It's a time of changing fortunes.
You know, the last couple of years I have had a real downer on Mick Channon's two-year-old string. In fact, 2016 & 2017 was akin to a the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. We had fond memories of Sandie Shaw winning in 1967 with Puppet On A String but couldn't even remember the name of the multiple nul points.
Who sang that song?
Following those two seasons for Mick Channon made me question what was happening. West Ilsley Stables prided itself on winning juveniles.
Just look a few big winners:
Cheveley Park Stakes (Group 1)
1999 - Seazun
2000 - Queen's Logic
Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1)
2000 - Tobougg
Think back to 2002 when he concluded the season with 123 winners.
No wonder I was greying at the temple. Channon much have been drinking a revolutionary hair tonic which grew his hair at the same rate he tore it out.
Well...
What can we say about 2018? Channon seemed bullish with the Brocklesby Stakes winner - Izzer. The money was down that day at Doncaster. And with that tidy victory the stable were quite vocal about their 'decent'' string of two-year-olds.
They were correct. Channon has been firing in winner after winner this season - whether debutante or second start.
Jungle Inthebungle and Cotubanama head to the Woodcote Stakes at Epson on 1st June. He may be an outsider but it is a reflection of the string that is making the headline. Certainly, a number of betting sites and punters alike are latching onto this purple patch.
Here are a few other 2yos who have show ability this 2018 season:
Izzer
Bungle Inthejungle
Kinks
Cotubanama
Big Boots
Barbill
Certain Lad
If you want to follow a stable with a nice bunch of two-year-olds, then Mick Channon is the man to bet this year.
A Brief History of the Lily Agnes Stakes
Did you know the Lily Agnes was named after an English thoroughbred racehorse? This daughter of Marconi, out of the dam Polly Agnes, was foaled in 1871. This filly was bred by James Snarry, who kept this bay in his ownership. Her racecourse achievements were heralded far and wide. She won 21 of her 32 starts including the Northumberland Plate (1874), Doncaster Cup (1874) & Ebor Handicap (1875).
The Lily Agnes Stakes was named in her memory.
Yogi's Girl won the Lily Agnes in 2017
Wednesday: 1:50 Chester - Stellar Group Lily Agnes Stakes (Plus 10) Class 2
Eleven two-year-olds take part. All have race experience.
1) Arthur's Spirit - Bill Turner
No stranger to speedy two-year-olds. This son of Swiss Spirit disappointed in the Brocklesby Conditions Stakes. However, he showed good pace at Southwell when runner-up and led all the way to win at Kempton.
Verdict: A wide draw (10) will make this hard work.
2) Dark Thunder - Tom Dascombe
One of four juveniles entered here for this local trainer from Malpas, Cheshire. This grey colt made his debut in a hot Windsor Stakes finishing third behind the talented Emaaraty Ana, who beat Blown By Wind at odds of 4/11f. Has first jockey riding which indicates the best of the stablemates.
Verdict: Needs to find improvement on that first start.
3) Five Amarones - Tom Dascombe NR
Another recruit from Manor House Stables. Ran a respectable race on debut when a running on third at Pontefract. Raced at Bath on Monday when hanging on for third place behind easy winner Barbill., trained by Mick Channon.
Verdict: May be withdrawn after recent effort. Unlikely to figure on what we have seen.
4) Gingersdunthelot - David Loughnane
A prime draw in stall 1. He's shown plenty of pace in both starts to date but tired rapidly thereafter.
Verdict: Very unlikely to win.
5) Kinks - Mick Channon NR
A speedy colt who likes to lead. Narrowly foiled on debut at Kempton and then battling win at Bath before winning again under a penalty. A professional colt who would have his supporters if he wasn't draw so wide in stall 11.
Verdict: A wide draw looks very difficult to overcome. Not impossible but will need to sit in behind and hope the leaders stop.
6) Lihou - David Evans
Beat Kinks on debut, running on with spirit, and touch of style. Ran well on debut in the Brocklesby after a slow start. David Evans has done well in this race and this son of Mayson is drawn well enough in stall 5. May well sit in behind and finish the race with verve.
Verdict: A decent juvenile who has been aimed at this race. A fair draw should see him hold every chance. A major player.
7) Jensue - Tom Dascombe
This daughter of Red Jazz was quite fancied in the betting when making his debut at Beverley. The first five horses were clear of the field and the form has been franked. A good draw in stall 2 is handy. Whether he will have the pace to lead is a matter of opinion. Needs to improve on that first start and be faster into his running here.
Verdict: A good draw and open to improvement but needs to be much sharper. Others look more suiting to this turning course.
8) Lady Prancealot - David Evans NR
A winner and two place effort from three starts. This filly hasn't been disgraced but may lack the speed or class of a few of these.
Verdict: A relatively wide draw isn't ideal. Has show good pace but looks to have something to prove and a touch exposed.
9) Light My Fire - Tom Dascombe (NR)
Ran out a nice winner on debut at Ripon. The form of that race doesn't look anything special but not without hope. A decent draw in stall 3.
Verdict: May need to improve on debut win but a smart introduction. A chance but a couple look more likely.
10) No Lippy - Mark Johnston
This daughter of Oasis Dream battled well to win at odds of 2/1 when defying World Order at Nottingham, the pair clear of the third. A terrier of a filly who dug deep to beat a colt. She has the speed to get to the rail and could take some pegging back.
Verdict: A leading chance. Not easy to assess the form of her debut win but one of three horses entered for this race by the trainer. Would get my vote.
11) Thegreyvtrain - Ron Harris
Showed little in first two starts then held on well when runner-up at Kempton behind the potentially smart On The Stage trained by Ed Walker.
Verdict: A wide draw and limited ability mean this filly has a mountain to climb.
Lily Agnes Stakes Racing Tips 2018:
Best: No Lippy & Lihou.
