Coeus – 3yo gelding, Prescott
Back next two races in handicaps
This horse was fancied ahead of his ride on 2,000 Guineas day in the 6f handicap. He looked well but not perfect, although I’m not sure anything looked great for that race. He finished second, well behind the impressive Seal Rock (I didn’t have a bet on the race but he kept a placepot alive) and was staying on nicely at the end. He’s by Ishiguru out of an Arazi mare, and is relatively slight, leading me to conclude he might want further. Sir Mark has turned him out again quickly; he goes at Ascot on Friday, before his mark is raised from 87 to 89. I think he’ll do well off the higher mark and I’m going to give him two runs with my money aboard before I assess where he’s at. He might just be listed/group class, or he might end up toiling off a high handicap mark. We’ll see how he progresses.
Dream Ahead – 3yo colt, Simcock
Back in group races up to 7f
A man who knows things (he’s in the bloodstock industry) was ecstatic to find that Dream Ahead missed the Guineas – he’s convinced that a mile is too far for this horse. In my ignorant way, I agree. He’s a 6f horse who might get 7f on class. The sprinting division is, as ever, a muddle, but with Starspangledbanner and Equiano no longer on the scene, this horse might just dominate. His Middle Park win had him rated level with, or not far behind, Frankel in most 2yo rankings last season, and I think his early season set-back might just get us some value, and get him in the right races. Could be one for the Golden Jubilee, if Overdose doesn’t come over.
Galloping Minister – 3yo colt, Dascombe
Back next time out in 1m maiden
This horse caught the eye before the Wood Ditton, always an excellent race to follow. He finished well down in the field and obviously wasn’t fit beforehand. In truth, he was also outclassed. He had an entry at Warwick in a more ordinary maiden, but was a non-runner – though the 25/1 available warmed my heart. No entries at the moment, but if we see him again soon, I think a weaker 1m maiden could be his at a biggish price.
Hamlool – 3yo colt, Brittain
Back next time out over 1m
I don’t want to say too much, in case I look like a fool, but this has all the makings of a very nice bet. I saw Hamlool in the paddock before the listed 10f race on 2,000 Guineas day, and I liked him a lot; well built, nicely-balanced, muscular horse. He didn’t look like a 10f horse to me, though, and Brittain’s yard weren’t (and aren’t) firing. His form from the AW is good, 2nd to Dubawi Gold (an eye-catcher himself before running second in the 2,000). He travelled nicely enough at Newmarket before going out like a light 2f from home and finishing at the back. I’d hope to get a decent price for him if they have the sense to drop him back over a mile (though, in addition to a St James’ entry, he’s in for the Dante and the 1m2f sales race on the July course).
Laajooj – 3yo colt, al Zarooni
Back next time out
This felt like easy money at Newbury, where he was the pick based on stable form and pedigree for a weak-looking maiden before we arrived. After a swift paddock inspection, I snapped up the last of the 4/1 and it was never really in doubt. He’s a lovely horse and scopey enough to stay much further than the mile he saw last time. He’s got entries in the Dee Stakes and the Derby Trial, and I’d expect to see him take up one or the other. The Eclipse and the King Edward are both on the agenda as major targets. My plan is to back him next time out and, hopefully, make a profit whilst forming a view on whether he’ll really stay 12f or settle at 10f. He may or may not impress enough to stay on the list.
Laashak – 3yo colt, Stoute
Back next time out over 10f+
This is beginning to seem like a familiar formula. This scopey American-bred (his grandsires are AP Indy and Storm Cat) impressed in the paddock ahead of the Wood Ditton. He wasn’t particularly fit and needs further than a mile. I’m going to back him next time out (which, with luck, will be in the 10f maiden at Lingfield on Saturday for which he’s entered, giving me another look at him in the paddock) and will then plan my approach with him for the rest of the season.
Midsummer Fair – 3yo colt, al Zarooni
Back next time out
If you’ve been paying attention, it’ll be no surprise to see this colt on the list. He’s part of the al Zarooni string, a trainer in great form and with great talent, and he won the Wood Ditton (pretty easily, actually). By Medaglia d’Oro out of an Affirmed mare, my sense is he’ll want further (which is backed up by entries and by a paddock inspection) than the 1m of the Wood Ditton, but I’m not sure what his optimal trip will be. I’m behaving like a football manager and taking it one race at a time, whilst also watching the Wood Ditton form. To coin a phrase, he could be anything.
Slumber – 3yo colt, Hills
Back next time out
Like Blue Bunting, this is a horse I’m kicking myself about. He was on my list for the season, having received a very positive write-up from his stable. Cacique horses tend not to do much as 2yos so I thought that he might present attractive betting opportunities. Still, I confess to assuming he was overmatched in the Classic Trial at Epsom (also, I spent the entire day in an eye-bleedingly dull meeting, which ruined my chances to get a paddock report) and not backing him. We may not see that kind of value again, but I’ll follow him when he next runs (probably in tomorrow’s Chester Vase) and, if he doesn’t bounce, assess him for the remainder of the year.
Solar Sky – 3yo colt, Cecil
Back next time out
Damn silly name for a race horse, Solar Sky. Still, he was very definitely the stable second string when he ran second to World Domination at Newbury, but he caught the eye. Smaller than World Domination, he’s a low-slung, athletic type, something a touch feline in his gait. He’ll improve for further and has a King Edward entry. I’d assume he’ll get a run (possibly with Queally on board) in a 10f maiden, to test his suitability for longer trips, and I’ll be on board, although I doubt the price will be great.
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