Wotabreeze, one of two John Quinn-trained ‘decs’ for the 2-y-o Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs of a ‘soft’ Redcar today, will again be ridden by Keeegan Latham; of no significance is the fact Graham Gibbons partners twice-raced stable-companion, St Dunstan, an each-way shout, at best. Latham was sufficiently impressed when Wotabreeze made a sound debut over a mile of this north-eastern coastal venue 18 days ago, ground conditions were similar.
At the end of a veritable slog this Excellent Art colt was beaten eight lengths by unchallenged winner G K Chesterton but, significantly, the heavily-backed odds-on favourite, Muzdawaj, finished only four lengths ahead of Wotabreeze; the time-handicap mark was favourable and the winner is reckoned graded quality.
Wotabreeze made headway in the closing stages and considerable improvement can be expected; Marco Botti’s yard has been in good form and we reckon Just Fab will be ‘on the premises’ but it will be disappointing if our selection doesn’t blow them away! Running in tandem will be another eight-race programme on fibresand at Southwell where Belle Mare Plage is worth chancing in the Maiden Stakes over five furlongs.
Stuart Williams’ charge has ‘under the radar’ form and opposition is weak, to token! Given the ‘price to chance’ and a couple of reasonable TH marks ‘Belle’ justifies an each-way punt with three places on offer. There will be worse bets, definitely! Onto Wolverhampton and an unexpected clash of ‘giants’ with Mark Johnston and Simon Crisford clashing in the Maiden Auction Stakes over seven furlongs of Tapeta with Kelvin Hall and Mostashreqah, respectively.
The latter is preferred because her debut mark is similar to that of the only conceivable danger; famous last words, eh?
SELECTIONS
12.30 Wotabreeze (nap-ew)
2.40 Belle Mare Plage (ew)
4.40 Mostashreqah