Just the one race.
5:10 Wolverhampton - A Fillies' Novice Stakes over 6f (6f 20y) on Standard going. This looks a decent horse race with a handful of three-year-olds worthy of a closer look. For starters, a debutante from Archie Watson's stable in the ownership of Andrew Rosen & Partner.
Rosie Power is a well-bred daughter of Siyouni out of a French-raced mare who won on her first two starts and concluded her career in the United States. A consistent horse, she was placed multiple times at Listed class and competed creditably at a higher level. Her concluding race at Hollywood Park (USA) saw her finish fourth, losing by two-and-a-half lengths, at Grade 2.
Rosie Power cost 190,000 euros as a foal. She comes from a good family and this bay filly, a March foal, hails from a trainer who, generally, goes full steam ahead with his horses. There has been money for this horse and drawn in stall six I can see jockey Hollie Doyle getting to the lead and doing her best to stay there.
It would be no surprise to see this three-year-old win today.
There may be opposition.
Karl Burke sends out Seeking Perfection who has proven ability, finishing a creditable second on debut and then winning well on her second start at Newcastle. Roger Varian's Kratos, who started at odds of 8/15, may well have disappointed that day and in a small field you have to question whether there was too much strength and depth in that race. However, this daughter of Twilight Sun did nothing wrong and looks a straight forward filly. She carries a 7lb win penalty, which may be a burden against a potentially smart newcomer. Carl Waters has a number of talented horses at Spigot Lodge and although she has a stiffer challenge here could well run a big race. She's proven the point of winning and with valuable experience isn't a pushover.
David Loughnane is a trainer whose made a good impression over the last couple of seasons. He is a man who I take note of his two-year-olds. Redheaded Stranger cost 15,000 Guineas at the yearling sales, out of an unraced mare. She was beaten seven lengths over course and distance just under a month ago and is open to improvement. She led for a good way but dropped back to finish third. I would expect improvement but it looks a stiff challenge to me. A wide draw is a negative. I particularly dislike horses running wide. It's a disaster.
Another horse worthy of note is Clive Cox's Just Amber who races in the familiar silks of Ken Lock Racing. She wasn't overly fancied on debut at 18/1, well beaten over 6f at Lingfield. She was very slow away and very much in need of the run. Not a bad-looking horse but definitely needs to improve. I would have concerns if this horse was priced double-figure odds. Would be better if backed.
A debutante from a trainer who I thought had disappeared. Geoff Oldroyd, who has Never Say Never is from loyal owner Reg Bond [Bond Thoroughbred Limited]. This daughter of No Nay Never is well a bred filly out of who raced twice, unplaced both starts. Difficult to know whether this horse will be fit or not. But Oldroyd has seen many debut winners and he can go well. Another horse who would hold a better chance if backed.
Kingston Star is worth noting for the future.
Conclusion: Archie Watson's Rosie Power, is the horse to beat, although would only be price to chance. Most likely to lead and could take some pegging back. Seeking Perfection has proven she is a winner and will put down a decent race. The only concern is the win penalty. If Rosie Power has ability she may be difficult to stop. Just Amber may hold claims if backed. Never Say Never could go well at big odds but an unknown quantity.