Good morning all,
As you may have guessed from the title, I went to Nottingham yesterday to look at the maidens that kicked the card off with. It's fair to say I didn't see too much that caught my eye, but there's a couple worth your time, as far as the future goes, and they are on the main piece along with today's selection from Warwick.
The first division of the maiden was the 1.50, and most of them came out with their rugs on (it wasn't the warmest of days). At that stage, Rozanne made the most appeal but once the covers came off it was a different story.
Most of these were going in their coats, and were at various stages of development. There wasn't much to be taken out of this – Littlelordconford left his race behind in the paddock, getting warm, and on toes. He went to post early but didn't run his race and gelding looks the way forward with him.
Rozanne still looked okay but still weak at the back, and nothing special. I didn't mind Zouch with one eye to the future, he's got some scope about him and was spotted doing some decent late work here. There could be a poor nursery to be won with him, but paddock best on the day was the winner, All Out. He might not be one to follow up, not the biggest but he was fit on the day and looked a bit more racey than a few. But the bottom line here is that I don't think this was a great contest, and the form needs treating with a bit of caution.
However, if we thought the first lot were moderate, they were nothing to the unexciting lot we were presented with half an hour later. I was genuinely struggling to find positives amongst any of them – maybe National Anthem might be the one to take out of this (not unbacked in the ring despite being a big price), he was the one that most looked like making up into a half-decent 3-y-o, and Spenny's Lass, unfit for her debut, might come on a bit for this – but it was hard to take much from this and the fact that Kodiac Express was able to fall in on his tenth start rather says it all about the form.
The 2,55 Maiden had a big field but again, not that many I'd want taking forward. The one that first caught the eye was Ed Walker's Arendelle, nicely enough bred but stall 16 on debut was enough to stop him getting involved. He may do better. Favourite La Diva isn't the biggest and can have no excuses, having got the run of the race, and she could be hard to win with.
The one to take out of this, with the longer term in mind, is Ed Dunlop's Navajo Squaw. Built for longer trips than today's mile, she's a cracking size and shape, strong backed and a good engine at the rear. She's gone off a big price but was spotted making late headway, passing a few, and will know a bit more next time. I'd hope she can make up into a decent 3-y-o handicapper next term and will be one I'm keeping a close eye on.
Over to Warwick for today's pick, and I'm going to take on the odds-on Sceau Royal in the novice chase at 3.20. If he can jump, he'll more than likely win, but from what I have seen of him to date, he's hardly one I was champing at the bit to see over the bigger obstacles and I certainly wouldn't be in a rush to pile in at a short price. Forth Bridge is hardly bred for the job either, and I'll take a chance on Nigel Twiston-Davies' Ballyhill, who should be up to making an impression over fences and was pretty highly tried towards the back end of last season. A bit to find on form, but this is Nigel's time of the year and he can cause a minor upset.
Good luck with all your bets today,
David.