Friday 12 June
York 2.00 – 5F maiden (Class 3) Good to Firm
Eight runners made up the field, seven colts and one filly. There were three runners having their first race.
SECRET AMBITION had not been seen out since finishing second, beaten ¾ length, to BIRCHWOOD (won a Class 2 race next time out) at Doncaster on 2 May and Mark Johnston’s colt was sent off the 13/8 favourite. There was also support on course for Richard Fahey’s BACK TO BOND (16/1 to 10/1). He was dropping back to 5F, having finished fifth here on debut (second won a Class 5 maiden next time out).
With a furlong to go, there were five in a line and by the finish, the first seven horses were only seperated by about three lengths. However it was ROSINA, the unraced filly who won the race to ensure Ann Duffield’s recent run of good form continued. She has now had four 2yo winners in the last two weeks, having only had seven in the whole of 2014. ROSINA was held up and looked to blocked on a couple of occasions when trying to make her run, but when the gap appeared, she quickened to win by a length. Originally sold as a foal for 5000 guineas, she was then sold as a yearling for £17000. Presented at a Breeze Up sale earlier this year, she was purchased for £41000. Out of a mare who won in Germany early in her career between 5F and 7F, she then won in Britain at 5F (highest winning OR of 85). Her only previous foal has won four times at 6F (highest winning OR of 75).
Jamie Spencer had previously been quoted as saying that Kevin Ryan tended to introduce his nicer two year olds at York and this partnership finished second with GENO, another of the newcomers. He was keeping on towards the end (traded at a low of 1.7 in the run – ROSINA traded at a high of 23). Costing 58000 guineas as a yearling, he is from a mare who was herself unraced but has produced one winning foal, a 10F maiden in Ireland.
SECRET AMBITION finished fourth and BACK TO BOND was sixth.
York 3.05 – 6F seller (Class 3) Good to Firm
All ten runners declared for this valuable seller (worth £7762 to the winner) stood their ground. All had raced previously and there were eight fillies in the field. Six of the runners were already equipped with some sort of headgear, five of these for the first time.
John Quinn’s filly SMART MOVER was made the 6/5 favourite, having been available to back at 3/1 last night. She was the most experienced runner in the field with three runs under her belt. On her most recent appearance, she had finished second at Redcar in a Class 5 maiden. She was prominent throughout and two furlongs out, looked to be going the best of the runners. However, she weakened and dropped away quickly and finished in fifth place (traded at a low of 1.20).
The race was won by LADY WULFRUNA who had raced twice before. On her last outing, she had finished just over six lengths behind RING OF TRUTH who has an entry in the Queen Mary (Group 2) at Royal Ascot. Today, she was held up towards the rear but once ridden, stayed on strongly to lead inside the last and won by 1¼ lengths (traded at a high of 50 in running). She was purchased for £52000 as a yearling but was resold after a Breeze Up sale for just £5000. Her dam won at 10F (OR of 55) and she has produced one previous winner, a 7F maiden. This success gave Alan McCabe his first 2yo winner of the season (his record with 2yos in sellers returns a LSP of over twenty points).
THE BURNHAM MARE finished in second place for Stan Moore. She had only beaten four rivals in her two starts to date, both on Class 5 races. She had every chance at the furlong pole but could only keep on at the same pace. She cost 8000 euros as a yearling and is from a mare who won in France at 8F. She has produced one winning foal, over 8F and 9F in Germany.
PARKES AND RIDE had finished fifth in a Ripon seller on his only start so far and today, Karl Burke’s gelding was equipped with a visor and hood for the first time. He finished in third place, just a nose behind the runner up. He cost 2000 guineas as a yearling and is from a mare who won a 7F maiden. She has produced one winning foal between 12F and 14F (highest winning OR of 69). PARKES AND RIDE is entered in the Tattersalls July Sale.
The winner was sold to to Guy Stephenson for £20,000.
Sandown 2.10 – 5F maiden (Class 5) Good to Firm
This became a match after MUATADEL was withdrawn (lame). Both the colts, RAUCOUS (William Haggas) and A MOMENTOFMADNESS (Charlie Hills), were making their debuts.
As it turned out, this turned into little more than a racecourse gallop as RAUCOUS, the 3/10 favourite, made all and was shaken up over a furlong out and drew clear to win by 3¾ lengths. He cost 100000 guineas as a yearling and he is the first foal to race from his dam. Although she only won a 5F maiden, she was placed in the Queen Mary (Group 2). Afterwards Maureen Haggas said: ‘We learnt very little there. He was very green and looked at everything along the way. He still looks leggy and weak but they have been happy with him at home and he must have shown something otherwise they would not have run him. He does not look like a fast horse as he is not made like one, but he has got plenty of speed and can only improve.’
Sandown 3.15 – 7F maiden (Class 5) Good to Firm
Twelve colts took part in this contest, MIDHMAAR was withdrawn at the start. Four of the runners had previous race experience.
Before the race, Richard Hannon had spoken of the chances of his three runners: ‘WHITECLIFF PARK has the benefit of a previous race, but, not surprisingly, he could never go the pace of KING OF ROOKS at Newbury on his debut, and this extra furlong will suit him better. Of the two newcomers, BURNING FIVERS is a nice Paco Boy, while, though SEE YOU WHEN is not as big as your average Acclamation, we like him, too.’
INHERENT VICE (Jamie Osborne) had finished third behind KING OF ROOKS at Newbury on debut (also featured by Racing Post’s Juvenile Judge). He was sent off as the 5/2 favourite but could only finish tenth.
ALBERNATHY (Charlie Appleby) had been green on debut at Haydock finishing last of ten, about twelve lengths behind the winner, ELTEZAM, who holds an entry in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot (the sixth won a Class 5 maiden next time out). Today, the Godolphin colt was sent off at 16/1. Drawn widest of all, he followed the leaders but as a consequence had to race three wide around the bend. He took the lead two furlongs out, but despite being hard pressed close home, held on to win by a neck. Darley bred, he is the first foal from a mare who was a maiden in France. After the race, William Buick said: ‘He has come on a lot for his first run, which a lot of ours do. It was a good performance as it looked like a decent race on paper. I was just pleased with the way he travelled and finished. He has got a great attitude.’
The challenger close home was VON BLUCHER, a newcomer trained by John Gosden. He was held up early on and when brought to challenge, looked every bit the winner. However he couldn’t pass the winner close home (traded at a low of 1.13 in running). Purchased for 55000 guineas as a foal, he was later sold as a yearling for £95000. His dam won in Ireland between 7F and 10F, including a Group 2 and Group 3 at 10F. She has produced one winning foal, a 7F maiden in Ireland, attaining an OR of 89.
SEE YOU WHEN finished two lengths further away in third. He cost 70000 guineas as a yearling and is from a mare who a maiden at 8F. She has produced winning foals from 5F to 8F (highest winning OR of 93).
Ryan Moore, the rider of BURNINGFIVERS, reported that the colt became upset in the stalls and was slowly away. George Baker, the rider of INHERENT VICE, reported that the colt ran too freely and was denied a clear run approaching the final furlong. The Starter reported that MIDHMAAR, trained by B W Hills, reared in the stalls and was withdrawn. The trainer’s attention was drawn to the restriction incurred under Rule (B)44 and informed that the colt could not run until the day after passing a stalls test.
CALIFORNIA LAD finished in eighth place.
Chepstow 5.50 – 6F novice stakes (Class 4) Good to Firm
Eight runners contested this race, the two David Evans’ runners were withdrawn at the start (see below). Five colts and three fillies made up the field and seven of the runners had previously won a race.
TAWDHEEF (Brian Meehan) was sent off as the 9/4 favourite, having opened up on course at 7/2. He had won on debut at Bath on debut and was raised significantly in class when next seen out in the National Stakes (Listed) at Sandown. Before today’s race, Brian Meehan had said: ‘TAWDHEEF won really well on debut at Bath over five and a half furlongs, and is bidding to get his career back on track after his seventh place finish in what looked a strong renewal of the National Stakes. He has come out of that race really well and we are confident that he will be involved in the finish’
DODGY BOB had won at Ripon on his last start when he raced prominently, the runner up won a Class 5 maiden next time out. Today, he attempted to make all and Kevin Ryan’s colt very nearly succeeded (traded at a low of 1.75 in running) but he was finally worn down close home by TAWDHEEF, who went on to win by ½ length.
SIXTIES SUE had won last time out at Lingfield. She finished a further 1½ lengths back in third.
Kieran O’Neill, the rider of OWER FLY, unplaced, reported that the colt ran flat.
The Stewards held an enquiry following a report from the Starter that WILLAWAY, trained by David Evans, refused to enter the stalls and was withdrawn. The trainer’s attention was drawn to the restriction incurred under Rule (B)44 and he was informed that the colt could not run until the day after passing a stalls test. This being the second occasion within the previous 12 months that the colt had been reported, the Stewards informed the trainer’s representative that if WILLAWAY were reported for a third time within the same period, he would be prevented from having a stalls test for 6 months. Also, the Starter reported that FRIVOLOUS LADY trained by David Evans, refused to enter the stalls. The trainer’s attention was drawn to the restriction incurred under Rule (B)44 and he was informed that the filly could not run until the day after passing a stalls test.
Goodwood 6.30 – 6F maiden (Class 4) Good
Six runners went to post, PALAWAN (sore shins) and TRIASSIC (not eaten up) were the two non runners. Four of the field were fillies and the only runner with experience was AFRICAN SHOWGIRL. She had been backed from 14/1 to 15/2 on her debut at Windsor, being eased when beaten and finishing ninth. This evening, she was supported on course again, from 13/2 to 4/1, but the money was left behind as she finished third, three lengths behind the winner.
LIDO LADY (Mark Johnston) was drawn next to the stands rail and led early. In the lead or disputing the lead for the whole race, she kept on well to record a 1¾ length victory. She cost 26000 guineas as a yearling and is from a mare who won a 7F maiden and was placed in a Listed race, both in Ireland. She has produced two full siblings, a 6F maiden winner here and another who won races in Hong Kong.
STAR JEANIE jumped right on leaving the stalls and lost several lengths but was soon up with the pace and disputing the lead. However, her poor start possibly cost her the race, as she could give no extra inside the final furlong. Henry Candy’s newcomer cost £20000 as a yearling and is from a mare who remained a maiden. She has produced one winning foal at 8F (highest winning OR of 65). .
John Fahy, the trainer of I’M JUST SAYING, reported that the filly hung right throughout.
News Update
KATIE’S DIAMOND, a winner of her debut at Redcar by 4½ lengths has been bought by Qatar Racing. Speaking on his website, Karl Burke said: ‘KATIE’S DIAMOND an imposing daughter of first season sire Turtle Bowl confirmed what we had hoped and won comfortably first time out in a maiden at Redcar. Impressive enough to attract plenty of offers in from both the UK and overseas. She has now been purchased by QATAR RACING and Mrs Barbara Keller who already has two in training with us. We are extremely pleased to be training for Sheikh Fahad and his team and we hope to have plenty of success in the future for them.’
In other news from the Burke yard, LONDON PROTOCOL, placed on both of his starts most recently at Hamilton, has been gelded. Burke said ‘LONDON PROTOCOL ran another respectable race second time out at Hamilton although he was still very coltish in preliminaries and has subsequently been gelded this should really help him concentrate and fulfil his potential he has shown us at home.’
After Dean Ivory’s second winner in twenty four hours he spoke about TWIN SAILS, his winner at Newbury: ‘You can see that he wants seven-furlongs. He loved that ground although I thought it might be a bit too firm for him but he was grabbing it up. A furlong out he looked for a run and when he got to the front he was a little bit green but Robert [Winston] kept him up to his work.’
Betfred TV visited Michael Dods and talked to the trainer and Paul Mulrennan about their Royal Ascot chances, including EASTON ANGEL. The video can be seen here.
Wesley Ward has been interviewed by Racing UK about his Royal Ascot prospects. In the interview he mentions two 2yos: ‘I have a really nice filly called BACK AT THE RANCH, who was second first time up on the dirt and then won convincingly at Belmont. She’s listed for the Albany Stakes. I have a nice filly for the Queen Mary called ACAPULCO, who the owners paid a considerable amount of money for. She disappointed on her first run at Churchill Downs, but I don’t think she handled the track and I have been very happy with how she has breezed on the grass at Keeneland since then. Keeneland is probably the closest thing we have to a European track over here. It’s a different type of grass, more like a European turf track. A lot of my horses work very well here in Florida and then I take them to Keeneland and they don’t handle it as well, so I know after I’ve taken them there whether they can go to Ascot or not.’
Hugo Palmer has updated his Stan James blog. Here are his comments regarding his 2yos:
‘I was thrilled with the way AILSA ON MY MIND ran in finishing third on debut at Thirsk on Monday. I’ve always liked her and I was hoping she might make into an Ascot filly and that’s why I ran her this week. Ideally she would have probably needed another two weeks just to be ready – she had a little infection about a month ago and she just lost a bit of fitness there. Without that time off, I think she’d have probably won and then we might be thinking about having a little go in the Albany or something. As it is, she ran a really nice race, she wasn’t knocked about and we’ll look to win a race with her in two to three weeks, I’d hope. I think she’ll be a nice filly, she’s got some sales race entries, she wasn’t expensive and I think she’s going to be a really fun filly for the summer.’
I was thrilled with GALILEO GOLD’s maiden win at Salisbury on Tuesday, especially as he had the worst of the draw. I’ve always liked him and he proved exactly why. He’s still a big leggy immature horse and I won’t rush him now at all. He’s just going to improve with time and he’ll improve for being stepped up to seven furlongs and I think by the end of the year he should be getting a mile. He’s got bags of speed, a lovely attitude in his races. He’s still quite immature beforehand. I told his owner that and he said, “I’m 67 and I get told I’m immature and I need to grow up everyday.” So I hope GALILEO GOLD grows up before he’s 67! He’s a lovely horse. Although the time of the first division was very good, it looked the stronger of the two divisions on paper and I think it probably was. He’ll come on tonnes as winning does a young horse’s confidence the world of good. We’ll see how he’s working and how he goes. If he progresses, the Superlative could be an option at the July meeting, the Winkfield at Ascot – which is on the day I’m getting married – could also be an option.
I’m not certain whether or not to run PASS THE MOON at Thirsk next Tuesday. She worked this morning and I was happy with her.
Update from Stan Moore: ‘We’ve had a quiet week so far on the runners front but a pleasing run from REPEAT OFFENDER [a winner of a Class 5 Novice Stakes at Wolverhampton earlier in the month] at Maisons Laffitte in France on Wednesday finishing well at the end, he was still a bit raw. That run will really sharpen him up and it would be no surprise to see the first three home in that race go on to bigger and better things. We are gearing up for Royal Ascot and got three horses potentially that may line up all being well. FRENCH ENCORE being one of them he goes to The Goffs London Sale on Monday prior to his run, we are hoping whoever buys him will let us run him at Royal Ascot still trained by us.’
Two Year Old Racing 2015 
very concise and informative , thanks
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