DEVIL'S POINT 1.30 Goodwood at 2/5

British Stallion Studs John Dunlop EBF Conditions Stakes (Class 2) 1m

€200,000 F, 475,000gns Y; fifth foal; half-brother to winners The Acropolis (6.3f 2yo; Listed-placed at 7f/1m; RPR 108) and Rocket Science (7f/7.3f; 100); dam Group-placed 5f 2yo winner (inc AW; 98), half-sister to Group-placed 7f 2yo winner Marsh Hawk

Trainer Form: 1-6 for 16%           (10)
National average: 11%               (10)
Course Strike Rate: 14%             (10)
OR & RPR: 111 & 118                 (10)
Optimum Ground: Soft                (10)      
Optimum Distance: 1m                (10)
Jockey: Jamie Spencer               (10)
National Average: 13%               (10)
Course Strike Rate: 12%             (10)
Trainer & Jockey Combo: 8%          (10)
Total:                             (100)

Second in Group 1 on penultimate start

Devil's Point was a €200,000 foal and a 450,000gns yearling and a smart juvenile last year finishing second in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster over a mile on heavy ground on the colt's final start. Tomorrow is a Class 2 Conditions Stakes Race where he brings an OR of 111 and an RPR of 118. After the Doncaster race trainer David Menuisier told us: "Devil's Point came to win the race then kind of flattened out then I'm not sure if he went again. I'm thrilled, it's a Group 1 and second is absolutely marvellous. He was travelling great on the ground. It's pretty special."

Group 3 on reappearance

The ground comment was compelling and on his return this season his trainer sent him to Deauville to race over 7f in a Group 3 on heavy ground. There were a few problems getting the colt to the race and then he shaped as though needing the run, although was still a little disappointing. At the time it was believed he would be sent to race in the French 2000 Guineas race proving the regard the trainer had for his charge. If Devil's Point runs close to his Doncaster form he sets an almost impossible standard for his 2 rivals to aim at.

Trainer & Jockey Form

Trainer David Menuisier is not a prolific winning trainer, he has a national average of 11% and considered better with his Turf runners than the AW. Strange that his charge retains an entry in a Group 1 at Royal Ascot but over 6f, and interesting he has more winners at Goodwood & Sandown (10 winner) than any other racecourse. His figures at this course show 10-69 for 14% (-11.47) over the past 5 years. Whilst his runner has had a run this season to blow away the cobwebs his 2 rivals both have breaks of 181-days to overcome! 

Tomorrows jockey Jamie Spencer had ridden a beaten Pacafi for us in the past week on Cloud King and initially we were disappointed about the ride and result, but it transpired the horse lost both its front shoes before being beaten ¾l after missing the start.

Timeform Comments 

DEVIL'S POINT presumably needed the outing on his Deauville reappearance and will be a tough nut to crack if back to anything like the form he showed when second in Group 1 company as a juvenile. Grey Charger has potential and is the obvious choice for the forecast.

Perceived Value

The 2/5 looks perceived value - we priced the colt up at closer to 2/7. The OR and the RPR are high and given a percentage ride the Pacafi must be too good for his two rivals.

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PACAFI RESULTS (2018 – 2024)