Torcello will surely take all the beating in the Racinguk.com Maiden Stakes at Hamilton this afternoon.
Andrew Balding sent him on a lengthy journey north to Carlisle to make his debut, but he is going even further this time.
He ran with great credit on his introduction, having the misfortune to come up against a pretty rare Godolphin runner.
Nevertheless, he shaped with a great deal of promise, looking like a certain future winner.
Unraced at two, he was making his debut over nine furlongs and it looks the right move to keep him at that trip for now.
With Kevin Ryan having overcome a troublesome spell, Weekend Offender might be the one to be on in the Almada Mile Handicap.
Ryan was forced to shut up shop for a few weeks at the busiest time of the season due to an unfortunate virus, but he is now back amongst the winners.
Weekend Offender signed off last season by winning a competitive race at York in October and there was plenty to like about his seasonal return.
Running over an extended mile at Nottingham off a 3lb higher mark, he was third of 11 behind the progressive George William.
As long as he has not been too held up by Ryan’s problems, he looks sure to run his race off the same mark.
Another Eclipse should finally open his account in the 10-furlong maiden at Brighton.
David Simcock’s three-year-old performed with credit in a decent Haydock handicap last time out from a mark of 81.
He showed he was not far off that first assessment and such a rating is usually good enough to win a run-of-the-mill maiden.
Simcock has a newcomer in the race but Jamie Spencer, his jockey of choice, rides the selection.
It is well known how much Brian Meehan’s horses improve for their first run, so the fact Barraquero showed up so well on his debut at Newbury bodes well.
He is out again in Chepstow’s six-furlong maiden and plenty can be expected.
The winner at Newbury was a rare debut scorer for Michael Stoute so will be above average while the second had previously chased home the well regarded Finniston Farm.
Barraquero was well clear of the rest and looks to have a future.
Nap: Torcello
(3:00 Hamilton)
Double: Weekend Offender
(3:30 Hamilton)
Treble: Another Eclipse
(3:15 Brighton)
Yankee: Barraquero
(6:40 Chepstow)
