1:50 Newbury - Speculative Bet (15th May)

A Maiden Stakes over 6f 8y on good going. Twelve two year old colts take part: two with race experience - unfancied in the betting. Never the easiest on contests to assess with a mix of leading trainers. Peter Chapple-Hyam is excellent with his juveniles and they often go well on debut. Parafin Young is an Irish son of Cape Blanco out of a group-placed mare. This chestnut colt races in the familiar pink and green silks of Mr Fitri Hay. He was withdrawn from the sales as a foal. I noted this horse has been given a stakes race entry which is often a sign of encouragement. Considering this stable have an excellent strike race with their fancied debutantes it could well be worth taking the early price and hope this youngster is backed, which would be a real positive for this March foal. Worth a speculative bet at 28/1. 

2:20 Newbury: 

This looks a decent race with King Of Rooks coming here after facing a strong field on debut at Ascot. The form of that race will be franked. Brian Meehan has been in very good form this season and already a couple of his debut two year olds have won. He is often denoted as a trainer who goes better with juveniles on their second start - which is true for most although those relatively fancied on their racecourse bow have good claims. Sharara was an expensive yearling and I am confident this chestnut son of Dutch Art has ability. Whether he can lower the colours of the likely favourite is a tough call but I wouldn't be surprised to see him go well at 8/1. 

Parafin Young 28/1 Unp
Sharara 8/1 Unp