2-y-o racing 2020 (inc. First Season Sires)

A look back at yesterday's 2-y-o races. I'm not promising to keep this up for long, my stamina and enthusiasm will soon run out.

Kempton 2.45

The well-supported favourite Science was very naughty at the stalls. Army Of India, a typical Johnston horse was pretty professional throughout and showed the determination in a finish, that the majority of his trainer's horses do, to hold off Science.Very difficult to know the quality of the form but the winner is to be aimed at Ascot. Third was the unconsidered , Alan King trained, Painless Potter who showed plenty of promise. Green away from the stalls he made steady headway throughout and was staying on at the finish.

Newcastle 3.05

Sky Racing seemed obsessed with the upcoming 'Royal' Ascot, referencing it for all four 2-y-o races. The fact that this was such a bunch finish suggests that it is unlikely that there was an Ascot winner in this one .Muker (son of MEHMAS) broke well and might have led throughout. I was expecting him to fold when the field came to him but he kept on just well enough to hold off Significantly by a neck. The second looked to have some size and scope and is likely to improve for the race and a longer trip.

Newcastle 3.40

Another bunch finish and little that caught my eye. Lost My Show was finishing strongly.

Newcastle 4.15

Dandalla, weak in the market, was always prominent and ran on well to win nicely. Navajo Spring, well supported, came with a promising run a furlong out but never threatened to catch the winner. Aish, another to find support in the ring, showed some promise.

Newcastle 4.50

Winter Power, well touted all afternoon on Sky Sports Racing, went off the 11/8f. Racing on the outside of the field she came with a strong run but she lost second place close home. couldn't get to the winner who had been hugging the stand rail. The winner, Pelekai, another typical Johnston runner, broke well, made all, kept on well at the finish. An Ascot prospect? Mamba Wamba (33/1), a daughter of MEHMAS, caught the eye with a strong finish to snatch second place and could well improve on this.
 
I'm not one for the flat as you know Col so the FSS aren't my bag, but I do take an interest in the big Festivals, and I'm likely to look back at your notes as they're really useful. Therefore don't take my silence in your new approach as lack of interest.

I also generally find this kind of stuff interesting. Your comments about the second in the second race, and the second in the last race, is something that any flat racing fan should be taking note of and sticking the horses in their trackers.
 
Back to the Yarmouth 1.55 today.

Not a very active market, Nelson Gay, a son of MEHMAS dominates the market 15/8 into 13/8 this morning with The Lir Jet, son of another FSS PRINCE OF LIR, just tightening from 11/2 very early into 9/2. Little or no interest in the others with the early second favourite Ocean Star out to 8/1 from 9/2.

The other MEHMAS runner Mehmo is at 28/1.
 
The Lir Jet (son of FSS PRINCE OF LIR) took this one for Bell. Has been showing up well on Bell gallops.

Looks a hot maiden tomorrow at Newmarket (1.50) but Bell has Vedute in the race and has been as equally impressive as The Lir Jet in gallops: currently 25-1. Mark Johnston horse with Dettori is current favourite but Balding's Tactical is fancied too.

In race FSS:-
Get It (Twilight Son) for Cox
Bright Armor (Mehmas) for Cox
Porfin (Belardo) for Jarvis
 
Colin Phillips said:
A look back at yesterday's 2-y-o races. I'm not promising to keep this up for long, my stamina and enthusiasm will soon run out.

Kempton 2.45

The well-supported favourite Science was very naughty at the stalls. Army Of India, a typical Johnston horse was pretty professional throughout and showed the determination in a finish, that the majority of his trainer's horses do, to hold off Science.Very difficult to know the quality of the form but the winner is to be aimed at Ascot. Third was the unconsidered , Alan King trained, Painless Potter who showed plenty of promise. Green away from the stalls he made steady headway throughout and was staying on at the finish.

Newcastle 3.05

Sky Racing seemed obsessed with the upcoming 'Royal' Ascot, referencing it for all four 2-y-o races. The fact that this was such a bunch finish suggests that it is unlikely that there was an Ascot winner in this one .Muker (son of MEHMAS) broke well and might have led throughout. I was expecting him to fold when the field came to him but he kept on just well enough to hold off Significantly by a neck. The second looked to have some size and scope and is likely to improve for the race and a longer trip.

Newcastle 3.40

Another bunch finish and little that caught my eye. Lost My Show was finishing strongly.

Newcastle 4.15

Dandalla, weak in the market, was always prominent and ran on well to win nicely. Navajo Spring, well supported, came with a promising run a furlong out but never threatened to catch the winner. Aish, another to find support in the ring, showed some promise.

Newcastle 4.50

Winter Power, well touted all afternoon on Sky Sports Racing, went off the 11/8f. Racing on the outside of the field she came with a strong run but she lost second place close home. couldn't get to the winner who had been hugging the stand rail. The winner, Pelekai, another typical Johnston runner, broke well, made all, kept on well at the finish. An Ascot prospect? Mamba Wamba (33/1), a daughter of MEHMAS, caught the eye with a strong finish to snatch second place and could well improve on this.
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Great observations Colin.
 
Just the seven 2-y-o races and on Day 4 of the season my enthusiasm is challenged. Also short on stamina so I'm just listing the FSS runners for today.

Let's get the Newcatle 4.30 out of the way.

MEHMAS - Tapeten Toni ? (a runner here on Tuesday)
ESTIDHKADAR - Double Dealing
FASCINATING ROCK - High Peak (out of a mare who has produced the winners of 25 races inc. a Group 2 winner)
BOBBY"S KITTEN - Alvarino
KODI BEAR - Voodoo Hoodoo (there are a lot of horribly named 2-y-os about)

On to the marathon card at Newmarket (I'm assuming its the Rowley Mile course but I can't see any confirmation of that)

!.15

GOKEN - Magical Diva (GOKEN has done very well with his runners in France)
ESTIDHKAAR - Risque

!.50

MEHMAS - Bright Armor
TWILIGHT SON - Get It
BELARDO - Porfin

2.35

VADAMOS - Doonbeg Farmer

3.00

BOBBY'S KITTEN - Run Forrest Run (half-brother to 4 winners including a decent miler)
SHALAA - Saeiqa ?
MARKAZ - Snash (that sounds rude!)

3.35

VADAMOS - Mommasaidknockuout (come on!!!!) (half-sister to 3 winners, one placed at Group level and another Listed)


4.10

MEHMAS - Ocean Eyes
COULSTY - The Chain (half-sister to 10 time winner Something Lucky, a black-type sprinter)

Might come back to fill in with some notes later. Let's see how the day goes.
 
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The only first season sire winner yesterday was The Lir Jet for PRINCE OF LIR. Nelson Gay, by MEHMAS, was always the clear favourite and started at 6/4 but I thought he was rather disappointing never really getting in to race. The winner,The Lir Jet, looked a decent size and was picked in the paddock by Jason Weaver (I refer you to jinnyj's comments on another thread) as looking the most ready for the race looking fitter and most prepared. I don't think the result was in doubt from the moment The Lir Jet established himself at front after a half-furlong, raced a touch freely and had to be shaken up to deal with the brave challenge of Steadman but once the latter was shaken off about a furlong out he won going away. He might be useful.
 
From a sensible crop of about 60 foals GOKEN has already had 4 winners in France. Very few runners in UK and Ireland I suppose but a good start from this cheap stallion by Kendargent. We'll see how Magical Diva goes today.
 
Colin Phillips said:
Just the seven 2-y-o races and on Day 4 of the season my enthusiasm is challenged. Also short on stamina so I'm just listing the FSS runners for today.

Let's get the Newcatle 4.30 out of the way.

MEHMAS - Tapeten Toni ? (a runner here on Tuesday)
ESTIDHKADAR - Double Dealing
FASCINATING ROCK - High Peak (out of a mare who has produced the winners of 25 races inc. a Group 2 winner)
BOBBY"S KITTEN - Alvarino
KODI BEAR - Voodoo Hoodoo (there are a lot of horribly named 2-y-os about)

On to the marathon card at Newmarket (I'm assuming its the Rowley Mile course but I can't see any confirmation of that)

!.15

GOKEN - Magical Diva (GOKEN has done very well with his runners in France)
ESTIDHKAAR - Risque

!.50

MEHMAS - Bright Armor
TWILIGHT SON - Get It
BELARDO - Porfin

2.35

VADAMOS - Doonbeg Farmer

3.00

BOBBY'S KITTEN - Run Forrest Run (half-brother to 4 winners including a decent miler)
SHALAA - Saeiqa ?
MARKAZ - Snash (that sounds rude!)

3.35

VADAMOS - Mommasaidknockuout (come on!!!!) (half-sister to 3 winners, one placed at Group level and another Listed)


4.10

MEHMAS - Ocean Eyes
COULSTY - The Chain (half-sister to 10 time winner Something Lucky, a black-type sprinter)

Might come back to fill in with some notes later. Let's see how the day goes.
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Snash is used up here to mean "back talk" or thereabouts.

As in - 'don't geez any snash or I'll stick the heid on ye'
 
There were no FSS winners yesterday. Only two 2-y-o races today, thankfully.

Plenty of FSS runners in those races with MARKAZ heavily represented.

Lingfield 12.55

KODI BEAR - Cool Bear
MARKAZ - No Leci
MARKAZ - Lady Menilli
MARKAZ - Twentysharesofgrey
TERRITORIES -Colorando

Lingfield 1.30

MARKAZ - Mark Of The Man
MARKAZ - Meant Two B
MARKAZ - Greycious Girl
ESTIDHKAAR - Brutal Lion (half-brother to a black-type sprinter)
AJAYA -Igotatext
VADAMOS - Matira Bay (out of Blue Holly whose produce have won 28 races between them including the very smart sprinter Monsieur Chevallier)
 
You are correct, ED, my apologies. Mutter....mutter......mutter.

Talking of muttering did anyone OUR Prince doing an impersonation of Paul Whitehouse's character from The Fast Show?.....damned fine show.
 
Just a quick review of the feast of 2-y-o racing yesterday.

In the first a 5f. event Mohale was given a bit of a tour of the Rowley Mile course but was making headway late on but just failed to get third place. A Kodiac filly who is likely to be better over further on this evidence.

On the Post's Topspeed figures this much the highest rated of the six races. The winner Eye Of Heaven (Johnston/Dettori) was always a strong favourite, he broke well and travelled strongly throughout. Third-placed Tactical (The Queen/A. Balding/Oisin Murphy didn't have the clearest of runs inside the final furlong but he wouldn't have beaten the winner without the bad trip.

In the third heat the winner, Bright Devil (25/1) broke very well and travelled well in front and made all. Existent, a Kingman colt, ran on well and despite drifting right for Dettori, he finished a close third and will definitely improve for the run.

The well-bred Creative Force (Dubawi) made just about all on the stand rail and finally beat off the persistent challenge of Imperial Force inside the final furlong. Topspeed figure disappointing.

Valpolicella won at long odds but the first seven crossing the line within three lengths of each other(they raced in a bunch throughout) suggests that it wasn't a great race.

The last of the Newmarket Six was another uninspired heat. The winner and 2/1 f. Setarhe was held up at the back and was brought from last to first inside the final furlong. The first three drew away from the rest close home.

Up at Newcastle Adaay Dream (by FSS ADAAY) was a convincing winner travelling strongly just off the lead he quickened at the furlong marker and put the race to bed. High Peak (FSS FASCINATING ROCK) went off the 7/4f. and did alright on debut.
 
Igotatext a winner for FSS AJAYA Lingfield 1.30 yesterday.

Today's runners:

Newcastle 3.50

CHARMING THOUGHT - Fircombe Hall
PEARL SECRET - Mr. Ryder
CANNOCK CHASE - Segedunum
MEHMAS - Selected (half-brother to two black-type horses, one a sprinter and the other a 10f. horse)

Lingfield 4.20

ADAAY - Bilandy (half-sister to a black-type sprinter)
ADAAY - Mariance
SHALAA - Rhoda's Choice
 
Yesterday's 2-y-o racing.

Archie Watson, whose horses are running unbelievably well, provided both 2-y-o winners yesterday.

In the first Mighty Gurkha was a very strong favourite from the moment the market opened and the money wasn't wrong. Unruly and dislodging Holly Doyle at the start (I thought the horse went over back wards and I was half-expecting the horse to be with drawn, that obviously didn't happen ?!) he broke very well and was clear before they finished the first furlong. Nothing challenged and horse won easily (some discussion whether Doyle needed to give the horse a couple of "educational" slaps). Either the rest of the field were nowhere near ready, or any good, or Mighty Gurkha could be smart.

On the strength of his stablemate's success in the first, Igotatext was made the 5/2 favourite (4/1 in the morning). Managed to get a view of the field in the parade-ring (sadly missed this for the first) and the Archie Watson juvenile looked a bit special, really well-muscled and looking extremely fit (looked as if he might have been prepared by Wesley Ward). Drawn wide as the first winner had been Holly tried the same tactics but she didn't manage to make it to the front, either the opponents were better or the opposing jocks were wise to the tactics. Bowman and Lothian held their places aroun the final turn and it neede a strong ride from Hollie Doyle to get the favourite in front in the final 100 metres.

The first division was slightly quicker but I think more winners will come out of the second heat.
 
There were no FSS winners yesterday.

Today's runners:

Lingfield 1.05

TWILIGHT SON - Isabella Swan (half-sister to a black-type sprinter)
BOBBY"S KITTEN - Sands Of Time (half-sister to useful handicap sprinter)

Newmarket 1.15

MEHMAS - Astimegoesby
BURATINO - Burristo
MEHMAS - (half-brother to three black-type performers 7-10f.)
NEWBAY - Imperial Yellow

Haydock 3.50

BELLARDO - Golden Melody
KODI BEAR - Scarlet Bear
 
Colin Phillips said:
Yesterday's 2-y-o racing.

Archie Watson, whose horses are running unbelievably well, provided both 2-y-o winners yesterday.

.
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He does seem good at this. Given that he's a graduate of the Stoute college it's a surprise as Stoute's followers of his 2yos are fortunate if they have a winner by the start of July. Watson did the same last year and had a Royal Ascot winner the year before.
Annoyingly he doesn't list his 2yos in Horses in Training.
 
Yesterday's 2-y-o racing.

Newcastle 12.55

The Mark Johnston-trained winner, Thunder Of Niagara, put in the usual 'Braveheart -Always Trying' performance. Well away, raced prominently, quickened 1 1/2 out, ran on well. Jig's Princess made a race of it until weakening into fifth inside the final furlong.

Newcastle 3,50

Macho Pride, the 16/1 winner, broke well and raced prominently, looked to be in trouble when coming under pressure over two out but battled on to lead 100 metres out and hold on. The rather interestingly-named Fircombe Hall ran on to take fifth place.

Lingfield 4.20

The winner, Undertake, is the first foal of a Dark Angel mare, so plenty of speed and precocity there. Wasn't going that well just behind the leaders at halfway but had the lusk to get a clear run on the rails into the straight (undertaking in fact) still had to battle to win the race but with the field finishing in bunch had to think the form was that great. Too many late closers to name.
 
Two FSS winners yesterday:

Lingfield 1.05 BOBBY"S KITTEN - Sands Of Time
Haydock 3.50 BELARDO - Golden Melody

Today's runners:

Chelmsford 12.00

COULSTY - Coul Queen
BOBBY"S KITTEN - Katie's Kitten

Naas 2.55

BELARDO - Elysium
KODI BEAR - Measure Of Magic
KODI BEAR - My Sonny
ADAAY - Sardonyx (half-sister to useful sprint handicapper Harry Hurricane)

Naas 3.30

TERRITORIES - Admiralty Place (half-brother to two black-type performers)
TWILIGHT SON - Benavente (half-brother to Emirates Flyer an earner of black type at around 19f.)
SHALAA - Larado

Lingfield 4.15

MEHMAS - Aussie Stormer
MARKAZ - Right Proud
 
Yesterday's 2-y-o racing.

Lingfield 1.05

Another day and another typical Mark Johnston winner, best away, crossed to the rail, travelled well within herself, quickened and pulled away in the straight. Either she's pretty decent or, more likely she didn't beat a lot. We shall see.

Newmarket 1.15

George Boughey, the trainer of the horse that finished third Astimegoesby, is a new name to me but his runner here broke well and tried to make all. He couldn't quite make it up that final pull and was over-hauled by the Carlie Appleby pair, Modern News and Noble Dynasty. The Godolphin horses had Shamardal and Dubawi respectively as sires, so the form could be useful.

Haydock 3.50

Probably on the basis of the stable form Mark Johnson's Monza City was made favourite, she broke well enough and was prominent early but she weakened qickly. The winner, Golden Melody (by FSS BELARDO) was always travelling comfortably just behind the leaders and was pulled out challenge about two out, it took a little time for her to get the upper hand but won nicely enough. Sarsarparilla was outpaced early (green??) but was getting the idea very late on and must improve for the run.
 
Colin Phillips said:
Yesterday's 2-y-o racing.

Lingfield 1.05

Another day and another typical Mark Johnston winner, best away, crossed to the rail, travelled well within herself, quickened and pulled away in the straight. Either she's pretty decent or, more likely she didn't beat a lot. We shall see.

Newmarket 1.15

George Boughey, the trainer of the horse that finished third Astimegoesby, is a new name to me but his runner here broke well and tried to make all. He couldn't quite make it up that final pull and was over-hauled by the Carlie Appleby pair, Modern News and Noble Dynasty. The Godolphin horses had Shamardal and Dubawi respectively as sires, so the form could be useful.

Haydock 3.50

Probably on the basis of the stable form Mark Johnson's Monza City was made favourite, she broke well enough and was prominent early but she weakened qickly. The winner, Golden Melody (by FSS BELARDO) was always travelling comfortably just behind the leaders and was pulled out challenge about two out, it took a little time for her to get the upper hand but won nicely enough. Sarsarparilla was outpaced early (green??) but was getting the idea very late on and must improve for the run.
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Johnston's Lingfield winner was Sands of Time by FSS BOBBY's KITTEN. He's another inspired import to her stud by owner=breeder Kirsten Rausing as he's by Roaring Lion and Kameko's sire Kitten's Joy. Rausing owns Sands of Time and she is from her family that produced Petoski. Could be a filly to follow as her dam won the Queen Mary, and with the right trainer to exploit her.
 
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