Tag Archives: Turf

Eyecatchers

Flat Eyecatchers 2024 #1

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Flat Eyecatchers is a list of horses that caught my eye during the recent weeks of racing on turf and sand. Find all previous eyecatchers always here.

Flowering
04/03/24 – 6.00 Wolverhampton:

Tracked pace the setter early on, took him on in an uneconomical battle in the middle of the race. Tried to kick from 4f out but was already tired and eventually faded in the home straight.

Showed promise in two Handicaps prior. The form of all three runs this year appears solid and suggests she could be a bit better than the current mark, perhaps more so over 10 furlongs, given the twelve furlongs possibly stretch her stamina.

She’s lightly enough raced to believe there’s some improvement and races to be won in these lower grades.

Doctor Mozart
04/03/24 – 8.00 Wolverhampton:

In a pace battle throughout and doing too much too soon. First three home all came from further back. Showed good attitude keeping on.

Confirmed impression from 19/02 where he didn’t get the ideal trip. Badly hampered next time out in a hot race when up with strong pace once again. Down 1lb below last winning mark now. Seriously interesting in a race where the pace is a little bit less hot than encountered lately.

Kessaar Power
05/03/25 – 6.30 Southwell:

Reared in stalls, then pushed forward quickly to lead and setting a taxing gallop. Never stood a chance to get home over this trip but kept on well for 3rd. Decent speed rating over an inadequate trip.

Saying that 7f on the sand could suit on a different day, though. Down to good mark but may drop a bit further before competitive. This run a clear sign of wellbeing, though.

Watermelon Sugar
06/03 – 5.30 Kempton:

Held up from widest draw, travelling widest of all giving ground away while setting fastest sectionals from five to three furlongs out. Dropped badly away in the closing stages.

Showed enough enthusiasm to suggest he could get back to form at some point after a long break. Interesting for this yard/owners. No surprise to see a vastly improved horse in a couple of runs. The betting will provide clues.

Ran to 65 and 64 speed ratings in the past. Further help from the handicapper and an easier race on the AW will enhance his chances.

Bora Bora
06/03/24 – 6.00 Kempton:

Bit awkward away from the gate, tracked the pace rather keenly after the first furlong. Travelled well enough into the home straight but lacked the gears. Still finished with good attitude in hot contest.

Ran 68 speed rating, matching a surprise eye-catching 3rd place at big odds and 69 speed rating at Chelmsford before. On a good mark and may soon find an easier race over 6f but possibly is better suited to 7-8f as past form indicates. Clearly in form and well-handicapped.

Maybe one for early turf races too. Had limited opportunities there but yard in these colours when owned by Butler tends to do much better on turf too.

Chico Dulce
06/03/24 – 7.00 Kempton:

Made most of low draw to find a perfect spot on the rails, tracking the pace. Good progress between horses when slightly angled out over 2f out, before not able to match the pace of the first three. Ran good 53 speed rating in a hot race.

Will be able to drop into easier race now. Still low mileage and could be ahead of his mark over this sort of trip if dropped to 0-55. Noteworthy run lto too. Notably the change of tactics here too.

Walking In The Clouds
07/03/24 – 2.45 Lingfield:

Widest draw, moved forward and travelled always keen on the outside of the pack. Attempted to make an effort around the home bend but unsurprisingly tired badly.

Will come down to a good mark now. Ran to competitive speed ratings on the All-Weather last year. Best over 6f at Southwell, so one to keep an eye on for that.

Dream Together
07/03/24 – 8.00 Newcastle:

Grabbed the lead to set a somewhat muddling pace. Nonetheless showed an improved attitude and ability to quicken. Did well to stay in the mix for as long as he did.

This was a significant drop in class but also only 2nd run off a long break. Improved performance and he looks ready soon if back on turf. Although, needs fast ground.

Dandys Derriere
08/03/24 – 5.30 Newcastle:

Tracked pace racing more toward the far side. Off the bridle 2f out but kept going nicely without being completely hammered in the final furlong when it became clear a gallant 3rd was the best possible result.

Big run, matched handicap mark on speed ratings. Looks improved lately since wind op and break with four good runs under his belt.

Overall record wouldn’t suggest there’s more to come but this was a seriously deep race. If he finds a slightly easier race, quality wise or drop to 0-68, he could be good enough with a favoured pace scenario to win. Deserves a chance and could be underestimated.

Secret Road
08/03/24 – 5.30 Newcastle:

Dwelt, squeezed out soon after. Not in the best position 2f out. Switched and finished much the strongest in the final furlong. Achieved strong 63 speed rating, in line with current rating.

Down another pound since then, now on his last winning mark. Won in better class this winter over the CD. Looks ready for a big run and usually much closer ridden to the pace as well.

Novak
08/03/24 – 6.00 Newcastle:

Slowly away, in rear having plenty to do over 2f out before urged to move and responded seriously well in the last two furlongs without an overly hard ride.

Clearly returning back to form and on an intriguing mark. Struggles to win on the sand but the green lush grass isn’t far away and should be then in a position to be seriously competitive over 6-7f.

Hence, it’s best to ignore his subsequent start over 7f at Newcastle off 68 when last of ten after dwelling once again.

Not Forgotten
08/03/24 – 7.15 Dundalk:

Missed the break ever so slightly. Made up ground on the inside rapidly, though, but perhaps this early mishap cost him in a tight finish where he couldn’t quite find the kick needed to win in the final furlong.

He travelled smoothly into entering the home straight and this was a competitive heat. Still low mileage enough to believe he could find some improvement. Handicapper has left him untouched.

Same level of form will see him go close in these races in any case. Won quite taking this winter over course and distance as well.

Eccentric
09/03/24 – 6.40 Wolverhampton:

Soon led and set strong gallop. Clear by a couple of lengths. Was reeled in by stalker but fought gamely all the way to the line. Superb run and achieved a whopping 72 speed rating.

Clearly ahead of his mark as run 57 twice before. A mile seems the limit. Still a maiden but seems to finally get the hang of the game. May be too obvious and a short price next time.

Rock Opera
10/03/24 – 4.50 Southwell:

Widest draw, dropped in trailing in last place. Plenty do over 3f out but made superb progress from 4f out all the way to the final furlong, backed up visually any by sectionals, before stamina ran out.

Highly competitive race, over a trip likely too far. A drop to 6f will see him competitive. Any additional help from the handicapper that allows a slight ease in race class will be of benefit. Ran well all winter, including lto in strong 0-85. Won twice in easier races over 6f.

Not quite convinced on speed ratings yet but suspicion is in right conditions he can deliver.

Gobi Sunset
12/03/24 – 8.30 Southwell:

Widest draw, quickly moved forward and grabbed the lead, although always closely followed. Did a lot in the first half of the race and performance warrants upgrade staying in the mix for so long.

Winner was in superb form, which gives the form credibility. Down to last winning mark. Clearly in strong form.

Can go well on All-Weather right now but would be even more intriguing back on turf soon, on decent ground.

First three horses
13/03/24 – 5.20 Kempton:

Seriously interesting Novice Stakes. Strong speed ratings produced and first three home could turn out to be smart prospects to follow for the season, potentially.

The winner British Camp was green on his debut. Missed the break and was early enough off the bridle entering the home straight.

Three light backhanders, finished off nicely under light enough ride to win it on the line, with seemingly much more left in the tank.

Ran five furlongs of the final mile the fastest sectionals, including the final two furlongs, dipping easily under 12s. Very well bred, related to smart individuals. Should be capable of getting 1m 4f but a fast 10 furlongs should also suit.

Runner-up Imperial Sovereign wasn’t smartly away from the gates either, but soon tracked the pace and travelled much the best, on the bridle until 2f out.

All out to the line, he wasn’t good enough to beat the winner, but showed a likeable attitude putting his head down and answering ever call. Won well on debut last year and is a son of smart Imperial Charm. 10 furlongs may be his ideal trip.

Third placed Tribal Star started well, better than in his two prior career runs. Made all and kicked nicely from 3f out. He was beaten by better horses but could be potentially underestimated wherever he goes next.

Impressed on debut last year with a fine 79 speed rating runner-up performance despite missing the break. Followed up with another solid run before the end of the year and showed a nice attitude in this race.

A mark in the mid-80’s could be underestimate him, especially if he steps up further in trip, judged on pedigree.

Jungle Charm
14/03/23 – 6.15 Southwell:

Widest draw, rapidly moved forward to just grab the lead entering the home turn. The damage was done at that point, but did well to stay in the action for a long time.

Should be solid form. Could unlock improvement for experience. Also not impossible to step up to 7f. A slightly less competitive race should see her really well placed to win another race.

Fine Wine
15/03/24 – 6.20 Newcastle:

Off to a flying start, set a seriously fast pace early on. Noteworthy how long he stayed in front. Highly competitive race as well. Must have regained some good form, second off a break.

Should drop further in the weights, and interesting if he returns at Southwell over the minimum trip, ideally in an easier race. Not won in a while but over that CD always dangerous.

Betting

Saturday Selections: 2nd September 2023

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5.00 Beverley: Class 4 Handicap, 8.5f

There should be a good deal of pace in this race and that may bring Tuscan into play if he can find a early cover from the #9 draw, which is a concern. On the other hand there are plenty of positives for his chances and he’s got an entry next week as well, which may be worth following, depending on the result here.

Obviously the gelding has been on the slide for a while. Down to a new career-lowest mark, after what I thought was in fact a promising run at Musselburgh and subsequently at Leicester when last seen

At Musselburgh he settled well off the pace, restrained, despite a good draw. Then had a lot to do from over 3f out and didn’t seem to have the change of gear in this class required over 7 furlongs to make serious progress.

He wasn’t helped being right in the middle of a big bunch of horses and a shifting rivals over gave him a bump as well. In the grand scheme of things he ran okay, though.

Tuscan followed up at Leicester with a highly promising effort when doing a lot in the middle part and looked threatening for a brief moment, however he was behind a wall of horses and ultimately had too much to do from off the pace.

He could find himself in the same scenario, but with a good jockey booking, a clear run toward the outside may be the answer.

I’m really intrigued by his chances over this trip, especially off his current mark and in this grade. He didn’t have too many chances over a mile, certainly not in lower grades. T

The draw, as mentioned before is a concern. If he’s caught wide or too far behind it could be game over early, especially at this track. He was at his best when racing in a prominent position in the past, in fact.

10pts win – Tuscan @ 17/2

Betting

Monday Selections: 21st August 2023

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Surprise Picture nearly sprang the surprise at Pontefract on Sunday. Nearly isn’t quite what puts bread on the table, though.

In contrast, Auld Toon Loon, never looked like winning but also bumped into seriously well-handicapped horse on the day.

……..

4.55 Brighton: Class 5 Handicap, 7f

Media Guest is in sensational form and the question is only whether he can hold this level for one more race. This contest is for the taking and could be an ideal test.

Last time art Leicester he was impressive after an awkward start, as he tracked the pace keenly in the early stages, before moving forward to put everyone on the stretch from over three furlongs out.

It was a proper injection of pace right into the wind and without cover. Eventually he got tired and beaten for second by the favourite who was ridden with much more restraint and better cover.

He achieve a strong 64 speed rating which just about matched his current handicap mark, confirming the visual impression.

The gelding confirmed the impressive run from last month at Chelmsford as well, where he pushed the pace and was the winner on the line, only to be demoted to second afterwards.

He can ran off the same mark as he did at Leicester, only 1lb higher than at Chelmsford. On that front he’s clearly handicapped to go close and still has a few pounds in hand on his best, which he seems awfully close to at the moment.

7 furlongs is a stretch on soft ground most likely Decent ground will help and the pace scenario here, where enough is on to ensure that he doesn’t overrace early on should help.

It’s a stiff finish, but on pedigree the trip is no issue, it’s only his third start beyond 6 furlongs, so some natural improvement isn’t out of the question.

10pts win – Media Guest @ 5/1

Betting, Uncategorized

Sunday Selections: 20th August 2023

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Pogo was quite disappointing on Saturday. He burnt off too much energy way too early. Perhaps I should have read the pace chart more intently, and would have noticed there was a danger for pressure, which was there, and not ideal at a track such Newbury for a horse like Pogo.

On the other hand, it’s all probabilities, and at the price, after much deliberation, I’d have backed him again.

……

5.15 Sandown: Class 4 Handicap, 10f

Progressive Auld Toon Loon could have found an ideal opportunity to get a third win this season. The way this Handicaps pans out could ensure it falls right into his lap.

Pace is going to be key here. Some of those theoretically more dangerous rivals would want a solid gallop. While ATL is one of the few horses here who is probably rather comfortable of having anything to do with the pace, in the first place.

Over this sort of trip his record in Handicaps reads 2-1-1-2 this summer and he nearly would have gone back to back two weeks ago Haydock, proving his excellent form.

That day he moved forward and lead as part of a duo before he grabbed the contested lead by the neck halfway through and travelled seriously well into the home straight with the rest of the field on the stretch over 3f out.

Eventually he paid for the effort on heavy ground and the strong winner came for him, was ridden with a bit more restraint and overtook him.

Auld Toon Loon looks still progressing, nonetheless, and a 2lb hike in the mark may not stop him today. The ground is much better today, which should suit, given he won on fast in June when things didn’t go his way early in the race, a performance that warranted an upgrade.

Lat time at Haydock he ran a career-best 75 speed rating. A bit more is needed given his revised mark. I feel he’s got the class to do that, in the right race.

Today may not be a fast run, though. In any case Auld Toon Loon will be in the right spot, up there close to the front, and possibly difficult to get to once in front.

10pts win – Auld Toon Loon @ 5/1

…….

5.00 Pontefract: Class 5 Handicap, 6f

This looks seriously competitive without being competitive. Few appear well-handicapped. Also the pace could turn out to make this difficult for some of the better fancied horses. The favourite may find himself stuck behind a wall of horses from his low draw, potentially.

Even though he already won twice in the not too distinct future and hasn’t rattled the cage in his two recent runs for a new yard, I can’t help but feel Surprise Picture – even with some money coming this morning – is overpriced, if on a going day, and could spring a surprise, indeed.

He shouldn’t find it too difficult to move across and track the pace from the #7 draw here. If he does that, he’ll be bang there when it matters when the field turns for home.

A possibly easy enough starting phase to get into a good spot, he also has pace for the trip but stays further and enjoys fast ground, at a track that favours those up with the pace over this trip – he could have enough left in the tank to fight it out.

He won last summer off 75 and ran to a 76 speed rating at Hamilton over 6 furlongs; his form this year has been moving closely into that direction again, as he ran a 70 speed rating for his Musselburgh win over 7f furlongs off 67 back in June.

Today may not be his day, I can see that argument that he’s only becoming competitive once below 70 again – but this looks a superb opportunity and I think he’ll be trying.

10pts win – Surprise Picture @ 17/1

Betting

Saturday Selections: 19th August 2023

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3.35 Newbury: Group 2 Hungerford Stakes, 7f

Jumby is out out and that opens up this race. I remain somewhat intrigued by Mostabshir, blinkers fitted, down in trip today.

If the ground dries out it’s going to help him quite a lot. I could see him ridden quite prominently and if this turns out to be a muddling affair he’s got potentially the gears. But it’s hard to be excited after his last two runs, truth told, and I want to see some spark first.

The most solid and proven option should be Pogo, though. He was a massive eye-catcher in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot and ran pretty well in the Criterion Stakes last months.

Possibly he did a little bit too much in the middle part of the race and it may have been a benefit to race on the far side as well. It was a strong run, nonetheless, and he confirmed the promise shown at Royal Ascot.

After a poor time in Dubai, the Queen Anne was a significant return to form – a performance that warranted serious upgrading.

He was most likely ridden with the aim to preserve his limited stamina over the stiff Ascot mile there and had too much to do from the rear of the field.

Yet, the way he made serious progress on the far side, quickening into the fastest part of the race, away from the pace as well, was seriously impressive.

He couldn’t keep up the effort over the stiff final furlong but then he’s a 7 furlongs specialist. The more the ground hopefully dries out today the better for him, of course.

10pts win – Pogo @ 6/1

Betting

Friday Selections: 18th August 2023

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Ideal Guest was a winner on Wednesday – thankfully, finally, one that did what was expected. There’ve been some lean weeks recently. As the gelding romped home at 5/1 SP, half the price I got in the morning, it brought solace to my beaten up betting soul.

…….

4.00 Wolverhampton: Class 5 Handicap, 5f

This looks a seriously competitive race for this class and track and this time of the year. Even more so as I’ve got four eyecatchers lining up also.

Nonetheless, the one who does stand out as potentially enjoying this easier grade is 3-year-old gelding Paddy’s Day.

He ran in better grade the last few times, and did so without disgracing himself. In fact, he caught the eye, a number of times for various reasons.

His last two runs especially suggested he’s in pretty good form, albeit finding the opposition a bit too good, still.

Last time at Haydock I also felt Paddy’s Day wasn’t ideally drawn on the far side because race and pace developed away from him to the most part.

He was going okay for a long time, though, and in fact ran the fasted mid-section, yet when it mattered most he struggled to get a clean run through due to horses shifting right in front of him in the closing stages multiple times.

It’s debatable how much of a difference that made as he may have been done by that time anyway, but at the very least he was a theoretical chance to finish closer denied.

Paddy’s Day drops down to 75 and could be dangerous in this easier race, given he showed some promise in the past, including a class 5 Lingfield win off his current mark back in March.

On the negative side, he’s yet to run a speed rating that suggests he’s better than class 5 and the #1 can bring its own dangers.

10pts win – Paddy’s Day @ 9/1

Betting

Wednesday Selections: 16th August 2023

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I guess I’m in a world of pain from a betting perspective, once again. Feels like forever, over the last few months. I’ll take it. It’ll change, of course, as it always does.

Greatgardian 10/11. Golden Rainbow 9/10. The latter one another “masterclass” by Paul Mulrennan. I said it in my preview there’s every chance with this man on board at this track to see the scenario play out exactly as it did.

I’d love to see the stats for jockeys who ride horses that start slowly or awkwardly. PM would surely be top of the list. Especially on the All-Weather.

I can’t catch the man on a going day, that’s for sure. I can’t complain, I knew what I get into. Still annoying, especially on a long losing run, when you back the non-trier at these prices. It is what it is. Move on, hopefully today turns out to be a better one.

…….

5.15 Yarmouth: Class 6 Handicap, 7f

Ideal Guest could be dangerous if allowed a soft lead as the pace map suggests it could materialise for the 4-year-old gelding here today.

He ran extremely well the last two times at this track over 6 and 7 furlongs. I liked his penultimate CD effort especially:

That day he led the field but was always closely followed. Put under severe pressure from 2f out, nonetheless he kept going and fought back gamely before surrendering late.

Followed up at the same venue with another strong front-running performance last week. Ideal Guest is clearly in good form, on a dangerous mark especially over 7f on decent ground in a race he could dominate from the front.

He’ll meet those conditions today and that makes me ignore his otherwise poor overall course (& distance) record at Yarmouth – 0/10, but it’s clear the track isn’t really a problem, as those last runs proved.

He’s best at Brighton, where he got an entry next week. There’s every chance he can go back to back, down to a mark of 60, that’s 2- and 10lb below his last two winning marks from last years summer. His best speed rating of 65 also gives him a significant chance, as I believe he isn’t far of that level right now.

There is little competition for the lead in this field. Ideal Guest may get away with a bit of an advantage that could be difficult to peg back wit the 7ln claim of Mikkel Mortensen another bonus.

10pts win – Ideal Guest @ 10/1

Betting

Saturday Selections: 12th August 2023

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5.02 Redcar: Class 6 Handicap, 1m

I have been waiting for The Muffin Man to step up to a mile and he finally does it here, in a seriously poor race, that doesn’t take much for winning it.

The 3-year-old gelding showed some promise this season already, despite an 0/9 record. I wouldn’t give him any more chances, though. This should be his day to shine.

He drops down to a 49 handicap mark, 9 and 7 lb respectively lower than two eye-catching efforts back in May and June. Also his last run was better than the bare result suggested, given there were some solidly handicapped runners in the race, very much so the eventual winner.

He looked a bit sharper early on in the cheek pieces, although, maybe a bit too sharp for his own good. They are off today. The #5 draw is a positive, as long as he isn’t slowly away and gets too far behind as a consequence.

That may happen and seal his fate early on. But he was away well enough when last seen, so here’s hoping. Ben Sanderson claims valuable 3lb – with that in mind, if allowed to run on merit the gelding should be seriously well-handicapped now.

10pts win – The Muffin Man @ 12.5/1

………..

6.07 Ayr: Class 6 Handicap, 5f

A hugely frustrating and inconsistent sort, Glorious Rio is one not to trust. However, he showed signs of life multiple times this year, and now returns on turf to the minimum trip, on ground that hopefully doesn’t get too soft.

He pulled hard at Newcastle last time over 6 furlongs but ran well in the circumstances, as he’s done a number of times when somewhat unfortunate not getting the best of runs.

He dropped to a seriously dangerous mark now, down to 60; Glorious Rio won 4 times of similar or higher ratings on multiple surfaces and ground conditions, mostly over the minimum trip and also off big weights.

The #11 could be ideal, as it should lead him nicely into the finish, following those that are setting pace against the stands’ side.

Slight concerns over the weather forecast: I hope it’s only going to be one or two small showers, and no more. I don’t think he wants it proper soft conditions.

His very best came on fast ground. Although, he won on good to soft last summer. So the way it should ride given the current forecast will be fine.

10pts win – Glorious Rio @ 15/2

……

8.07 Ayr: Class 5 Handicap, 7f

The drop in trip in combination with a drop in class will really suit He’s a Gentleman who didn’t get home the last two times over a mile. He ran with plenty of credit, nonetheless, especially last time out when only beaten late.

He can race off the same mark here, which gives him the opportunity to run in this 0-70 contest where he should find life a little bit easier than most of the time this year so far.

The recent run is a clear return to form, suggesting he’s not far off the excellent form he showed last year when also running to speed ratings in the 70s.

If he can follow-up, with the pace scenario possibly suiting him too, he could prove a step above the rest in this field.

10pts win – He’s a Gentleman @ 5/1

Betting

Friday Selections: 11th August 2023

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Brilliant run by Beccara Rose last night at Sandown. With a furlong to go I thought she had it. Sadly she got tired, and two horses from off the pace came to catch her.

Shame, still searching for a winner after my return. Dartman faded away rapidly from two furlongs out.

…….

4.00 Brighton: Class 4 Handicap, 6f

Better ground and a drop in trip should do the trick for lightly raced Captain Cuddles.

This race looks probably a little bit easier, although the same grade, as when he caught the eye a few weeks ago at Ascot.

That day he tracked the hot pace before he made good progress from three furlongs out to move into the lead eventually as the front-runner faded away.

He wasn’t able to sustain the effort but good third and only one in the mix late from those tracking the pace. Winner and runner-up came from well off the pace, instead.

He remains a lightly raced 3-year-old with scope for improvement off 80. I feel the drop in trip can only be a positive, as he may not quite got home over 7 furlongs at Ascot, especially with cut in the ground.

Captain Cuddles is a 6f winner on fast ground as a juvenile, and has only been seen three times since, including this latest return to form. The 5lb claim of solid apprentice Alec Voikhansky can only be a bonus today.

10pts win – Captain Cuddles @ 9/2

Betting

Thursday Selections: 10th August 2023

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It wasn’t quite the dream start on Tuesday: Albegone finished 2nd, beaten by a head in a dramatic finish. At least I got a solid run for my money, which couldn’t be said for Mudskipper who went backwards as soon as he hit the home straight, much the same way his price went throughout the evening.

……..

2.25 Brighton: Class 4 Handicap, 7f

Plenty of question marks over most in this field, but 3-year-old gelding Dartman is a rock-solid runner who caught the eye in a hot York Handicap when last seen.

That day he led and set a solid pace, especially in the first half of the race. He hit the home straight in front but was soon heavily challenged.

Racing room became tight and he got hampered over 1.5f out, though was perhaps already going backwards. Nonetheless, I was impressed by the attitude he showed to keep going, as he found some momentum in the final furlong and run well to the line.

Dartman remains a maiden after six career starts, but showed promise a number of times and looks capable of a big run off a 74 handicap mark.

This isn’t a strong race and 7 furlongs at Brighton could suit him really well, if he handles the ground.

This is also William Carver’s only ride on the day. He goes pretty well and is one of the stronger riders here. The negative is the drift in the betting this morning. Although, it makes Dartman a very backable price in my book.

10pts win – Dartman @ 7/1

………

7.15 Sandown: Class 4 Handicap, 1m 2f

I can see the appeal of unexposed Muktamil off a low mark as the son of Sea The Stars should enjoy this trip. But as many in this field, plenty of question marks on fitness and form. This is wide open.

Not sure today is her day, the drying ground however should be a big help, Beccara Rose appears overpriced as she moves up in trip as well and should enjoy the 10 furlongs at this galloping track.

I thought her last run at Kempton was huge given the circumstances in what was a strong race. A repeat of that level of performance will see her go close.

There she was slowly away, but soon recovered and doing probably too much to move quickly into a midfield position.

She kicked on well over two furlongs out to finish second fastest over the last three furlongs but couldn’t quite get to speedier and better placed rivals.

The return to turf will suit as long as the ground continues to dry, which is expected during a hot day. I believe she could be well-handicapped here if allowed to run on merit.

She showed promise in the past and had excuses in her lesser runs as she didn’t seem to enjoy cut in the ground this year and doesn’t seem to have an overly pronounced knee action, while her full-sister (highest OR 91) did all her winning on decent ground as well.

But it remains noteworthy Beccara Rose was a strong 4th behind Soul Sister on her debut – in soft – last year.

10pts win – Beccara Rose @ 17/2