2:35 Pontefract (5th April) BREEDERS BACKING RACING "HIGH-RISE" EBF MAIDEN STAKES (Plus 10 Race) (CLASS 4) (3yo)

An EBF Maiden Stakes over 1m 2f 6y on soft ground (think there is an inspection so may well be softer). Six three-year-olds take part: four geldings, one colt and solitary filly. Not bad prize money for this Class 4. I'm only gong to mention one horse here and that is Andrew Balding's Brorocco. This son of Shirroco is out of a winning mare (trained by Balding) and owned by Kingsclere Racing Club. This gelding was quite well thought of at two, even contesting the Solario Stakes Group 3 at Sandown on his second start. I was left with the impression this home bred just didn't achieve what connections hoped on this three starts last year. This March foal wasn't disgraced but I would imagine his downfall was being a little weak and needing time to strengthen up over the winter. In addition, this step up in distance should be to his benefit. This isn't really a race I would be looking to bet. Short odds and soft ground are more akin to a molotov cocktail than a sweet strawberry daiquiri but each to their own. After a break of over 180 days I'd expect a horse which may be worth following this season.       

That's got to be too bad to be true. Looked very muleish at all times.