. A little keen early, settled behind winner, unable to get past him in final furlong. Decent debut. Dragons Tail . Apr 29, €30k yearling. Slowly away, made move at furlong pole, kept on without threatening. Jedi Master . Sixth on debut at Leicester 22 days earlier. Handy to the pace, found little in final furlong. Plundered . Apr 15, €60k yearling. Settled close to the speed, urged along near halfway, soon weakened. Misty Breese . Mar 20, 38k gns yearling. Dam won classic in Norway. Close to the pace in running but found nothing when it was time to go for home. Bahuta Acha . Poor on debut at Beverley 10 days earlier, no better here...

Ripon 1410 Saturday Apr 29 Novice Auction Stakes 5f, Class 4, 1m0.48s (slow by 2.58s) Good (Good to Firm in places) Black Orange . Placed at first two starts, both with 7lb claimer on top. Significant upgrade to senior jockey here. Broke well, straight to the lead although I wouldn't call it blistering pace. Challenged 2f out, whip pulled approaching 1f, fought on well to hold them all off. Rocket Man Dan . Seventh on debut (started 5/2) in weaker division of the Brocklesby on season opening day. Settled behind Black Orange, tried to make his run on the leader's approaching 1f out, gap closed, worked around that horse to try again, ran on well, just failed. Aristodemus . Mar 19, €9k yearling. Already gelded. Jumped well to sit outside the leader. Challenged at the 2f, tried hard without ever being likely to win. Big run for a 66/1 shot. Whip not used, definitely something left up his sleeve for next time. Revenge . Feb 12, £9k yearling. Settled midfield. Loomed up to ...

Beverley 1410 Thurs Apr 27 Novice Auction Stakes 5f, Class 5, 1m3.41s (slow by 2.41s) Good to Firm Emilia James . Impressive second on debut at Beverley eight days earlier when nabbed near the line. Officially backed from 8/11 to 4/9, but was available at better than evens in the morning. Straight to the front again and always in control. Four lengths clear under a tight hold at the 1f, didn't find a great deal more once urged along but result never in doubt. Miss Bar Beach . Apr 3, €9k yearling. Half-sister to five winners. Green early, not keen to tuck in. More relaxed after 2f. Pushed along inside 2f making good ground and then ran on nicely once given a couple of taps with the whip inside final furlong. Had benefit of five lb claimer and started 50/1. Worth following. Royal Crown . May 2, €25k yearling. Half-sister to seven winners. Jumped well, settled outside the pace. Unable to go with the leader when she went for home at the furlong, but kept on OK, decent gap back ...

Windsor 1645 Mon Apr 24 Novice Auction Stakes 5f21yds, Class 5, 59.48s (slow by 0.98s) Good to Firm Yogi's Girl . Green and eased down on debut at Wolverhampton 16 days earlier, had support. Jumped well, crossed to the rail to take the lead. Challenged and whip drawn at the 2f, fought on strongly. Mother of Dragons . Apr 26, €3k yearling. Top connections considering the sale price. Away well, camped just outside leader. Challenged at halfway and fought on well, experience of winner probably making the difference. Aquadabra. Third on debut 16 days earlier at Wolverhampton in low rating race, but made nice ground late. Settled on rail behind Yogi's Girl, eased off fence inside 2f to make his run. Ran on OK but not strongly enough to get past the front two. Daddies Girl. Third on debut here a fortnight earlier (stuck on nicely, whip used just once). Away well, settled just behind the pace, squeezed between Aquadabra and Gold Filigree. Didn't see a lot of room in t...

Navan 1625 Monday April 24 EBF Maiden 5f182yds, 1m12.36s (slow by 3.36s) Good (Good to Firm in places) Romanised . Feb 5. Half-brother to winners including two over two miles. Broke well, settled just behind the pace. Jockey made to wait until the furlong when he worked into the clear. Unleashed a short sprint to win on the line. Brick By Brick . Mar 16 foal, 34k gns foal. Half-brother to a couple of decent types. Stable flying, trainer can get a decent 2yo as well as win G1s over obstacles. Broke well, straight to the front along rail. Set strong pace, urged along at 2f and left rivals flat-footed. Only claimed on the post by smart winner. Canny ride. Declarationofpeace . $2.6m yearling. Half-brother to Belmont winner Honor Code. Tongue tie on already. Sat just off the leader, couldn't go with the winner when asked, kept on OK to keep third. Wolfofbaggotstreet . Mar 20, €64k yearling (€14k foal). First foal of dam. Trainer won 2yo race here previous day. Broke well, set...