Coventry Stakes

Win or lose, Round Two is a ridiculous price in my opinion. Especially when you remember that Dawn Approach went off at 7/2 after posting much better figures than Round Two. Also Round Two hasn't even started clear fav on his outings, whereas there was always the utmost confidence in DA on all his three previous starts. I agree that Buratino is overpriced, as I have him just 1lb behind Round Two, although I'm always mindful that many a Johnston runner would struggle to win a seller after winning impressively. Neither of them, though, have shown form necessarily good enough to win a typical renewal and I wouldn't be surprised if something else improved past the pair of them. I haven't seen the Ward runner yet but wonder if he'll be another with the physique of a more mature horse. Just a race to watch for me but good luck with the bet.

thanks Figgis; the doubt I have is that Buratino has been a bit inconsistent and maybe he will flop. However I am certain he is seriously talented.

Have another look at the Woodcote - he just looked a monster to me.

The price of Round Two is a result of Jim Bolger saying he hwas his best ever 2yo or at least that is what appeared in print.

Ah right, he also said Lucida was the equal of Finsceal Beo, can't have that myself.

Seem to recall the C4 or Racing UK team casting aspersions to the effect that impressive Woodcote winners have disappointed at Ascot in the past - I think they were generalising about a specific though and it was Riverboat Springs two years ago they were referring to.

He looked great and is in the right hands to back up 10 days later but it's so hard to get a handle on the form for this race.

Probably a no bet race for me - I thnk it's interesting that AOB relies on Air Force Blue only and he has a foal date of 1/1/13 but what do I know?

I have to say I was amazed he was so short in the betting. Not that many horses go off in single figures for the Coventry. For me the Woodcote can always make a tough, experienced horse look better than they are. The race is a very poor prep for the Coventry as it's almost the exact opposite. The Woodcote requires early speed and the ability to keep going after burning the others off. The Coventry requires horses to settle well and show sustained speed - mid race onwards. It was interesting to see last year's winner running in the Norfolk - and winning. That might be the best way to go. I'd be amazed if he was up to winning a Coventry but the trainer's horses are tougher then most.

I think Round Two has shown quite a lot actually, Figgis, but I also like Air Force Blue, Eltezaam (what did you make of his Haydock speed fig?) and War Department. As for Finnegan, he reminds me of why I always balk at praise for the way Nick Smith has attracted so many foreign raiders. Personally, I like to have a handle on the form.

Howellsy, I have his Haydock win as nothing special in comparison to the handicap but it was a windy day and it's possible that direct comparisons could be misleading. He didn't exactly thrash the Hills newcomer though and I doubt they're both Coventry standard.

Air Force Blue form is stacking up well,on at 10s last week. Good luck all for next week.

Buratino is probably one of the most impressive winners of the Woodcote in recent years. His time is the best, bar one, in the last 25 years. Physically he is a big progressive horse. He is suited by 6f+ and is not an early speed horse. He has to be included.

Aleap of faith but the clock tells me to have a little each-way on Ode to Evening.

Finnegan - (not a sprinter according to W Ward) posts 56.78 over 5f - cant see anything getting close if the passage is clear...

feltfair what was so good about ode to evening's time performance last time? just looked an average maiden to me

Nice work, COT.

Who loves ya baby!!! good call. The beast didnt even need a whip, hands & heels snaff job

Great shout COT

A sobering start to proceedings this end. Should have known better than to scorn the all-too-rare contribution from COT. Good shout.

Well thank you all for your thoughts. I must say I decided I was a bit too far into this horse and managed to lay him in running at 5/1 to cost me £100 of my profits. However he did look good at Epsom and who knows how he will progress. Can he win the Guineas?

Well done cot - spot on.
Well done taffy. You were very positive as well

Thanks everyone and I am glad if one or two had a bet on him.

I remain quite taken by him he pretty much outclassed that lot and who knows how far he can go up the ladder. He would not be out of place if he went for a Group 1.

And for anyone bothered, I am hopeful that GM Hopkins will win the Hunt Cup. He has never got the ground I think he will thrive on, fast or good to firm.

He looks to me as if he has been quite carefully aimed at this, has a ice weight and Ryan Moore. Hopefully they will not water too much overnight.

I think he has a really good chance, however I last backed the Hunt Cup winner in about 1983 so don't go mad.

Well done again, COT, great first two days for you.

well done COT ,just reading in this now

Even acknowledging that Air Force Blue has improved, Buratino has to have run below form today. It's difficult to say how much AFB has improved exactly and what he's now capable of, as the race was run in a very slow time, but still impressive how he travelled and quickened from the back like that considering the slow early pace.