Over the last week or so, there have been several articles published in the media relating to 2yo horses. Here are some of them.
Kevin Ryan’s thoughts on Featured Horse AREEN [engaged in the Listed National Stakes at Sandown tomorrow]
York has been a happy hunting ground for Kevin in recent years, especially in the juvenile division and he looks to have found another one in Areen. With the likes of Astaire, Blaine, Hot Streak and The Grey Gatsby all making winning debuts at the Knavesmire, Kevin has always been respected when sending his 2 year olds to the track and Areen was no different. Despite there being a 6f maiden the following day, Kevin decided to tackle the 5f novice race instead a day earlier and it proved the right move. Areen is a graduate of the Craven breeze up sale and having passed through the ring for £85,000 he had already shown plenty to convince Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah to snap up the son of the prolific Kodiac. Having clocked one of the quickest times in the breeze, Kevin knew he had a quick horse on his hands and his work at home only solidified this.
Although there were only 4 runners lining up in the £20,000 event it was still a tough race with two previous winners and the expensive Dheban who had made a lot of notebooks when running second on debut at Newmarket. Despite his inexperience the punters liked the look of Areen and he was well supported to go off 3-1 second favourite. Jamie Spencer took the mount, a combination that has become commonplace this season, and delivered a perfect ride throughout.
Experience looked key as the 4 runners left the gates and whilst the rest were quickly into their stride, Areen just missed the kick a little and left Jamie no option but to wait. Although slowly away he was quick into his stride and latched on to the back of the Fahey trained Black Magic. The pace was electric from the off and they blistered through the first couple of furlongs with the Brocklesby winner Ravenhoe blazing a trail. Jamie was as calm as always and allowed his newcomer the time to get into the race, and he travelled smoothly despite the obvious inexperience. As they reached halfway Black Magic was already struggling to go the gallop and Areen moved swiftly passed into third. As he did he came alive and all of a sudden Jamie was found having to take a pull at the 2f marker. Ravenhoe was still pouring it on with favourite Dheban hot on his heels. As the two leaders began to battle it out Areen made eyecatching ground on the outside and looked to be absolutely cruising. Jamie decided it was time to make a move and with a little urging Areen got into contention. Within strides he loomed up to the leader and quickly headed him. Now inexperience began to show as he he just started to hang away from his rivals. Jamie didn’t panic and quickly changed his hands, balancing the horse back up and started to get into full drive. With minimal fuss Areen kicked clear and strode out to an easy 1 1/2 length winner. Not only was it an impressive winning margin but the way in which Areen settled and then quickened clear of some decent horses was extremely pleasing. All this was done with only the slightest urgings as Jamie rode him just hands and heels. The margin could have been greater but Areen was eased down when the race was won.
Kevin already knew how good the colt was and his choice of race was to find out whether he was right. In what looked a competitive race Areen convincingly won with minimal fuss and still showed signs of greenness. He will come on leaps and bounds for this experience and looks the type to go to Royal Ascot. For a youngster he also has a great attitude and would be able to take the occasion in his stride. The 5f Group 2 Norfolk looks the ideal race, with the stiff track looking as though it would suit him even more than York. He may run beforehand and the Listed National Stakes at Sandown would be the obvious choice.
Michael Dods Stable Tour from At The Races; Two-year-olds.
EASTON ANGEL gr f Dark Angel – Staceymac
Winner on her debut at Musselburgh (5F) last week when beating Fishergate three and a quarter lengths [since won Class 2 Hilary Needler at Beverley]. ‘She had been working well at home and showing plenty and won at Musselburgh the other day. I don’t think she beat a lot but she’s a nice filly and will improve.’
LAWMAN’S JUSTICE b c Lawman – Brazilian Bride
Unraced. ‘He’s showing plenty but is a big backward sort and wouldn’t be out until the middle of the season.’
MR GLOBETROTTER b c Henrythenavigator – Sunshine For Life
Unraced. ‘He will set off over six furlongs and then be going seven but he seems quite a nice horse.’
RICHTER SCALE gr f Lilbourne Lad – Danamight
Winner of one of her two starts. ‘She ran well at Ripon and didn’t handle the track and will improve for the step up to six furlongs. She won well at Thirsk on Saturday and looks a nice prospect.’
Michael Bell Stable Tour from At The Races; Two-year-olds.
ACADEMY HOUSE b c Kodiac – Joyfullness
Beaten only a length by Zebstar when third on his debut at Newmarket (5F) this month. ‘He ran a very pleasing first race at Newmarket and looks a ready made winner. He might run in a maiden prior to Ascot or could conceivably go straight there for the Windsor Castle Stakes.’
DUCK A L’ORANGE ch c Duke of Marmalade – Incheni
Unraced. ‘He is by Duke of Marmalade and he’s a fine big strong horse who should make up into a nice horse next season.’
MODEST b f Kyllachy – Coy
Finished third, beaten five and a quarter lengths, to Maccus at Windsor (6F) on Monday. ‘She had been showing me plenty at home and ran a promising first race at Windsor on Monday. She is out a Danehill mare which I love and she should improve significantly for the experience.’
SCIARRA ch f Monsieur Bond – Tibesti
Unraced. ‘She is a well bred filly and is a full sister to Move In Time. She is on the brink of a run but could do with some cut in the ground.’
SHOW LEGEND ch c Showcasing – Dubai Legend
Unraced. ‘He is a horse we bought at the breeze-up by Showcasing from a good family. He looks like a very welcome addition to the string.’
Racing Post – Juvenile Judge
Little Voice, Windsor, May 11, 4th
A few horses finished off this maiden well, but none more so than the Charlie Hills-trained filly. She was slowly away and still had a lot of horses to pass entering the final furlong, but really took off and her rider did not resort to the whip either. She should come on plenty for that and can go close on her next couple of starts.
Bathos, Beverley, May 12, 4th
Mark Johnston has been a trainer to follow with his juveniles so far this season, and while this colt has had two chances already, he should be able to pick up a win soon. There is a fair amount of stamina in his pedigree, and despite Beverley being a stiff five, it proved an inadequate trip as he was outpaced early then stayed on in the final furlong. Once going up in distance he should give a better account.
Inherent Vice, Newbury, May 15, 3rd
Not much was expected from this colt judged on the betting, and he blew the start, but still performed really well to take third. He has winning milers in his pedigree so should get further in due course, but now the 6f maidens have started, he should be able to find an opportunity. Having forfeited several lengths at the start he closed well for minimal pressure in the final furlong and if breaking more alertly can be a winner soon.
Hillside Dream, Newmarket, May 15, 4th
This filly is going the right way from run to run, and should be able to get off the mark soon. She did not get much luck in running on debut when fourth, and this time still seemed green as she was one of the first being pushed along. However she did respond and closed well in the final furlong. When it all clicks she can pick up a victory
Two Year Old Racing 2015 