Good morning from Newmarket. After a somewhat disappointing return yesterday, we go again with two more runners at Chelmsford this evening.
Our first representative is San Diaco in the mile maiden for three-year-olds and above at 7.15. A gelded son of Kodiac, this is a slightly belated racecourse debut for him, and he has a pedigree which strongly suggests the trip will ultimately prove a bare minimum. His siblings include the mile and a quarter Gr.3 winner So Many Shots, the Listed placed mile and three-quarter horse Batezar and the smart Meganisi, who was Stakes placed at a mile and five on the flat and won several times over hurdles.
Of course, the fact that San Diaco is by the speed influence Kodiac might inject a little more pace into him, but the sire has long since proven his efficacy with middle distances horses too. What I can say is that he has been training reasonably well of late, and it is certainly time to get his career on the track underway. Of the opposition, John Gosden’s Dubawi filly Severneya is a very well-bred newcomer, and Mark Johnston’s Copper Rose looks progressive. So we know that we are up against it, but I am certainly hoping to see signs of encouragement from San Diaco in this field. Kieran O’Neill takes the ride.
Later in the 8.15, Cue’s Folly makes her seasonal return in the mile and a half 0-50 handicap. She showed promise on a couple of occasions last year and appeared an out and out stayer, notably when third over two and a quarter miles at Chepstow. However, as her form deteriorated towards the end of the campaign, so did her mark, and she is now rated just 43. That makes it tricky even getting her into races, let alone under the ideal conditions, which is why we are trying our luck over this trip this evening. The key to her chance today is the application of a pair of blinkers for the first time, and hopefully they can spark her into life and we will see a return to her best. It is a competitive enough race for the grade, but hopefully Cue’s Folly has been refreshed by her break and can put in a respectable showing. Dan Muscutt will be in the saddle.
All the best,
Ed.