Ralphy Lad looks to have plenty going for him in the 2.30 at Doncaster today and is strongly fancied at 7/1 to open his account.
Alan Swinbank’s charge shaped with plenty of promise on his first two starts as a juvenile last season, finishing a staying on third at Newcastle before running far better than his finishing position suggests when sixth of 12 to Gold Trail at Haydock.
I was at the latter, and the son of Iffraaj looked a big scopey type in the paddock and far from the finished article.
He had the look of a horse that needed time to strengthen up and grow into his frame and would not be seen to best effect until this season.
In the race itself, he showed plenty of pace to chase the leaders until being unable to quicken and keeping on at the one pace to be beaten 4 1/2 lengths without being knocked about.
The winner went on to finish second on his handicap debut off 85, and the fourth home Snow Sky – who finished 1 3/4 lengths in front of Ralphy Lad – won by 15 lengths next time up and was sent off just 15/2 in the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster when finishing 8th of 11 to Kingston Hill and is now rated 108 after winning the Lingfield Derby Trial.
Ralphy Lad was then far from disgarced on his handicap debut on the firts start of this seaon when shaping as if needing the run and finishing seventh of 14 at Redcar, and then ran really well last time up when staying on to finish a never nearer 3 1/2 length third of 6 to Insaany at Nottingham.
The winner, and the runner-up Placidia, have both gone on and scored again since and Ralphy Lad looks to be coming to the boil nicely.
He looks the type who will improve again, and this looks a nice opportunity for him to open his account.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Ralphy Lad (7/1 Boylesports, Hills, Stan James – BOG)
