
Most Racing Ahead readers have bags of experience spotting exciting prospects in the new generations of top hopefuls in the parade ring.
But few young punters are bred with an eye for the signs of potential in a young racehorse so here's a beginners guide which could be useful for anyone keen to get in on the action but not sure where to start.
As I leaned over the parade ring rails at Lingfield I looked around at other racegoers watching the two-year-old colts and geldings slowly make their way round.
A thought went through my mind: How many of those gathered knew what they were looking for? How many of them were just following everyone else and planting themselves in an orderly circle surrounding the young horses because that's what you're supposed to do?
I am sure that many just want to see their favourite jockey and trainer, and there is nothing wrong with that - it is the popular idols that make the sport enticing to many. There are not many sports where you can get so close to these special people.
But on this sunny spring day I was looking for indications of how many were marking the programme with special signs to indicate how wellor how below-average - each horse appeared to them. There are a few experienced scribes who you do see regularly at many courses (have they no homes to go to?) However, gathered around them in much greater numbers are Lingfield patrons who 'like the jockey's colours', who 'like the name' or just want to check that their selection has turned up.
Bu hikaye Racing Ahead dergisinin June 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Racing Ahead dergisinin June 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap

KAW BLIMEY! BOOM, BOOM
Paul Jacobs has high hopes for Willie Mullins' novice Kawaboomga

FORTUNE HUNTING
Andy Ayres offers his pick from the paddocks, coiled and ready to spring

FRESH WORK'LL GET HIM AHEAD
Ben Morgan offers his thoughts on a sparkling first day Festival racecard

MONTY'S STAR TO OUTSHINE CHAMP
Ben Morgan’s brave call to oppose red-hot Galopin’s Gold Cup treble bid

OPERA FOLLOWS NOTABLE ROUTE
lan Heitman reports with news and views from the All Weather events

NICHOLLS HIGH FIVE
Paul Nicholls has said he could end up running all five of his Randox Grand National contenders after learning their weights for the world's greatest steeplechase.

CASH WRAPPED UP IN THE COLD
Simon Nott shares his latest ring tales from Kempton, Newbury and Exeter

FACT TO FLY IN RYANAIR
Ben Morgan picks out his Day 3 forecasts

FINAL DEMAND FOR STARTERS
Karl Hedley has had aclose eye on Festival prospects across the water

FERGIE'S FAB FOUR
Paul Ferguson has four aces to play when he hears that Festival roar