2-y-o ratings Saturday 17 October

Champions Day in all but name as most of the leading lights from this flat season are absent today. It looks the type of end-of-season card that could throw up some shock results. The Dewhurst has a particularly disappointing turnout today with several of the top juvenilles steering clear of what is supposed to be the race that crowns the season’s top two-year-old. I’m opposing the so-called good thing from Jim Bolgers yard, Chabal. He hasn’t done enough to suggest he is ready to join the stable’s roll of honour in this race. I accept he could improve for better ground but I’m prepared to watch today. My top four are Xtension, Dick Turpin, Silver Grecian and Steinbeck. I’ve a feeling that Xtension and Silver Grecian will be thereabouts but may not be quite up to G1 standard. I’m prepared to forgive Dick Turpin’s run last time out when denied a run at a crucial stage and I think he is a standout each-way bet at 16/1 (Lads). Steinbeck is the rival I fear most, he made an encouraging debut and I feel he is likely to progress by a few lbs to trouble the principles today.

The Rockfel Stakes has a stand out top-rated 9lbs clear with TABASSUM. I was pleased to see the RP forecast suggest 5/4 but she is already a shade odds-on this morning.

Catterick stages it’s “richest raceday of the year” today and it’s still poor fayre. Despite three two-year-old events I will only play to small stakes.

Catterick 2:15
Ramamara 83
Night Trade 79

Newmarket 2:25
Xtension 110
Dick Turpin 105

Catterick 2:50
Cotton Top 76
Jupiter Fidius 76

Catterick 4:00 (N)
Gold Fix 78
Whirly Dancer 76

Newmarket 4:15
Tabassum 104
Dubawi Heights 95

Wolverhampton 7:20
N/Q

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