Horseracing Betting: Seven two-year-olds to follow

General / Wayne Bailey / 06 August 2009 / Leave a Comment

Alrefd Nobel is one of Wayne Bailey's two-year-old's to follow

“Jealous Again’s speed in the Queen Mary was fantastic and anyone I’ve spoke to about it has agreed that it was the finest renewal of the race in recent times. Indeed, Timeform have described it as one of the best in 30 years”

We've passed the half-way point in the flat season and the smarter two-year-olds are starting to shine. Wayne Bailey lists the seven horses that have caught his eye...

I can't believe we're into August already and it won't be long before the National Hunt season kicks off once again. But we've still got some decent flat races left this season and the two-year-old horses are really getting into gear. We all have our own 'horses to follow' lists, but here's the two-year-olds that have caught my eye and are likely to carry my money when running next:

Canford Cliffs (colt)
Sire: Tagula (IRE), Dam: Mrs Marsh
Trainer: R. Hannon
Form line: 11
He ran a very good debut and it quickly became clear that Hannon had the Coventry stakes in mind for the colt (described as one of his best). He did go on to win the Coventry and recorded a very good time in that race, pushing him to the top of the betting for next year's 2,000 Guineas. He looks pure class but all that said, [6.4] is a bit short for next year's classic at this early stage. We should see a couple more juvenile races this year where he'll be very hard to beat.

Jealous Again (filly)
Sire: Trippi (USA), Dam: Chi Sa (CAN)
Trainer: Wesley A Ward
Form line: 121
An American filly, she had two very decent races under the belt before coming to the UK for the Queen Mary Stakes at Ascot. Connections also won the Windsor Castle with Strike The Tiger but it's unclear where Jealous Again will run next. Her speed in the Queen Mary was fantastic and anyone I've spoke to about it has agreed that it was the finest renewal of the race in recent times. Indeed, Timeform have described it as one of the best in 30 years. She's extremely exciting and I'm definitely looking forward to watching her race again, wherever that may be.

Arcano (colt)
Sire: Oasis Dream, Dam: Tariysha (IRE)
Trainer: BJ Meehan
Form line: 11
He's trading at [25.0] or thereabouts for the 2,000 Guineas which is probably about right. His latest race at Newmarket was a relatively poor affair but he clocked a good time and looks like one for the notebook. Once again, it's unclear what his next target will be but he's a smart sort that should have another win or two left in him before the season is out.

Orpen Grey (colt)
Sire: Orpen, Dam: Sky Red
Trainer: Tom Dascombe
Form line: 5112
He was second to Arcano at the aforementioned race at Newmarket but also clocked a good time. He may have been let go a bit early but in fairness he clearly had the measure of every other horse bar the winner. He's a strong sort and it will be interesting to see how he turns out as a three-year-old next year.

Air Chief Marshal (colt)
Sire: Danehill Dancer, Dam: Hawala (IRE)
Trainer: AP O'Brien
Form line: 213062
I've been lucky enough to watch this colt racing in Ireland in the flesh and he's really best followed on heavy ground. He went through a bad patch of form but seems to be bouncing back and I'd like to see him win another race as a juvenile. His latest effort in the Phoenix Stakes was noteworthy (when second to Alfred Nobel) and I'm sure we'll hear a bit more about him before long.

Alfred Nobel (colt)
Sire: Danehill Dancer (IRE), Dam: Glinting Desert (IRE)
Trainer: AP O'Brien
Form line: 23111
He's another colt that likes the softer ground and as mentioned, he won the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh - which was his strongest race to date. It's interesting to note that Danehill Dancer was responsible for the first three home in that race and I'd like to see him tackle the National Stakes at the Curragh in September. He's mainly raced over 6f but they may give him another try at 7f - and he seems a versatile sort who should have plenty of options next season.

Xtension (colt)
Sire: Xaar, Dam: Great Joy (IRE)
Trainer: CG Cox
Form line: 121
His only defeat came at the hands of the aforementioned Canford Cliffs so nothing to be ashamed of there. But he's improved on that form and his latest win at Goodwood was impressive where he loved the extra furlong. He's best on faster ground and has plenty of scope to become a top horse next year. I'd expect him to keep on winning and he still has room for improvement before the season is out.

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