Gimcrack Stakes 2012

2.30 York

Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1)  (2YO only)

Winner £95,741

Heavy Metal: Extremely game in the end when taking Richmond Stakes at Goodwood (his first win since Newmarket minor event) but that now leaves him vulnerable with penalty here.

Blaine: Half-brother to winner at last year’s meeting Bogart and backed well before sticking it out in C&D maiden 41 days ago; Not run since but that had been the plan and well worth respcting for yard who know what they’re doing at this level.

Cay Verde: Looked a progressive 2yo with successes at Ascot and the Curragh before disappointing in Norfolk and the when third in Goodwood Group 2 to Heavy Metal; Penalty gives him chance of reversing that form but far more needed upon that. 

Euxton Hall: Looked like a colt with a future when winning neatly on debut and didn’t handle Epsom next time out; Conditions stakes win was decent but beaten again in Listed company and looks to be a touch below group class.

Lewisham: Ran a stormer in the Group 2 July Stakes after two promising efforts in 6f maidens, and hard pushed to say that he wouldn’t have won had he not had another half a furlong (also carried wider than he’d want to be); Needs serious consideration.

Morawij: Supported into favourite for Haydock debut (produced two subsequent winners) when he got up showing marked greenness; Tons of scope in Norlfolk when carried across his side but still fourth, and easy listed win suggested he was still improving yet again;

Odooj: Shown decent level of ability in two 6f starts on good to firm, winning maiden and then coming close runner up to unbeaten winner (lost nothing in defeat, hugged rail tight); This a step up on both those efforts though.

Pearl Acclaim: Only found very smart stablemate best when second at Newmarket and needed no improvement to be winning weak 5f maiden well at Sandown, far better when winning conditions event at Newmarket latest; Good chance.

VERDICT: Not much strength in depth and a trappy race that gives MORAWIJI and Lewisham excellent chances to break their group race ducks, while Blaine is deserving of a lot of respect too for connections that know a decent 2 year old when they’ve seen one. The race looks to be one to avoid from a betting point of view.