Maidens Galore
Five horses are going to win for their very first time on Sunday as maidens of all ages take centre stage at Hastings
Runners & Riders, Sunday July 24
A. P. PHAROAH makes his Hastings debut and should be a strong favourite to break his maiden following two second-place finishes at Emerald Downs. Double Saw, meanwhile, was close to the winner’s circle on several occasions when plying his trade at Woodbine, has the benefit of a Hastings race under his girth and is probably the main danger. Bakalley and Royal Air Force were behind Double Saw that day when making their career debuts and can be expected to improve.
Jack’s Reign was second to Mustachio over today’s distance on his last run, with the gutsy Calamazeus behind him and the two should be thereabouts again here. You Don’t Own me makes a rapid return to action and was closing on Tiz Meow and Racing River over 6½ furlongs last time. Interestingly, APPELLANT, makes his first appearance for new connections since being claimed last time and takes on the 8½ furlongs for the first time since winning over the trip in 2019
YOUNG VIGILANTE drops into the bottom tier following a solid fourth behind Finding Ways and Baklane last time. That could be enough to get the job done here on his first run for new connections since being claimed. Airaffair’s second to Calamazeus earlier this month gives him a solid chance, while the uber-consistent Eye Be Seeing You should be rallying down the stretch and may give former stablemate Young Vigilante most to do. Flyunderthegraydar may need some peace and quiet on the front end to show his best.
This first of two juvenile contests features two runners with previous experience and a handful of unexposed types for whom the betting market may be the best guide. Matsqui’s fourth behind the impressive Rockliffe was a promising first effort, while the same applies to BLOWINGINTHEWIND after a good debut that saw the Lent colt finish third behind Buck in Command. Curlin Rocks was among the more expensive purchases at the horses of racing age sale held in the spring, while Licorice has a couple of bullet workouts and a speedy local pedigree to build upon.
FILLY FATALE chased Rememberthealamo from gate-to-wire on her debut and will have learned plenty from the experience. Loveaboveandbeyond may be the biggest danger based on her promising debut and then a fourth-place finish behind the smart Calypso Princess, subsequent winner Rememberthealamo and Ms Stanford (who was Stakes paced on her next run). Lilsisterlee is probably best watched after a disappointing effort at Stakes level on her second start, while Silarone appeals most of the unraced contingent.
Ayellowroseoftexas went down fighting to Kloepatra when a short-priced favourite on her Hastings debut last time and she has an obvious chance. REMARKABLE ANGEL has run well in her only two starts and should appreciate the step up to 8½ furlongs, while the once-raced Dynamiter should know much more about the game this time. Wisely Played has hit the board four times from five runs this season, but may have to wait a little longer for a first win, while He’s a Saint was just behind Wisely Played last time and there isn’t much between them.
Monte put in a big effort last time, attempting to go gate-to-wire, giving way only grudgingly and he’s a worthy morning line favourite. However, it might be worth taking a chance on stablemate CASSIDY COWBOY who ran well enough on his racing debut behind Monte and now has the all-important first run under his girth. Showman appeals most of the others with experience, and he drops back in distance here after bumping into easy winner Trapalis last time. Beckas Boy and Rollie’s Spirit are making their career debuts and will be interesting to watch.
Derby Bar & Grill Picks, Sunday July 24
Woodbine Oaks, Sunday July 24
