7:10 Ripon - Speculative Bet (17th June)

A Maiden Fillies' Stakes over 5f on good going. Fifteen two-year-olds take part. 

Richard Whitaker doesn't have many juveniles in his string at Hellwood Racing Stables but he knows a fair horse and Penny Pot Lane could have each-way claims at 16/1. 

This daughter of Misu Bond is out of a winning mare. 

Racing in the silks of the trainer, this bay filly was clueless on debut at Beverley but ran on with a touch of promise in the closing stages when 50/1. She is a sturdy sort who will improve with racing and showed a marked performance at Catterick when 66/1, finishing third. 

That race was run at a frantic pace and I have slight fears she may have been flattered. However, the form of that race has been franked and Penny Pot Lane wasn't hard ridden to hit the frame. In fact, she had only just got going at the line and could well have won with another half furlong. 

A high draw at today's course is - in theory - a positive. I have slight concerns she will be outpaced in the early stages, which wouldn't be ideal. It would fill me with confidence if she was able to hold a good early position. If outpaced, you will achieve much bigger odds in-running and that might be an angle worth playing. Then you have to hold your breath and hope Penny Pot Lane can finish with zeal. 

With two runs under her belt I am hopeful this March foal can show more professionalism today and could go well at speculative odds.  

Note: Just notice the favourite had been withdrawn so have to see what price is available on Penny Pot Lane. Worth considering at 10/1+. 

Penny Pot Lane 10/1 1st