Rococoa is ideally suited by conditions of the Maiden Stakes over six furlongs of Chelmsford today, worth backing to recoup recent losses caused by interference in a similar race at Lingfield only seven days ago.
Luke Morris appeared to make a slight tactical error to go between The Commendatore and Cee Jay 300 yards out; subsequently beaten three-quarters and half a length Rococoa must have gone closer given she was checked at a time when he should have been pushed forward!
That's opinion but race-analysts seem to agree because comments in The Sporting Life and Racing Post concur; I've no axe to grind, just present the facts. Ed Walker's charge improved considerably but, significantly, isn't being given a deal of 'recovery time' which is usually the case; her Newmarket trainer is obviously satisfied the Zebedee filly is ready to go again.
No 'cert' by any means because thrice-raced, progressive, Figurante can't be dismissed and neither can 'blinkered for the first time' Zebedee Girl, mount of Josephine 'pocket rocket' Gordon; her 7lbs allowance could weigh heavily against opposition.
All three are advantaged by the 5lbs fillies' allowance, on a point of classification, based on what is usually needed to win this-type race, Rococoa gets my vote!
Clasification is subjective and usually about nous and experience; we'll see! 'Shrewd' trainer Tony Carroll has booked Luke Morris for Spray Tan in the nine-runner 'aged' handicap; take the hint, 'thrown-in' on old form and was given a sighter recently!
At first glance once-raced, Mark Johnston-trained Byres Road would appear to have consistent, hitherto luckless Broadway Icon to beat in the eleven-runner Maiden Stakes over a mile of Lingfield 'poly' but, hold on, Beleave looked promising on debut last month.
Beleave will be a monster price but Roger Teal is a trainer I've always respected and she is worth chancing with three places available; whatever happens watch this race closely, there will be 'future winners' to note.