Best Of Bets

Category: Horse Racing

  • Ebor Festival 2024 | Bluestocking Primed For Yorkshire Oaks

    Ebor Festival 2024 | Bluestocking Primed For Yorkshire Oaks

    As the 2024 Ebor Festival rolls into view, Bluestocking finally looks set to seal a first Group 1 win on home soil.

    With the calendar now flipped to August, the annual pilgrimage to the Knavesmire is the next stop for the flat season and Thursday sees the ladies take centre in the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks.

    A contest first ran in 1849, last year’s winner Warm Heart has not yet gone on to greater things, but the race is nonetheless a springboard toward a potential entry for November’s Breeders’ Cup.

    And for trainer Ralph Beckett, yet to win this race, Bluestocking can provide the winning formula.

     

    Breaking ground

    For Bluestocking, a 3yo filly and a winner on debut at Salisbury just under two years ago, the world looked to be her oyster.

    Yet, 13 months on and with six more runs under the belt, a second victory had failed to materialise.

    Significantly fluffing the lines, first the Juddmonte Irish Stakes and then this very race 12 months ago, a Group 1 win was proving elusive.

    However, this season has finally seen a turning of he tide.

    With still just seven contests under her belt, Bluestocking went to York all clinched the Middleton Fillies’ and then travelling to the Curragh, finally delivered on much promise in breaking a Group 1 duck in the Pretty Polly. Just.

    However, on returning home in a King George many expected the daughter of Camelot to win, 25/1 German raider, Goliath, had not read the script.

    Still home elite success eludes, but with a second crack at the Yorkshire Oaks, the pieces look to be falling into place.

    Indeed, the 2/1f with Betfred, the bookies believe they are.

     

    Emily Up for fight

    In another marquee contest this year with a slightly reduced field, there look to be two main rivals that stand between Bluestocking a first elite win on home turf.

    The first of which, Queen Of The Pride arrives in York seeking a third-straight win after a Haydock double in the last two months.

    With the red-hot Oisin Murphy in tow for John and Thady Gosden, the fellow 4yo may lack experience but is showing immense potential.

    Having won at Leicester also, there can be no one-course wonder tag given to Queen Of The Pride, but this will be a first test at the top level, and likely, on far firmer ground than any trip yet.

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    Perhaps then, might Emily Upjohn be the wiser punt?

    Since winning last year’s Coronation Cup with the departing Frankie Dettori, Emily has fallen on harder times.

    Indeed, winless in six, pushing the then dominant and now retired Paddington in last term’s Coral Eclipse, was the closest victory had came.

    That was until earlier this summer, when pipped to the Pretty Polly by the aforementioned and surging Bluestocking.

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    The issue right now for Emily Upjohn right now though, appears to be consistency, as something of a no-show last time out in the Nassau Stakes.

    However, she has a significant mental advantage in returning to the Knavesmire with one outing and one win – that coming in the 2022 Musidora Stakes.

    Whilst that was in the midst of a unbeaten career start, on her day Emily Upjohn is not to be trifled with. Could revenge be in the air?

     

    The Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks takes place on Thursday at 3:35pm UK time.

  • Four To Follow: Rare Visit To Ripon

    Four To Follow: Rare Visit To Ripon

    We’re setting up camp in North Yorkshire this week. With the Ebor Festival next week, we head to the dales to visit Ripon for their premier meeting. The Great St. Wilfred handicap is full of your favourite sprinters, whilst down at Newbury there’s group action and the Irish St. Leger Trial at the Curragh.

     

    Ripon

    A Queen Classic

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    3:20 – William Hill Great St. Wilfrid Handicap – Radio Goo Goo @ 10/1 (General)

    There’s been a lot to like about Radio Goo Goo this season. She had her first win of the season at Ripon over C&D, then won at Chester before two close finishes at Newmarket and in the Racing League at Chepstow last time out. She should overturn that result with Manila Scouse and she’s drawn in the paciest part of the field. Firmer ground tends to favour stand side horses, but those drawn low have pace to latch on to today.

    Almarada Prince is either on it or off it, and hopefully today he’s on it. He was impressive finishing in behind the well finishing James’s Delight in the Macmillan Sprint but didn’t go one better next time out on the all-weather. However he’s on a competitive mark and likes to get a good toe into the race. Another positive for him is that Ripon on a dry day suits front runners. 16/1 (General).

    Emperor Spirit has been running at five furlongs this season, but has always ran at six furlongs for much of his career. Last year he finished seventh off a mark of 92 and is three pounds lower this time around. Going on evidence this season, he can be hot and cold and needs a repeat performance of his performance at Ascot when beaten a head by Albasheer. Definitely eye-catching at the price, 18/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).

     

    Newbury

    Freer Gear

    1:50 – BetVictor Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Group Three) – Al Qareem @ 7/2 (William Hill)

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    It’s really a race between the top two, as Sumo Sam needs soft ground, Roberto Escobarr’s best days are behind him and it’s Go Daddy’s first time in a British Group race.

    So why Al Qareem over a highly impressive Al Aasy? Well, Al Aasy hasn’t raced at this trip since winning the Bahrain Trophy, whilst Al Qraeem is an out and out stayer. Al Qareem was also unlucky here at the start of the season, but did give Hamish a run for his money. This looks to be a race that will really suit him.

     

    Hunger-y For More

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    3:35 – BetVictor Hungerford Stakes (Group Two) – Kikkuli @ 11/4 (William Hill, Boylesports)

    Kikkuli was really disappointing in the Group One Prix Jean Prat, but maybe he wasn’t ready for the top level, just yet. Ignore that race and look to his great battle with Haatem in the Jersey Stakes. He battled hard and just needed that little bit more to pass. English Oak seemed to struggle in his foray into Group company, and is worth opposing again.

    Folgaria also is a fancy at the prices. She won the Fred Darling Stakes, often used as a trial for a 1000 Guineas, but didn’t find her feet in the two requisite Group Ones, but she could not have fallen into a better form race if she tried when racing in the Coronation Stakes. She may need a bit more dig in the ground come post time, but I like her chances at 14/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Curragh

    Crazy Horse

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    4:35 – Irish St. Leger Trial Stakes (Group Three) – Absurde @ 3/1 (William Hill)

    Willie’s in the bumper, anyone? Absurde is a high class horse in both disciplines, and after his victory in last year’s Ebor he ticks every box for a stayer on the flat. Grosvenor Square ran a hearty race against his elders in the Curragh Cup, but was second string that day. Absurde, despite giving weight away, will handle pretty much anything in his way and his price makes appeal.

    The very best of luck!

     

  • Four To Follow: Babouche Babouche

    Four To Follow: Babouche Babouche

    After the thrill of Glorious Goodwood, we calm down a little before the Ebor Festival in a couple of weeks time. Today, it’s Group One action over in Ireland with the Phoenix Stakes. The highly exciting Whistlejacket takes on the unbeaten Babouche, in a fascinating contest. Plus three races from the UK, to make it a regular four to follow.

     

    Curragh

    Running Up That Hill

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    4:35 – Phoenix Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Babouche @ 5/2 (General)

    Despite Whisltejacket being a full brother to Little Big Bear who won this race two years ago, there still is chinks in the armour that can be exploited. Babouche is the one who can exploit those minor faults. She was a much better finisher than Camille Pissaro and should step up in trip in the very near future. In recent years, Aidan O’Brien has loosened his chokehold on the race and Ger Lyons can pounce with this exciting filly

     

    Haydock

    Shadwell Shining

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    3:00 – Betfred Rose Of Lancaster Stakes (Group Three) – Anmaat @ 15/8 (William Hill)

    Despite being very, very lightly raced, Anmaat is a horse with fantastic ability. Owen Burrows seems to bring him out at particular moments of the season, including this race which he won in 2022. He was last seen winning a French Group One. In May 2023. He’s incredibly consistent, goes well fresh and has gone well on good-to-firm. Clearly the one to beat and the one to side with.

     

    Good Chois

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    4:45 – Dick Hern Stakes (Listed) – Choisya @ 9/1 (General)

    This Listed race has the potential to be the race of the day across the UK and Ireland. Some talented fillies take to the track, but only a couple of them go on firm ground. An it’s those horses to side with in a tight race like this.

    Choisya hasn’t been seen since May at Goodwood, with that race producing a winner at Goodwood and a winner in Ireland in the months since. Her last win on turf was on good-to-soft but won on good-to-firm ground at Haydock in her only other win on turf in her career. Simon & Ed Crisford are again in decent form and her price seems overpriced.

    Dora Milaje may be the outsider, but is one who relishes firm ground. She has made a great step up in class from class four handicaps to listed contests. She steps down in distance on her preferred ground, and may have been her excuse when finishing fourth in the Pomfet Stakes at Pontefract last month. Still a good each-way price considering she’s an outsider at 18/1 (William Hill).

     

    Newmarket

    Sweet Splash

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    3:40 – Sweet Solera Stakes (Group Three) – Lake Victoria @ 11/8 (William Hill)

    Lake Victoria is one from one after edging her maiden win ahead of Red Letter. Since then Red Letter has followed up and franked the form, plus the fifth placed horse has too. With form on her side, plus good pedigree related to former O’Brien stable Bluegrass. She might not have the hopes of Ballydoyle to become a future star, but experience doesn’t count for nothing.

    The very best of luck!

  • Glorious Goodwood 2024 | Day Five – Four To Follow

    Glorious Goodwood 2024 | Day Five – Four To Follow

    It’s the midsummer horse racing event of the season. Glorious Goodwood is back, with five days of incredible racing on the Sussex Downs. Today it’s the Stewards’ Cup as the sprinters, once again, take their turn to thunder down the hill on the Sussex Downs. So don your Panama’s and let’s go racing.

     

    Glorious Ghost

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    1:50 – Glorious Stakes (Group Three) – Phantom Flight @ 11/4 (BetVictor)

    A small contest, with plenty of tactics. But, due to the lack of firm ground performers I settle with Phantom Flight. He’s the only horse with firm ground form, and beat Al Aasy on it too. Aimeric also acts on good ground but has never won it and neither Lion’s Pride nor Relentless Voyager have either. Ground preference is crucial, particularly when five horses are separated by a point in the market.

     

    Fair Weather

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    2:25 – Summer Handicap – Fairbanks @ 3/1 (General)

    Fairbanks has come alive this season in handicaps. Two wins and a second in five runs shows how consistent he is. If you add on his sixth start, a one-and-a-half mile handicap on firm ground make it three wins. He’s consistently on the upgrade and, despite a six pound rise, shows great promise stepping up to a mile-and-six.

    Charlie Johnston has only managed one winner at Goodwood this week, with Arisaig in a class three fillies handicap. However, if he wants to carry on his father’s tradition of winning big handicaps at Goodwood this is his last chance. He has two in this race, and I favour what the market determine as his weaker horse, Knightswood. He won twice last season, including once on firm ground. He’s dropped a pound after finishing fourth to Fairbanks at Newmarket, but his weight in the race in near the bottom, which makes him competitive at 12/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).

     

    Course Choir

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    3:00 – Lillie Langtry Stakes (Group Two) – Caius Chorister @ 100/30 (William Hill)

    Two years ago, Caius Chorister sent punters flying when she won five-in-a-row, culminating in a handicap at Goodwood. She then went and finished second in a Melrose at York, but since then she’s morphed herself into an underestimated, staying filly. Dropping well back to 14 furlongs will suit her better than the marathon trip of two-and-half miles, and she has firm ground which she loves. That win in 2022 at the Glorious meeting also gives her another positive.

    Grateful only had one race as a two-year-old, but has had three wins at three, including a Group Three over the distance. Her pedigree is astonishing. By Galileo and out of a six time Group One winner Tepin, who won the Queen Anne, Woodbine Mile and Breeders’ Cup mile, she has some expectation. To see her priced at 10/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports) is frankly an insult to her bloodline.

     

    Goodwood Gallop

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    3:35 – Stewards’ Cup (Heritage Handicap) – Purosangue @ 11/2 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)

    Purosangue is made for this race. He’s won on firm ground before, and Andrew Balding has experience of winning the race with a three-year-old before. He ran a great race, just pipped by Makarova at Sandown. He’s handicapped well, despite having a rating of 101. Drawn right in the middle of the track, he has plenty of options to decide where the pace lies. Particularly with Oisin Murphy on board. A brilliant combination.

    Lethal Levi came second last time out over seven furlongs, but is a sprinter at heart. He won over six furlongs back in May at Newbury. Since then he’s gone up seven pounds in four runs, which is respectable and reapplies the blinkers again today. He hasn’t won off a mark of 98, but he’s low in the weights and has acts on firm ground. Player at 11/1 (William Hill).

    Rumstar came second back in May at Newbury and wasn’t impressive at Royal Ascot this season. He unseated in this race last season, but has won at Goodwood in a nursery on firm ground. So long as he doesn’t trip out of the stalls, he should have a good chance. Particularly when drawn next to a key area of pace. Value at 20/1 (General).

    The very best of luck!

  • Glorious Goodwood 2024 | Asfoora keen to prove no flash in pan

    Glorious Goodwood 2024 | Asfoora keen to prove no flash in pan

    As Glorious Goodwood rolls on, Friday’s main event sees the King George take centre stage as Asfoora looks to prove her growing worth.

    Won last year by the sadly missed Highfield Princess, the Group 2 contest may not the most glittering accolade, but can set many a runner in the right direction.

    And for the Australian raider, that is very much the case.

     

    Aussie rule

    Winding back the clock to Royal Ascot earlier this summer, Asfoora arrived in Berkshire with genuine hope of following Nature Strip in Australian tradition of winning the King Charles III Stakes (formerly the Kings Stand).

    However, with no less than six Group 1 failures on the record sheet, there were sizeable doubts as to whether the 5yo mare was up the task.

    Said concerns were then swept away.

    An 11/4f BigEvs found the ground a little too firm on the day, Asfoora put on a late surge to take the Royal Ascot crown by a length over Callum Rodriguez and Regional.

    As far as this week is concerned, the first three days of Glorious Goodwood have indeed lived up to the moniker, with the turf firmer than for some time in sizzling conditions.

    A big plus for Asfoora here were the rain storms forecast for Thursday that failed to materialise in any meaningful way, leaving the ground likely good to firm once more.

    The deck at Ascot in June was similarly nippy for a then ecstatic trainer in Henry Dwyer, and with Oisin Murphy in tow once more, the pieces could be falling into place again.

     

    Big revenge?

    As noted, BigEvs was a disappointment in coming home third at the Royal Meet, but here, Mick Appleby’s popular colt gets a crack at vengeance.

    On paper, his chances are good, but would perhaps have preferred an extra dousing of rain that hasn’t come.

    Nevertheless, as the reigning Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint champ, and having won the Windsor Stakes on faster ground, a better showing is surely in the offing.

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    Of the returning field from the King Charles III, Believing, Kerdos and Makarova face up both BigEvs and Asfoora, with the bookies seeing George Boughey’s 4yo as capable of the biggest fight.

    Having picked up the Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh less than a fortnight ago, Believing could make his backers keep doing so, not least with a good track record on firm ground.

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    However, for our money, it feels like the De’Lemos partnership is due a strike with Live in the Dream.

    Winner of last year’s Nunthorpe, it is now five without a win for the son of Prince Of Lir.

    Only fourth to BigEvs at Santa Anita, Live in the Dream still looks a great alternative punt at 11/1 with SpreadEx.

     

    The King George Qatar Stakes takes place on Friday at 3:35pm UK time.

  • Glorious Goodwood 2024 | Day Four – Four To Follow

    Glorious Goodwood 2024 | Day Four – Four To Follow

    It’s the midsummer horse racing event of the season. Glorious Goodwood is back, with five days of incredible racing on the Sussex Downs. Today the sprinters take their turn to thunder down the hill on the Sussex Downs. So don your Panama’s and let’s go racing.

     

    Super Stayers

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    1:50 – Goodwood Handicap – Super Superjack @ 7/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    One of the most unique flat handicaps, taking place in possibly the best scenery of them all, no wonder the race is named after the course. But who can win this marathon trip?

    Super Superjack hadn’t been seen at all last season and has already had two runs this season. Both have been underwhelming, but he’s down to an attractive mark at a race he’s been aimed at. Don’t forget he came near second in this race 2 years ago, on similar ground. He has every right to go for it again.

    The horse who beat Super Superjack also returns to this race on an attractive mark. Master Milliner also took an elongated break and finished well back in the field on his previous two starts. He’s now three pounds lower than his win in 2022, and it’s clear he’s been aimed to regain his title in the race. Worth an each-way play at 12/1 (William Hill).

     

    Tricky Group Three

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    2:25 – Thoroughbred Stakes (Group Three) – Al Musmak @ 3/1 (William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports)

    Over the seven furlongs, and horses coming from all different directions, this is possibly the hardest race to work out this week. I’ve gone with the favourite, Al Musmak. Some may question his ability on the ground but he came second as a two-year-old on firm ground, and his latest experience on firm ground at Ascot was too far for him. Dropped down to seven, on firmish conditions may suit him better and looks versatile between seven furlongs and a mile.

    One who should act on the ground, at a price, is Boiling Point. He was beaten in a narrow finish, but didn’t act himself at Ascot in the Jersey Stakes. That being said, he may was outpaced by other firm liking horses, and finished well enough down the field. Despite the wide draw, he can act on the ground and bounce back to the form he showed in the King Charles II Stakes in May. 16/1 (General).

     

    Golden Horse

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    3:00 – Golden Mile Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Perotto @ 7/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    All the mile handicap specialists you know and love are back for this fascinating contests. Good old Perotto hardly lets anyone down when he’s on his day. Today, just looks like that. Two runs this season have seen him come third each time, and he’s now up to mark of 102. Whilst some might say that’s high, he’s only gone up four pounds in four runs, showing his consistency. He has form winning at Goodwood, which helps his cause even further.

    Orbaan is another really likeable miler. He has been disappointing on the big stage, particularly last year when everything went wrong. He’s been dropped down into class four company, and found form this season winning the Carlisle Bell on firm ground. With a low weight on his back, in a decent nick of form, he can find his way back into the big time. 9/1 (William Hill).

     

    Big & Fast

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    3:35 – King George Qatar Stakes (Group Two) – Big Evs @ 9/4 (General)

    Firm ground, fast course, middle draw and alongside pace. What can go wrong for Big Evs? With Michael Appleby carding up with Big Mojo on Wednesday, surely that had to be amuse-bouce before the big race today. He ran creditably at Ascot behind Asfoora, who will face the question marks as Goodwood isn’t as conventional as Ascot is.

    Starlust managed to regain himself by winning the Listed City Walls Stakes at York after disappointing at Group One level at Ascot. Firm ground is a question mark, having disappointed at Ascot before, but he may have been out of his depth that day, and it’s worth having another go at him today, to try and find that extra place. 8/1 (William Hill, Boylesports).

    The very best of luck!

  • Glorious Goodwood & Galway | Day Three – Four To Follow

    Glorious Goodwood & Galway | Day Three – Four To Follow

    It’s the midsummer horse racing event of the season. Glorious Goodwood is back, with five days of incredible racing on the Sussex Downs. Today the best fillies take their turn to roll around the course, with a couple of three-year-olds looking to continue the electric form from the 1000 Guineas. There’s also the big Galway Hurdle this evening too. So don your Panama’s and let’s go racing.

     

    Goodwood

    Hurricane Season

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    2:25 – Richmond Stakes (Group Two) – Tropical Storm @ 9/2 (General)

    Tropical Storm is still a maiden, but is improving run by run. He’s a half-sister to black-type sprinter Purosangue, another horse I really like at the moment. He ran a cracker of a Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, managing to get within a length of the winner. The form from that race has been boosted by Whistlejacket winning at Newmarket. Firm ground will suit, as will the step up in distance.

     

    Renaissance Stayer

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    3:00 – Gordon Stakes (Group Three) – Jan Brueghel @ Evs (William Hill)

    Still a three-year-old, unbeaten, and the potential to enter the stayers division later this year. Jan Brueghel has been magnificent, and it begs the question why he has been steadily on the drift. The rest of the field have all come from the Derby, apart from one who was a consistent handicapper. The Derby form, bar City Of Troy has not worked out at all, and Jan Brueghel is unexposed at this trip and ground. Exciting.

     

    The Fat Lady Sings

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    3:35 – Nassau Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Opera Singer @ 5/2 (William Hill)

    There’s no doubt in recent years this race has favoured three-year-olds. Nashwa and Winter are notable three-year-old winners, and this year’s crop look extra special. Opera Singer was agonisingly close at Royal Ascot, and was backed up when Porta Fortuna won at Newmarket. Despite the majority of her family all milers, she does have staying power from her sire Justify. Top rated and bags of talent, she can finally find her elusive win this season.

    Or can Elmalka repeat her Guineas shock again. She was also involved in the race that Porta Fortuna won, but a wide draw may have let her down in the early stages. Despite only four runs, she is still improving, I think. And she won’t have a problem stepping up in distance either as she is a half-sister to Dubai Turf winner Benbatl. Great price at 8/1 (General).

     

    Galway

    Bed Bugs Bite

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    5:05 – Galway Hurdle (Grade Three) – Daddy Long Legs @ 17/2 (William Hill)

    One trainer has dominated this race. And no prizes for guessing who. Nicky Henderson may be bringing an English challenger over, but hardly any English horses win at Galway. Daddy Long Legs was tipped to go to the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, but didn’t and has since won at Punchestown. He wasn’t at his best at Tipperary when he stopped racing after three out. Things should be in better order today.

    Jesse Evans was only beaten by a head in last year’s contest and could complete an historic Galway Plate and Hurdle double, after Pinkerton won yesterday. Taking Connor Stone-Walsh’s claim on, he ends up being a pound lower than last year. Which makes his each-way price of 14/1 (BetVictor) an absolute steal.

    The very best of luck!

  • Glorious Goodwood & Galway | Day Two – Four To Follow

    Glorious Goodwood & Galway | Day Two – Four To Follow

    It’s the midsummer horse racing event of the season. Glorious Goodwood is back, with five days of incredible racing on the Sussex Downs. Today the best milers take their turn to roll around the course, with one horses looking to right his wrongs. There’s also the big Galway Plate this evening too. So don your Panama’s and let’s go racing.

     

    Goodwood

    Climbing Up The Mountain

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    2:25 – Oak Tree Stakes (Group Three) – Kathmandu @ 4/1 (General)

    An lightly raced filly, who is interesting at the price. She wasn’t up to scratch in the Prix Jean Prat, but came so close in the French 1000 Guineas. Kathmandu has grown up since her third in the Nell Gwyn stakes, and firmer ground should be a more comfortable challenge for her. Dropping down from Group One’s may suit her even better.

    Pretty Crystal hasn’t had the best seasons since winning the Nell Gwyn, but has never really had her ground. She seemed to be more of a sprinter than a miler, but was found out at York. She may prefer the step up to seven, particularly on firmer ground. The form from the 1000 Guineas works in her favour too. Nice price at 14/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports).

     

    Quick Flowering

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    3:00 – Molecomb Stakes (Group Three) – Celandine @ 6/1 (General)

    Celandine should not be double the price of Aesterius. She’s won twice out of two on good-to-firm ground and was a close third in the Prix Robert Papin. She has a weight allowance on Aesteris too. The formline from the Empress Fillies’ Stakes has worked out too, with Arabian Dusk winning next time out. Unbeaten on ground and good form all round, she deserves to be shorter.

    Vingegaard was tipped up for the Weatherbys Super Sprint 11 days ago, and was agonisingly close in the finish. The trip suits to a ‘T’, particularly if there’s plenty of pace on offer. And looking back at the Windsor Castle, he just lost fourth going in the final 50 yards up the hill. Plenty of reasons to like him at 9/1 (William Hill).

     

    Poetry In Motion

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    3:35 – Sussex Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Henry Longfellow @ 6/4 (General)

    After a disappointing start in the French 2000 Guineas, his run at Royal Ascot was far better and much more of what we expected. He comes up against 2000 Guianeas winner Notable Speech who was very below par at Ascot. With no legitimate excuse, ground could be blamed in part, which is why I prefer Henry Longfellow, who proved to go well on it last time out.

     

    Galway

    Let’s Go Galway

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    7:10 – Galway Plate (Grade Three) – Lets Go Champ @ 7/1 (BetVictor)

    Heading over to the West coast of Ireland, the Galway Plate is the feature of the Festival at Ballybrit. Won by a plethora of top trainers, this year should be no different. Henry de Bromhead last won this race with Balko Des Flos and looks to have a progressive staying chaser on his hands.

    Lets Go Champ form took a rocket boost from his first start over fences when Fact To File won at Cheltenham, which saw him win at the Punchestown Festival. It’s become clear he’s a horse who prefers better ground. And whilst he’s up nine pounds, he’s still well weighted and should go near.

    Life In The Park hasn’t had the best season over fences, but I don’t think he’s ever had his ground. His best results have come on good ground and was racing on soft all season. He didn’t run well in the Topham, but is down the weights in this contest. He came to form in the Plate at Cheltenham, and with the better ground is at least an each-way shout. 20/1 (BetVictor).

    The very best of luck!

  • Glorious Goodwood 2024 | Kyprios with clear run-in for Goodwood Cup

    Glorious Goodwood 2024 | Kyprios with clear run-in for Goodwood Cup

    Glorious Goodwood. A traditional mid-summer marker for the flat season, which this year could confirm Kyprios as back to his very best.

    As West Sussex welcomes the racing world for five days of elite competition, Tuesday’s Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes opens the week in sparkling fashion.

    A race won recently four times consecutively by the great Stradivarius, one of his former rivals looks to get back what was his.

    And for Kyprios, a winner of this contest in 2022, his return to the throne can complete a superb comeback season.

     

    Return to glory

    It’s fair to say the 2023 season was a term of huge frustration for Kyprios. However, that gnawing itch now looks to have been successfully scratched.

    On the back of a six-race unbeaten campaign two years ago, Kyprios, was on fire.

    With the Ascot Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup, Irish St Leger and Prix du Cadran under the belt, the son of Galileo was arguably the best horse around.

    But after injury sustained at the end of 2022, Kyprios was forced to the sidelines.

    Absent for almost a calendar year, and having missed Goodwood last term, the 6yo made his comeback on home soil at the Curragh last September, before an end-of-season trip to Ascot for British Champions Day.

    His full return this year has seen Kyprios barely miss a step.

    With two wins on Irish soil, a return to Royal Ascot saw his ascent to the Ascot Gold Cup throne once more.

    This week, Kyprios looks to get back his other former prized possession.

    Given his showing at the Royal Meeting and given the firm and pacy ground set to welcome him on Tuesday, Kyprios is one of the big favourites of the week.

    The 4/9f for regain the Goodwood Cup, he will once more however, be in the company of some familiar foes.

     

    Reunions

    This year’s renewal of the Goodwood Cup has been whittled down to just six runners.

    Three of field lined up alongside Kyprios in the Ascot Gold Cup just over a month back, two of which ran in this race in 2022.

    All three have failed to toppled their dominant adversary, but on their respective day, can figure.

    With no Trawlerman – who pushed Kyprios hard last time out – it is hard to decipher the stronger challenger, but Sweet William did come home third at the Royal Meet.

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    Coltrane, meanwhile, still waits to break a Group 1 duck, a fourth-placed finisher two years ago, whilst Gregory will still fancy the fast ground but needs huge improvement.

    There could be one other player in the contest, Trueshan, the most familiar with Kyprios, but again with no rain in sight ahead of a marquee contest, trainer Alan King looks likely to pull the 8yo.

    Al Qarem is the the rank outsider.

    Since his return, Kyprios has won three from five, and is three from three this term. If he makes it four, Kyprios could be on to equal his best year yet.

    It is hard to make a case against.

     

    The Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes takes place on Tuesday at 3:35pm UK time.

  • Glorious Goodwood 2024 | Day One – Four To Follow

    Glorious Goodwood 2024 | Day One – Four To Follow

    It’s the midsummer horse racing event of the season. Glorious Goodwood is back, with five days of incredible racing on the Sussex Downs. Today it’s the turn of the stayers in the Goodwood Cup, and a familiar name is back headlining the race. There’s also a familiar name trying to make it three wins in the Lennox Stakes too. Don your Panama’s and let’s go racing.

     

    Say Hello To My Little Friend

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    1:50 – Chesterfield Cup Handicap – Tony Montana @ 14/1 (William Hill)

    With Enfjaar short in the market, I’m tempted to look elsewhere for a bit of value in the first race of the festival. Tony Montana finished third in the form race, the John Smith’s Cup at York. He ran on really well that day, finishing strong down the outside of the field. He’s only up a pound for a good run he can improve on, and he’s still only three pounds higher than his previous winning mark at Windsor this season.

    Stay Well didn’t race in the John Smith’s Cup, but has two races filled with form. Wadacre Gomez beat Stay Well at Chelmsford, then reversed the form next time out, before the former notched up another win. His latest run at Chelmsford saw him finish runner up to Enfjaar, and remains on the same mark. His form on turf may not look much from last season, but his performances this season suggest he has done a lot of improving. Interesting at 16/1 (William Hill).

    One trainer to follow in this race is Charlie Johnston. He and his father Mark have managed to notch up four of the last 10 winners. He has three runners today, but Killybegs Warrior should have his moment. Off the back of three really disappointing runs, he returns to very competitive mark, two pounds lower than his previous winning mark last year at Newmarket. Knowing how well the Johnston’s target their races, the market may be overlooking this one. 16/1 (William Hill).

     

    Goodwood Greek

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    2:25 – Vintage Stakes (Group Two) – The Parthenon @ 4/1 (William Hill)

    Highland Reel, Pinatubo and Haatem are just some of the recent winners of the race. This year looks very competitive. But I’m siding with the master Aidan O’Brien. The Parthenon finished well first time out, considering he was straight into a Group Three, and managed to back it up with a win at Gowran going away up the hill. Down the hill at Goodwood, he could win by further.

    An Outlaw’s Grace presents as an interesting opponent. His last start was in the Prix Robert Papin, where he finished a close fourth. He likes drying ground and may suit an extra furlong, despite being by a sprinter. Richard Hannon can follow up last year’s victory with an interesting horse that may be well worth following at three. 11/2 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports).

     

    Noble Quest

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    3:00 – Lennox Stakes (Group Two) – Noble Dynasty @ 3/1 (BetVictor, Betfred)

    Noble Dynasty has made big strides this season. From cosily winning a handicap, beating today’s second favourite English Oak, to winning his first group race at Newmarket last time out. He has shown incredible talent this season, and comes into the race top rated. Two-time Lennox winner Kinross hasn’t looked himself, and may be lacking the Frankie factor. It may be time for Noble Dynasty to pick up the crown.

     

    Guess Who’s Back?

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    3:35– Goodwood Cup (GROUP ONE) – Kyprios @ 4/9 (General)

    The 2022 Goodwood Cup winner, who trounced Stradivarius and Trueshan in a flying finish is finally back. Kyprios taken his time, but after his win in the Ascot Gold Cup he looks ready for anything. His nemesis Trawlerman doesn’t come here, but will be kept honest by the likes of Sweet William and Coltrane. But this should be a slightly easier test than the Gold Cup and will justify his odds-on price.

    The very best of luck!