Alfie's Angel hails from Bryan Smart's stable and a talented trainer of juveniles. This son of Dark Angel is out of a winning mare who enjoyed a trip. This bay colt was sent off an unfancied 18/1 when making his debut at Carlisle over 6f. Alfie's Angel ran on well in the closing stages and will improve on the initial start. That was a fair race for the grade, similar to today's race. Bryan Smart owns and trains this youngster and it will take a he this January foal will take the beating. For those of you who love a place wager - this is an exceptional bet. Holds decent win claims but at the prices an ideal horse to Bet on William Hill each-way double or multi bet.
Our Boy John was behind Alfie's Angel on debut when starting a 20/1 shot. A relatively cheap yearling purchase at £9,000 and more is needed.
Mark Johnston has been in sparkling form all season and Bailey's Showgirl races in the familiar silks of Bailey's Horse Feed. This daughter Sepoy was made favourite on debut at Chelmsford City but had no chance when rearing as the stalls opened and best to draw a line through that race. In truth, it didn't look the strongest race but that means little when considering this 22,000E yearling purchase. Very difficult to asses but if strong in the betting one to respect.
Ann Duffield does well with an increasing string of juveniles. Harbour Lightning is a daughter of Harbour Watch, purchased by the trainer at the yearling sales for £12,000. This chestnut filly was made a 66/1 chance on debut at Thirsk finishing a respectable fourth. That was a very strange race where a few of the favourites done little, while the first and second had a healthy advantage over the field. I'm not sure what to think of that race. Time may tell the winner is a fair type. If priced 13/2 & less SP, from a statistical pointer has respectable each-way claims.
Princeofthequeen was pipped at the post when making his debut at Thirsk over 6f. David O'Meara's colt, a son of Lonhro, was beaten last stride in what looked a average affair. This £25,000 breeze-up purchase lost by a short head and races in a similar grade. Has each-way claims but will need to do better.
Interesting to see Irish-based trainer Andrew Slattery sending debutante Elmwood to take his chance. This bay colt is a son of Paco Boy out of a multiple-winning sprint mare. He cost £16,500 at the yearling sale and full brother to a debut winner. A difficult trainer to assess from my point of view and the betting details will be one of the outsiders unless backed.
Kazanan was backed on debut but showed little left standing at Thirsk next time out. Looks the type to go for nursery races.
Conclusion: Not the easiest race to assess but Alfie's Angel looks the type to improve and go well. If drifting in the betting would be a decent bet and if by some freak of nature an each-way bet a very good opportunity to fill your boots. If you love to bet place only I would have this horse at the top of my list. Nice selection for an each-way double or multi bet.
