Yesterday’s Review
1pt e/way Infraad (108) – My thoughts of a tough call between Hatteen (who was trading at 5/1 previously) and the selection proved to be correct as there was just a head between them at the line. Thankfully, Tom Marquand’s mount found extra when challenged inside the final furlong having raced in touch of the leaders throughout. A stewards enquiry was called as the winner drifted left towards the finish but the result was not altered. Result 1st 7/2 adv…2/1f SP.
1pt e/way Planet Seeker (105) – Not the pace burn-up that looked possible on paper beforehand which wouldn’t have suited the selection. She was restless in the stalls and raced a bit more forward than I expected. She did well to hang on for fourth place beaten 2.75 lengths all things considered. Result 4th 8/1 adv…13/2 SP.
1pt e/way Pershaada (109) – It looked beforehand that the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot was the key formline and so it proved as the selection travelled equally well yesterday and despite hanging left inside the final furlong won snugly by 2 lengths. The Nunthorpe was mentioned as her next port of call but I would say she looks a few lengths off what will be needed there. Result 1st 4/1 adv…11/4f SP.
1pt e/way Opera Ballo (115) – The selection was quickly away from the stalls and raced overly keen early doors in the contest. He did well to manage to hit the frame considering that the track didn’t look to suit either. No excuses for him on the day though as he was put in his place by the three-year-olds. Result 3rd 10/3 adv…9/2 SP.
Today’s Advice
GLORIOUS GOODWOOD DAY 4 (FRIDAY)
BEAGLE BAY (8F Hcap) – The selection looks the right favourite for the (3.00) Goodwood Golden Mile handicap considering he holds the top recent timefigure of (116) when travelling beautifully last time out in a class 2 handicap at Sandown before finishing a half length too strong for the John Smiths’ Cup winner Raammee. The handicapper could only put him up 5lb for that performance. As we know Sandown is one of the most watered tracks on the circuit, and having been a non-runner last time out due to the ground, we will be hoping that the track has been well watered for Friday’s card. Conditions were around 5 lengths per mile faster than standard yesterday, and with a decent amount of water added they should be close to standard once again. The one worry is stall 1 and it will be up to jockey Hector Crouch to find a way through from the inside.
SUPER TUSCAN/SKY SECRET(6f Nursery) – The (4.45) Goodwood looks a weak enough nursery for the grade, and I am willing to give this Eve Johnson Houghton trained two-year-old another chance as I feel the race last time out may have come too soon and he landed too far forward when the gates opened. Previously he had been impressive following a gelding operation when taking his novice by 3.75 lengths over 6f at Chepstow. He was held up in rear on that occasion and if he can reproduce that performance he might just be a well handicapped horse from a lowly mark of 80 at the moment. Other interesting candidates were the favourite Dubai Champion who looks short enough in the betting, and Sky Secret who may have needed his latest race following a 70 day break but won nicely over the minimum trip at Leicester. The dam was a 6f winner, and it looks like we have yet to see the best of this likeable colt. Although, he does look another one that will appreciate a softer surface going forward.
0.75pt e/way Beagle Bay (5/1 Ladbrokes, Coral, Betfred 5 places) 3.00 Goodwood
0.75pt e/way Super Tuscan (20/1 William Hill, 16/1 Paddy Power, Skybet 5 places) 4.45 Goodwood
0.5pt win Sky Secret (16/1 William Hill, Paddy Power, Skybet 5 places) 4.45 Goodwood