Well our luck finally ran out today. A couple of close seconds but overall not a good day.
This time last year my only selection on the Saturday won the Stewards Cup at 20/1 so that will be a hard act to follow.
This time around I have had 3 horses in mind for the race for some time. Hoof It has always been highly thought of by connection as rather better than a handicapper. He won in impressive fashion at York recently and although he has never run at Goodwood before he looks a serious contender. Mac’s Power won 3 times last season but has gone up in the weights since then. One concern might be the ground as he probably wouldn’t want it too firm. Victoire de Lyphar was only beaten a head in a competitive handicap on his only previous run at the Sussex Track and his two runs so far this season should have put him spot on for this. He handles the ground has good form in big field handicaps. I quite like all 3 but if pushed for a single selection it would be Victoire de Lyphar.
In the first race I am going for a couple of big priced horses each way in Secret Witness and Courageous.
In the 2.35 Harlestone Times might be worth a go as he has won twice at Goodwood.
Another one that has proven track form is Midday who is slightly preferred to Snow Fairy in the 3.10.
The 4.55 looks a difficult puzzle to solve. Avon Pearl comes into the race on the back of a win at Chepstow and should give us a run for our money.
My main hope at Newmarket is Sluggsy Morant in the 4.55 where trip and going are in his favour.
In the 5.50 Bravo Echo and Beat the Bell are worth considering.
At Doncaster Bourne is a course and distance winner in the 3.55 and on his last run was second in a competitive handicap at Haydock.
Today’s picture is by courtesy of the artist Jo Stockdale.
ahorse 