Trainer John Dunlop had his first two debuts yesterday with two unplaced
efforts for the same owener breeder. The runner at Goodwwod looked typically
fit for debut but found the race plain too quick for him along with a lack
of mental sharpness (also trainer typical).
He has his second two runners of the season today with Alwaabel
in the 6f maiden at Newmarket and Festivale
in the fillies' race at Haydock. Both are for major arab owners for whom
he has trained Group winners. Given the notably early starts along with
their backgrounds would suggest they are above average types. The lack
of nous along with the desire of the trainer to have debut runs that are
not hard experiences for the horses means that debut wins usually come
from the better class runners.
In particular he has a good record with Hamdan Al Maktoum's earlier debuts
and Alwaabel should be an each-way price to support. Festivale's half brother
won on debut in 2005 but on August 27th.
Paddock Review :
Ratings :
Other :
May 26th Summary :
The Newmarket maiden in 2006 saw a strong debut win for Peter Chapple-Hyam's
Tariq and his first strong debut of the season which was followed by Dutch
Art's FTO win. He has already run four this season with three opening wins
and one second as a short priced favourite. Therefore, Orientalist
Art is likely to be favourite but at a below 'value' price given he
will be another expected to win. Which means that the best alternatives
will probably represent ok bets. Alwaabel is covered above and needs to
be supported if you follow the debuts for the trainer-owner combination.
Seeking Star is another who
has the a strong profile given the trainer/owner and course at this time
of year. He appeals as the other each-way value. Henry Cecil showed with
Dea Caelestis yesterday (a strong 3rd as his first runner of 2007) that
he still doesn't 'mess about' with debuts. None of the 'failing for a bit
of knowhow' there. Which means that if Unnefer
is any good he'll be competing well for the win.
Beverley have moved the 'Brian Yeardley' 5f conditions race from the Wednesday
night meeting where it supported the fillies' Hilary Needler Listed event
where it made for a really good 2yo card. This doesn't feel like the right
move and lessens the focus for the midweek meeting. In contrast to the
Newmarket event this event is about ready 2yos rather than potential. It
looks a solid race but not higher class and Fred's
Lad sets a solid standard on what he has already achived and has a
notably mature attitude. Fast Feet
has developing a tracking run style and has then failed to get past Fred's
Lad (on debut), Ingleby Star (beaten behind Fred's Lad LTO) and Cracking.
His trainer's runners are in better form now and each one of those runs
was an improvement but he makes little appeal as a shorter priced favourite.
The best alternative is probably Captain
Gerrard who comes from an interesting 6f race at York where he strongly
assisted with setting too strong a pace. The 1st, 3rd and 5th home in that
race where in the last four at halfway and the 2nd came from 8th. As the
pacemakers fell apart Captain Gerrard kept on best before fading in the
final furlong. That looked a strong event and the 7th won well at Haydock
yesterday in a lesser race. Dropping back to 5f on a stiffer track, assuming
he doesn't go too fast this time and receiving a bit of weight on his second
go he may be just better class than the previous winners & Fast Feet.