ASOTR Eye-Catchers

@lovestheraces

Zozimus (86 rated 5yo) York 15:50 - He's only ever won one race, he's never won on the turf, and he's not won at all for his current connections, but he looks ready to land a pot. He ran a respectable race in the Cambridgeshire, which will no doubt turn into a race to follow the form of. But, he couldn't have been anymore luckless at York.  He was crying out for a gap, but it just wouldn't come, and when it finally did come he lugged himself over to the left behind the eventual winner. He finished full of running, and was left alone on a mark of 86 by the handicapper. You'd expect he'll be winning a Cl3/4 race sooner rather than later.

Rosario (102 rated 2yo) Cornwallis Stakes - An easy and simple case to be made. Finished full of running, and I believe he would've won had he not lugged so badly to his right. I actually think he will improve for a step up to 6F too, although he's not short of speed either, so a stiff 5/5.5F might end up being his bag. Hopefully he trains on next year, as he could end up running in all of the best 5-6F races.  You should imagine he will be at least "pattern class" next season.

Gamekeeper (2yo Debutant) York 14:05 - Rightly or wrongly, I've always been under the impression that the Gosden's like to leave a lot to work on when debuting their juveniles. So whenever the Gosden's run one I always expect them to improve bundles for a run or two more, Gamekeeper should be no exception after running green early and then staying on unbelievably well, under a hands and heels ride. He wasn't exerted at all really, and made up multiple lengths on the first and second, with relative ease. From what I could see he looked a fairly big horse, and he looked like one that had plenty to work on fitness-wise, so he'll probably be one to catch at 3 rather than at 2yo.  He's by Blue Point who's made his mark this season with classy types, including speed horses such as Big Evs and future milers such as Rosallion. Going by who Gamekeeper is related to he'll probably appreciate distances ranging from 6-8F's next season.

Bust A Move (71 rated 2yo) York 13:50 - It's worth noting he was well-supported in the market. I believe he was 20/1 in the frail overnight markets, and SP'd @ 15/2. So, it's fair to assume that a decent run was expected on his nursery debut. And in my opinion, I don't think there was a more obvious eye-catcher all week. Everything went wrong for him. He was sweating pre-race; late away from the stalls; he "ran keen" in rear; he was actually last turning into the straight; he then had the "door closed" on him; he then had to come widest of all; Joanna then had to spend time ensuring he stayed straight; and then when he finally got going he stayed on very well into 3rd. Joanna only gave him a couple of taps with the whip and he made up very good, late headway. He has been raised 1lb for the run, but I'd say he's ahead of his mark of 71, and it won't be long before he wins a nursery/handicap (depending on if they wait for next season or not). A step up in trip may also improve him in time, as he's bred for 10F+.

@JMHorseRacing

Assailant (2yo Debutant) York 15:05 - It doesn’t take a genius to work this one out, but I think he’s a superstar to be honest. Prior to the race, the market vibes were strong and his powerful pedigree stood out to me. The winner, Colorada Dancer, was entitled to win this race on experience itself but he’s probably a better horse than a 78 OR gives him credit for. Assailant stayed on incredibly well to finish a closing third and I’ve no doubt in my mind that he’ll win his next race, no matter how tough the assignment. This is a real top-quality horse, watch out for him next season.

Knappers Hill (7yo Novice Chaser) Chepstow 15:10 - Original as always… but I was hugely impressed nevertheless. Knappers Hill is a horse that I wasn’t ever intrigued by over hurdles, I always put it down to him not having that certain that ‘star-quality’ that some of the top G1 horses have.

Nevertheless I’ve changed my mind on him, Saturdays run was very good in my eyes. Unexpected Party (OR 142) is a hardened chaser with lots of experience, to beat him would’ve been an immense feat (forgetting the prices). Yet I still think it was a positive run, his jumping was overall decent and I don’t think Chepstow is too easy to make your chasing debut. He’s got time on his side only being a 7 year old and I’ll certainly be backing him this season, <3 lengths behind a 142 horse is a quality chasing debut.

Harry’s Hottie (6yo Novice Chaser) Ffos Las 15:35 - Recently moved to Snowden’s yard, Harry’s Hottie was well backed for her stable debut on Sunday, and the money was realistically well-placed. Although, she made an awful mistake at the 10th fence and basically lost all chance. I thought she then ran extremely well to only finish 6 1/4 lengths from the winner, and she’s certainly one to follow this season.

Cruz Control (6yo Novice Chaser) Ffos Las 13:45 - Cruz Control is a horse I’ve followed since his bumper days with a fair level of success. Tom Lacey’s imposing 6YO was one to watch anyway considering the persistent market support which took him from 22/1 on Saturday to an SP of just 9/2. Not only this but it was interesting that Tom Lacey threw him into a Novices Handicap Chase rather than just a Novice. Cruz Control ran very well on Sunday, finishing a 10l second to an extremely exciting Matata for Suede and Munir. I think a mark of 122 underrates him in these early season Novice Handicaps and he’s no doubt going to pick up a few prizes this year.