Kodiac Khan is an obvious time-handicap danger this afternoon to forecast favourite, Fashion Queen, in a thirteen-runner two-year-old Maiden Stakes over five furlongs of 'good to firm' Thirsk, where watering has been effected during the last few days; what's the use?
Soaring temperatures will have dried the the 'sprinklets' before they hit the ground at this North Yorkshire course, which has always been renowned for good, mature, turf during the driest spells imaginable.
Much better to let established, lush, grass surfaces grow four to six inches, and take advantage of heavy morning dew, than watering, which causes soil to be crusty; in the long term such exercises are seriously detrimental.
So many racecourses have been adversely affected, Yarmouth was dug up completely and is certainly no better for the 18 months absence.
Others have become ridged and furrowed, all because of putting on too much water, which has to drain off somewhere; it's a reason why we prefer to take out the guesswork and target all-weather venues that have excellent, well-managed, polytrack, tapeta and fibresand surfaces.
Twice-raced Kodiac Khan, trained at Newmarket by man-of-the-moment, Hugo Palmer, improved under Frankie Dettori at Yarmouth three weeks ago when fifth (of nine!), beaten only four lengths by Mubtasim and Jumira Ridge, a creditable second next time out, thus confirming value of this form.
Chances are Fashion Queen will also come on considerably for the experience of her promising York a fortnight ago but this selection is all about 'price to chance' and Kodiac Khan represents a tremendous each-way proposition, with three places available and six newcomers.
They will only have one minute to learn and get organised on one of the fastest tracks around; food for thought eh? One more plus, stall ten, close to the favoured near rail; inexperienced Fashion Queen is drawn low, right out in the centre!
Later Ariena looks a solid bet in the two-year-old Maiden Auction Fillies' Stakes over six furlongs of undulating Chepstow which, significantly, hasn't been watered!
Dips and hollows throughout mean an emphasis on horsemanship is at a premium and Ariena will be ridden for the first time by proficient, sufficiently experienced John Fahy.
John seemed pleased with Ariena when this Clive Cox-trained Arcano colt finished a close second of fifteen to Madam Prancelot at Newbury earlier this month despite having partnered a well-backed favourite. He probably thought 'this will win a race' and, hopefully, this is it!
Richard Hannon appears to have found an opportunity for Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Mutahaady to make it third time lucky in a weak-looking Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs at York, 'watered.’
SELECTIONS
10.30 Kodiac Khan
1.50 Ariena
3.00 Mutahaady