Yesterday’s Review
0.75pt e/way Soaring Monarch (98) – I’m putting this down as a poor selection from myself. Even though we had prominent racers such as Fratas, Lust and Shigar in the line-up, I should have went with one that would be ridden closer to the pace. The way the race was run suited prominent racers as the winner Grey Leader (107) made all the running.
0.5pt e/way Vidisha (97) – A real step back in form on the clock from the selection. The number I had in mind for her based on her Gowran Park effort would have had her in the places. As it turned out she was forced to race three and four wide for most of the race as her pilot never really found a comfortable position for her throughout. She may be worth another chance going forward.
1pt e/way Duke Of Oxford (99) – A big step back on form from the selection who never travelled throughout the contest. Perhaps his huge performance last time out left a mark, and a step back up to two miles looks needed judging by this effort.
Today’s Advice
Cayman Tai (6f Nursery) – This consistent two-year-old looks overpriced slightly by the market for today’s (4.45) Goodwood mainly due to the fact that he didn’t win more easily last time out as a 2/5 favourite at Ffos Las. That race was his best on the clock so far recording a (104) speed figure, and it was over the minimum trip. The step back up to six furlongs should suit much better, and Richard Hannon has a decent enough record the last five years with two-year-olds returning from a break of fourty days or more at Goodwood (two wins with Armor and Liv My Life, three places, and three unplaced).
Ratafia (7f 14y Hcap) – This six-year-old has been a slow learner over his career only coming good last Autumn on both turf and the all-weather. He posted a course and distance record of 1-2-1 when last seen here, and kept on nicely at Doncaster last time out behind Create following an eighty five day break. The handicapper has dropped him a pound for today’s (5.35) Newcastle, and as a hold-up performer we will be looking for a fairly run contest with front-runners Saisons d’Or and Sovereign Queen in opposition.
0.5pt e/way Cayman Tai (201/ William Hill, 18/1 General 5 places) 4.45 Goodwood
1pt e/way Ratafia (9/2 William Hill/Skybet/Bet365 4 places) 5.35 Newcastle