August time to take Haggas juveniles seriously.

Venetian Lion got the week of to a winning start as expected for William Haggas. Although it was a shame Yimmna knocked a joint and was pulled out. The way the race turned out I think she would have won with a bit to spare.

Given the right set up August is in many ways the month when backing Somerville Lodge juveniles can lead to significant profits. However this most definitely does not include those on racecourse debut.

At Catterick on Tuesday in the 7f opener at 2.15 the Naval Crown colt National Pride takes the eye at a course where Haggas is 4 from 5 with juveniles running at the track since 2018. All four the subject of hefty market support.

He debuted in a hot Ascot race in July and although well beaten ran typical of many Haggas horse running for the first time. One of those previous Catterick winners Kyeema also ran on debut in that Ascot Novice stakes race and won easily in this race at Catterick before going on to win a valuable York Nursery at the Ebor meeting.

However as Catterick 2yo novices go – this is competitive with the 6 rivals in the 7 strong field trained by Simon Crisford, Saaed bin Suroor, James Tate, Sir Mark Prescott and two by Time Easterby.

The market will be a big guide and I will wait and see how it develops before deciding on whether to back National Pride who was introduced into the market at 6/1, was cut to 9/4 and is now back out to 4/1 – I would need to see support from that price of 4/1 to get involved.

National Pride at 4/1 or bigger No Bet Recommended.

The other runner on Tuesday Flagbearer goes to Ffos Las a track that Haggas has a good record but this 665,000 Wathnan purchase was also entered in a 10f novice at Haydock and this mile trip looks on the sharp side.

Only one other Novice has been sent to FFos Las on debut in the last 5 years and that was Finalise in this race last year who was beaten because of her lack of pace and subsequently needed 12f to be at her best. The 6/4 opening price is short enough and although Flagbearer looks a horse with potential, he is not a bet on debut, especially over this trip.

Flagbearer 16.30 Ffos Las No Bet Recommended.