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The 2003-2004 results are at the bottom
of the page for comparison |
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MAY 22nd SUMMING UP
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A competitive race in profile but lacking the useful 2yo of the previous
two editions. The group here look to be average, earlier season, winners.
Tous Les Deux was notably supported on debut against a similar R
Hannon trained runner (on his STO) to the ones he meets here. He looked
above average fitness but slightly wound up before the race. Having broke
well he crossed in front of the field to lead on the rail. He showed ok
pace to go a length clear into the final furlong before fading late. He
may have limited improvement but if he can settle better here he appears
to have the all around pace to cope with different types of race pattern.
Hot appeared not to stay 5f on an uphill course on soft ground last
time but travelled well until fading. He has an easier 5f here and appears
to be the trainer's first string. He is also probably limited but should
be competitive here.
None of the outsiders appeal as likely to compete with those runners with
better previous form. However, it will be interesting to check the improvement
Lucky
April shows in the context of the strength of the stable's 2yo group
in 2005.
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RACE QUALITY:
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As with many Novice races as this time of the season, before the Nursery
races begin, they attract a mixed bag quality. The last two races have
been won by useful 2yos and rated over 80 in doing so. The remainder of
the fields have included mostly average previous or later winners at best.
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| TRAINERS: |
R Hannon has run two small and moderate to average types in the
last two races. One was a peculiarly put together filly bred dby the Queen
that was sold on after the race and won a seller later. The other took
until 7TO to win and had to go to Brighton to do it.
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SIRES:
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First season sire Superior
Premium (Bathwick Price) has a runner.
US base sire Stormin Fever
(Kings Cavalier) has a rare British runner. His three runners here in 2003-4
have included a Group 2 5f winner (Howick Falls in 2003) & and impressive
STO maiden winner (Storm Silk).
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SALES REVIEWS:
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Hot rated 67 and looked race fit at the sales and overprepared.
He had little scope to develop but his maturity and readiness gave him
a good chance of being an early winner.
Woodlands Flower rated 63.
Scooby Dude rated 54 and has clearly already achieved a lot more
than expected. The opening bid for him at the sales was the minimum 800
gns and two bids later he was sold for a basement 1,200 gns. He was small
and lightly built and not typical of his sire's better types which are
normally more lengthy and rangy. On the plus side he was neat, deep in
front, in proportion and ok muscle behind within his small size. He has
displayed a willing and competitive attitude in his two runs.
Each season a number of cheap horses will surprise as winners and they
offer an opportunity to try to spot why they were under-rated. In the longer
term as a general rule there will always be an upper limit to the improvement.
A horse rated in the low 50s might improve to rate around 70 but they aren't
going to be 90+. [Ugly ducklings don't turn into swans, they turn into
slightly gawky, but competitive ducks.]
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