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Tag: Glorious Goodwood

  • 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!

  • Four To Follow: Glorious Goodwood – Day Four

    Four To Follow: Glorious Goodwood – Day Four

    We’ve had some bad luck in the past couple of days. But now we know; the ground will be soft on Friday, and yesterday’s racing showed where the better ground is. Blue Rose Cen couldn’t find a gap as all the jockeys poured to the far side rail to deny her a British Group One. But that was yesterday, and today we are back, with four more at Goodwood.

     

    SITTIN’ ON THE DOCK

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    2:25 – Thoroughbred Stakes (Group Three) – Docklands @ 9/2 (General)

    Docklands has been on an upwards trajectory this season. Winning the Brittania at Royal Ascot meant he climbed up the weights again and now finds himself in group company. However, it was over soft ground where he made his biggest impact, winning by six-and-a-half lengths at Ascot in May.

    And he won’t mind the sharpness of the Goodwood track, having conquered Kempton and lost by a neck at Haydock as a two-year-old. With Nostrum odds-on, and he has never raced on ground softer than good, he makes perfect sense.

    Keep an eye on Jessie Harrington’s Bold Discovery in stall four, as he has performed well at similar levels on soft/heavy ground over in Ireland, and 14/1 (General) looks too big of a price.

     

    WE’VE GONE AWAAL

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    3:00 – Golden Mile H’cap (Heritage H’cap) – Awaal @ 11/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    Simon & Ed Crisford have had a very quiet season, but they’ve a well-handicapped runner here. Awaal has a great record on soft/heavy ground, running in second in the Lincoln in March. He then went on to finish third in his next two British races, and now has a useful claimer on board in Harry Davies. Cheeckpieces are on him for the first time, which will sharpen him up and give him a solid chance, if he can overcome stall 12 and get to the far side in the straight.

    David O’Meara has a great record in the Golden Mile, winning two out of the last three. And he is determined to keep that record going with six runners in the race. The one I’m siding with is Bopedro. He’s been racing over seven furlongs in the first half of the season, but steps up to a mile when the ground has got softer. His mark of 100 might not be a winning one, but conditions are suitable for him to be up there at the finish, and a solid each-way chance at 20/1 (Boylesports).

    There’s also some chance for Johan, making his seasonal reappearance. It seems the conditions haven’t been ideal for him, and now William Haggas has felt the time is right. Whilst Lattam takes the limelight, Johan could run similar to his 2022 Lincoln win which came off a pound lower than his mark today. 28/1 (William Hill) is a steal of a price.

     

    THE GOODWOOD SPRINT QUEEN

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    3:35 – King George Qatar Stakes (Group Two) – Highfield Princess @ 10/11 (General)

    Highfield Princess is a top quality horse. But she hasn’t been showing it on bare form. But she was unlucky up at York, and both runs at Ascot. The drop down in class will help, and the soft ground won’t be a problem to her. She’s drawn near the pace in stall three, with Ponntos in stall five. With Highfield Princess drawn near towards where the better ground may be, she has fantastic chance to get her first win of the season.

    Keep an eye out for Nymphadora, who is improving all the time, and showed her class at Sandown. Soft ground won’t be a problem, and can make a good step up in class and keep improving. 16/1 (BetVictor, BetUK) is a cracking price.

     

    SCOTCH IN SUSSEX

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    4:10 – L’Ormarins King’s Plate Glorious Stakes (Group Three) – Hamish @ 4/5 (General)

    Hamish avoided the clash of the generations last week, and has opted to come here. Which gives him a much better chance, and his ideal conditions. Hopefully it won’t be long before we see him step up to Group Two’s and One’s later this season.

    Finishing in behind him, Epictetus has got first time cheeckpieces on, and should relish this lower grade, and softer conditions are good to him, even though he ran a stellar race at York on good-to-firm.

    And Epic Poet was a consistent runner in France, before moving to Freddie and Martyn Meade’s. His run at Newbury was a bit of blow out, but could bounce back over a further trip on soft ground and a sharper test at Goodwood.

    Those three could make a valuable tricast.

    The very best of luck!

     

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

    Four To Follow: Glorious Goodwood & Galway – Day Three

    Yesterday was a hard day for all punters. We saw rain, rain and more rain down in Sussex and saw some juicy prices with Magical Sunset and The Goat coming in at 18/1 and 25/1 respectively (Good work Neil).

    But we saw Paddington keep racking up the winnings with a dominant display in the Sussex Stakes. Here’s today’s Four To Follow, keep in mind the ground remains a big factor.

     

    Goodwood

    HALA HALA HALA

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    2:25 – Richmond Stakes (Group Two) – Hala Emaraaty @ 12/1 (General)

    We’ve seen plenty of non-runners in this race already, which looks like that ground down at Goodwood is boggy. But Hala Emaraaty has a lot going for him.

    He may have got beaten by Big Evs at Ascot, but he did beat him at Redcar. So, the form has worked out, but has soft ground in his favour after winning his debut on soft ground.

    Plus Tom Marquand has had a pretty good time down in Sussex, winning on Quickthorn and three near-misses yesterday.

     

    SPYING A WINNER

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    3:00 – Gordon Stakes (Group Three) – Espionage @ 13/8 (Boylesports)

    Espionage is prefect for this race. His four races has come on ground worse than good-to-yielding, and has been consistently in the top two each time.

    His only run as a three-year-old came when winning the Lenebane Stakes at Roscommon. The form hasn’t worked out from that race, but if any horse can rise above form it’s Aidan O’Brien’s. He’s clear on ratings and has plenty of quality to show on the big stage.

     

    FRENCH TO FLOWER

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    3:35 – NASSAU STAKES (GROUP ONE) – Blue Rose Cen @ 5/6 (888Sport, Boylesports)

    Blue Rose Cen is probably one of the best fillies around. Her dominant display in both the French 1000 Guineas and Oaks were dominant and impressive, and it was only a matter of time before she crossed the Channel. Soft ground is her forte, after her win in the Prix la Grotte in April.

    She has a tough opponent in Nashwa, with her dominant display on racecourse return at the July Festival and is more than worthy to defend her Nassau crown. But I feel that Blue Rose Cen’s experience on the softer ground will prove beneficial.

     

    Galway

    SEASIDE DREAMS

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    5:05 – Galway Hurdle (Grade Three) – Filey Bay @ 6/1 (William Hill, 888Sport)

    I’m currently writing this article whilst in Filey. It makes perfect sense. It also makes sense because Filey Bay has been ultra-consistent in handicap hurdles, not finishing outside the top three in all starts last season.

    He was snapped up by JP McManus and finished second in the Betfair Hurdle and third at the Cheltenham Festival. He was disappointing at Roscommon over the flat, but that was a race just to freshen him up for this big test.

    I’ve no doubt that the whole town will be tuning in to watch Filey Bay win at Galway and cheering him on like me.

    But sometimes, you have to look to an old reliable. Two-time Galway Hurdle winner Tudor City is off the same mark that he was last year.

    Liam McKenna is still claiming and claims five instead of seven. Conditions are similar to last year’s race, and he could win it for an unprecedented third time.

    Plus, A J Martin knows how to win the race, not just with Tudor City. He and Willie Mullins have racked up eight of the last ten runnings of the race, so it would be wise to have one, or both in your betslip. 16/1 (General) is a great price for the former winner.

    There’s also a chance for Icare Allen to upset at a big price. He wears the third colours of JP McManus, but that doesn’t mean he is the outsider overall.

    He’s at a career low mark and has a five-pound claimer on board too. He’s likely to be held up at the rear of the field, and steadily make his way to the front. But the tough hill of Galway might repel him from the finish and end up getting placed.

    However, he’s worth backing for the Mullins factor alone at 33/1 (BetVictor, Betfred)

    The very best of luck!

  • Glorious Goodwood Day 3 Bets – The Top Three

    Glorious Goodwood Day 3 Bets – The Top Three

    Well, the tides have certainly turned on the Sussex Downs, and by tides, I actually mean a monsoon of rain over the last 24 hours.

    The official going touched heavy on the round course following consistent rain all day, something that caused a few horses to bounce on the conditions.

    However, all of the rain has passed through – until at least Saturday anyway – so let’s try and find a few soft-ground lovers.

     

    1:50 Goodwood – Promoter @ 17/2 with William Hill – 1pt EW

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    The opening contest is for three-year-olds over the 1m2f test of Goodwood and in a field full of horses that could be anything, the Ralph Beckett-trained PROMOTER is an interesting each-way angle at 17/2.

    Having raced five times so far in his career, he broke his maiden tag on his second start on soft ground over seven furlongs at Chepstow when he gave seven pounds away to Racingbreaks Ryder and won eased down at the finish; the runner-up that day has since won four races on the trot and officially improved 18 pounds, so that race looks like good form.

    Following two more runs at seven furlongs, he stepped up to 1m2f on Derby day at Epsom and was a big eyecatcher in the Lestor Piggott Handicap to finish a staying-on fifth on good-to-firm ground, a surface that wouldn’t have been preferable.

    This week’s run is his first since that day at Epsom, suggesting that connections have kept one eye on this race for a while, and out of the Dubawi mare Hereawi, a two-time winner on soft ground, he should power through the heavy conditions on Glorious Goodwood Day 3.

    Plenty here will find the softer surface to their dislike based on their pedigree, so siding with one who should be okay with conditions is a safe play.

     

    2:25 Goodwood – Vandeek @ 7/4 with William Hill – 3pt Win

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    In the proceeding race, the Group 2 Richmond Stakes, there will need to be a good animal in the field to beat VANDEEK at the top of the market.

    Trained by Simon & Ed Crisford, who could have a good day if Chesspiece runs as well as I think he can in the Gordon Stakes, the Havana Grey colt was very impressive last time out at Nottingham to win by just under a length.

    That may not sound world-class, however, he blew the start under Andrea Atzeni, who retains the ride, made a lot of ground up through the pack and won going away in good-to-soft ground.

    Although he is by Havana Grey, a sire who wouldn’t be known for his soft ground progeny, his damsire is Exceed And Excel who isn’t averse to adding soft ground ability to any pedigree and his dam is siblings with the 113-rated Sirocco Breeze, a soft ground winner on debut as a three-year-old.

    This year’s renewal of the Richmond Stakes looks an average one at best and this could be easy pickings for Vandeek.

     

    5:55 Goodwood – Rogue Spirit @ 12/1 with BetVictor – 1pt EW

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    Finally, I’m taking a swing on one returning to form in the lucky last with ROGUE SPIRIT at 12/1 with William Hill.

    Although he has been beaten a collective 38 lengths on his last four starts, this three-year-old last visited the winners’ enclosure at Haydock in September 2022 when beating Al Dasim on good-to-soft ground.

    Including the seven-pound claim of Connor Planas on that day, Tom Clover’s contender received nine pounds from the runner-up who has gone on to improve 19 pounds thanks to a Group 3 victory in Meydan earlier this year.

    Since then, Rogue Spirit has yet to race on softer conditions, something that is beneficial to his chances as a Dark Angel gelding out of a New Approach mare.

    Hopefully, the heavy going, first-time blinkers, and booking of Tom Marquand will spark improvement as he looks well-handicapped off 87.

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

    Yesterday at Goodwood we saw the return of King Kinross, but also some near misses (Oh Iberian, you’ll win next time).

    But it’s a new day today and get those marmalade sandwiches at the ready as Paddington returns to the track. And can that horse Hewick win the Galway Plate again? Find out in today’s Four to Follow.

     

    Goodwood

    FAST BETWEEN THE DROPS

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    2:25 – Whispering Angel Oak Tree Stakes (Group Three) – Fast Response @ 5/1 (General)

    Firstly, the weather will be key to all bets at Goodwood tomorrow. Heavy rain is expected throughout the night and throughout the late morning/early afternoon, so the ground will be like a bog.

    Trawling through the card I saw only four horses in this field act on heavy ground, and Fast Response is well suited to handle the heavy stuff.

    This is a step up for her, as she’s never performed above Listed level. But given there are select horses that can act on the ground, she can make the step up in grade.

    It’s worth looking down the market too, big prices will feature (as they did yesterday). The French raider Sicilian Defence makes a bit of appeal, as she has performed and won on heavy ground.

    According to comments, her results have to be looked into as bare form can be misleading. Draw 15 isn’t a great draw, but according to the trainer it shouldn’t matter as she is a hold up horse, but she will need to be midfield, rather than at the rear for this kind of race.

    Watch out for her at 22/1 (General).

     

    HACKING THROUGH THE TURF

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    3:00 – Molecomb Stakes (Group Three) – Hackman @ 22/1 (William Hill, Unibet)

    Hackman is a big price. But he is the only horse in the field to have acted, and won, on heavy ground. All the other horses haven’t acted on it, and breeding lines suggest that these two-year-olds are bred to sprint which would mean they’d prefer good-to-firm ground.

    Stall six on the straight course will be beneficial, with many winners on Day One coming down the stand-side rail. Trainer Hugo Palmer has said that the more rain, the better for this son of Mehmas.

    Tom Marquand delivered a peach of a ride on Quickthorn in the feature at Goodwood yesterday, and can do the same here

    PADDINGTON ON A PADDLE

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    3:35 – SUSSEX STAKES (GROUP ONE) – Paddington @ 4/9 (General)

    Paddington has won on heavy ground, is a treble Group One winner. He’s stepping down in distance. Paddington is the best rated horse. Anything else?

    It would be worth going on the without market or forecasts because the equation is quite simple. And despite under a penalty Aldaary stands out from the small field.

    Soft ground specialist, including a winner on heavy ground. She has a slight advantage with an inside draw, but it doesn’t make a difference in a small field.

    Jim Crowley will want to seek a win after his ridiculous 20-day ban, and Aldaary is 14/1 (William Hill) outright.

     

    Galway

    FUN AND GAMES

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    6:40 – Galway Plate (Grade Three) – Hollow Games @ 17/2 (BetVictor)

    Hollow Games has looked inevitable to go into handicap chasing. And this looks like a real chance for the Gordon Elliott and Bective Stud chaser.

    He looks well-handicapped, rated at 142, and has a young jockey aboard that I really like, Sam Ewing. He comes in fresh, looks unexposed and the step up in trip might be beneficial on the evidence of his debut handicap run at the Punchestown Festival.

    But it’s never that simple in a big handicap chase, there might be some others in behind to take the big Summer jumps prize.

    One of them could be Fury Road, who I backed in the Ryanair way back in March. He didn’t run to form that day, or after, but is down to an attractive mark of 155.

    A winning mark back in November at Down Royal in graded company as well. He likes soft ground and 2m 6F shouldn’t be a problem, and Jack Kennedy is back in the saddle!

    12/1 (William Hill) for a big race winner on a jockey’s big race return.

    The very best of luck!

  • Glorious Goodwood Day 2 Bets – The Top Three

    Due to the frustrating results on the Sussex Downs yesterday for Bestofbets.com readers, only one place could help me wind down for the evening.

    Yes, that’s right, if you were looking for somewhere to watch Harry Cobden hose up on an odds-on nag, Fergal O’Brien hit the target with one runner, and the famous Sam Twiston-Davies drive, then Worcester Racecourse was the course to be at.

    In all seriousness, we dipped our toe into the five-day meeting yesterday with two agonising seconds, so with hope for better results today, let’s dive into my Glorious Goodwood Day 2 bets.

     

    1:50 Goodwood – Amleto @ 2/1 with William Hill – 3pt Win

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    Starting with the opening contest of the day, I believe that AMLETO will oblige at the top of the market for William Haggas and Tom Marquand.

    A lot seems to be on the side of this Sea The Stars thee-year-old over the 1m4f test of the Coral Handicap, most of which the soft ground following a downpour of rain overnight; the thrice-raced gelding won on soft ground last time out, so he should handle conditions.

    Furthermore, a well-reported fact is Amleto’s stunning pedigree as he is a full brother to the 2018 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runner-up Sea Of Class and a half-brother to last year’s Irish Cesarewitch winner Waterville.

    Of course, relations aren’t always destined to be as good as each other, however, there is some encouragement behind the strength of his family as his dam, Holy Moon, has produced 12 offspring that have gone on to achieve an RPR of at least 90, which is impressive.

    The 240,000GNS yearling purchase is definitely well-regarded by all connected, something that was backed up by jockey Tom Marquand after his Chester win, as he said: “That’s why you rush yourself back, to ride horses that are exciting for the future – Amleto is a horse that’s learning and building on what he’s been doing and he’s certainly going the right way.”

    Therefore, although he is a short price, I hope that will be justified by the time the opener concludes.

     

    2:25 Goodwood – White Moonlight @ 7/1 with BetVictor – 1.5pts EW

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    The Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes is always a difficult race to work out and this year is no different as I have made cases for at least five runners throughout the last few days.

    After deliberation, WHITE MOONLIGHT is the one I’ve landed on at 8/1 with BetVictor.

    Two horses represent Godolphin in this contest at similar prices with her and Dream Of Love, who initially caught my attention thanks to her second to Mawj on soft ground in Meydan, however, her back-class doesn’t immediately suggest that she could run to a rating of around 110 to win here today.

    Whereas, the Saeed bin Suroor-trained White Moonlight could be a very good mare in the field who, despite being the oldest in the field, can improve and continue her rich vein of form.

    Since returning to the track in June 2022 after a 971-day lay-off, she has a plethora of good form with fellow owner-mates Soft Whisper and Wild Beauty (both rated 106) as well as her close second to the 112-rated Saratoga Oaks winner With The Moonlight earlier this year.

    After that, she returned to the UK and following an easy run at Lingfield, she beat Heredia on good-to-firm ground at Musselburgh before her massive effort to succeed over the well-fancied Queen Aminatu on the all-weather at Chelmsford.

    Those two runs put her on a great trajectory to perform well this week and considering her dam, Fitful Skies, placed in a Listed event on very soft during her racing career, she can feasibly be a better horse in slower conditions.

     

    3:00 Goodwood – Baheer @ 9/2 with BetVictor – 2pt Win

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    Finally, to complete the trio of fancies from the first three races, I can’t let BAHEER slip past me in the Group 2 Molecomb Stakes.

    When I did the Only Fools Live Horses Goodwood preview on Monday evening, Richard Hannon’s two-year-old by Mehmas was an 11/1 poke with some firms, and although I did expect to see some price movement before flag fall at 3:00 today, I wasn’t expecting him to half in price.

    Saying that, Herridge Racing Stables regarded him as the best two-year-old before the season began and although he disappointed on his first start at Newbury, he quickly put that aside to win in early July.

    He looks to be a horse who has plenty of speed over six, so today’s drop back to five furlongs shouldn’t be a worry, and in what looks like a beatable Molecomb field, I’m with Baheer under Pat Dobbs.