Graham Richards
Goodwood Review
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Day One 30th July

2:15

Littlewoods Bet Direct Summer Stakes

Showcase Handicap (Class B) (4yo+)

1 mile 2 furlongs

 

Parisien Star, Prairie Wolf and Torrid Kentavr and finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively in this race last year. The latter is best off at the weights now and regular readers know he is a horse I have had my eye on for sometime. On his latest run he came wide into the straight when a creditable fourth to Heretic, this followed a decent run at Epsom. He will stay the trip and has a major chance. Parisien Star and Prairie Wolf are running well, perhaps though, not at the level of form of last season. Bourganville and Londoner are joint top weights; the former is, I believe, a better animal over a mile and with some give in the ground, while Londoner has yet to convince on the flat or hurdles that he is in love with the game. Kirovski has come back to his best form this season, he is a horse who races best fresh and the exertions in the Magnet Cup may be too recent a memory for him. Tamiami Trail, Torcello, Jokesmith, Brilliant Red and The Glen are all seeking to regain their best form. The last named certainly has the ability and with the Hills stable on an even keel now he could be the best long-shot. Compton Commander has an attitude problem and only won an egg and spoon race last time out. Robandela has won here over twelve and sixteen furlongs and may find the trip on the sharp side.

Selections

Torrid Kentavr

Jabaar

The Glen

2:45

Gerrard Investment Management Richmond Stakes

(Class A) (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) (2yo)

6 furlongs

 

Bourbonnais, Semigold and Elusive City all made impressive winning debuts. I was particularly taken with the latter who is a fine imposing horse who has all the qualities to go a long way. Mark Johnston loves Goodwood and his stable is on fire at present. As well as Bourbonnais he has the ultra consistent The Bonus King and Royal Beacon entered. Keith Dalglish is jocked up on The Bonus King with Kevin Darley on board the stables other representative. Richard Hannon also loves this meeting and his stable is overflowing with top class two-year-olds. Royal Ascot victor Baron’s Pit is tough and the sixth furlong should not bother him. Tacitus, Hurricane Alan and Tizzy May are the other possibilities from Hannon’s stable. Revenue also won at Royal Ascot, he will enjoy the sixth furlong and has sold each-way claims. Fatik and Foss Way finished 3rd and 4th in the same race at Newmarket on their debuts they look outclassed here.

 

 

 

 

Selections

Elusive City

Revenue

Baron’s Pit

3:20

Peugeot Gordon Stakes

(Class A) (Group 3) (3yo)

1 mile 4 furlongs

 

"He and Love Regardless looked the potential stars at the beginning of the year, but he's still very green". Mark Johnston’s comments after Legal Approach had beaten Charley Bates on his comeback run this season. With Bandari in the field many will assume he will be the stables first choice. I suggest this animal is over rated; in fact it would not surprise me to see Systematic running the best race of the trio if all turn up. Sir Michael Stoute has First Charter and Supremacy entered; the former returned to his best at Royal Ascot and has definite each-way claims here. Bustan hampered in that race at Royal Ascot also holds place possibilities, however more of interest would be his stable companion Izdiham who beat useful older horses on his latest run. I am not a fan of Naheef and Nysaean is a bit in and out. A fast pace is ensured and any doubtful stayers will be found wanting.

Selections

Izdiham

First Charter

Systematic

3:50

ladbrokes.com Prestige Stakes

(Handicap) (Class B) (3yo+,0-105)

1 mile 6 furlongs

 

Cupboard Lover will be all the rage here; having completed his hat-trick. This once frustrating character now looks a real competitor, however, he has been on the go for a while now and may find this one race too many. Mark Johnston has Darasim, Robandela Scott’s View and Mana D’Argent entered, slight preference is for the latter. Fifth in this race last season off a 4lbs higher mark he is solid frame material. Reviewer is in top form, he may unfortunately find this course on the sharp side. Hambleden has a 9lbs pull with Cupboard Lover and this game animal will put in his usual gutsy effort, he gets no respite from the handicapper and will probably once again find one or two too good for him. First Ballot won the race last season; he does not seem in the same form at present. Big Moment is a course and distance winner; his form has improved, as his stable has been turning the corner. A far from straight forward animal he will be weaving his way though in the final two furlongs and if the gaps open he will go very close. Harlestone Grey will a popular local choice, he is held on Goodwood running last season by Big Moment and may also prefer a longer trip. Elgria is improving and young Ryan Moore will be on board again, the pair will be hard to keep out of the shake up.

 

 

 

 

 

Selections

Big Moment

Mana D’Argent

Elgria

Hambleden

4:25

Oak Tree Stakes

(Class A) (Listed Race) (Fillies & Mares) (3yo+)

7 furlongs

 

This is a race which holds little appeal as a betting medium and perhaps its time for some refreshment. Lipstick is a filly I like and she can take this Listed event, hopefully at a reasonable price.

Selections

Lipstick

Mauri Moon

Roundtree

5:00

Tatler Summer Season Stakes

(Handicap) (Class D) (3yo+,0-85)

1 mile

 

Forty-two entries as I write in this one mile handicap, where there will be more hard luck stories than we heard from the Italian and Spanish teams in the World Cup. True Knight and Montecassino Abbey are both quirky characters, they do however possess more than enough ability for a race such as this. I suggest a split bet on each. The reason for this thinking is that True Knight can lie up with the pace and avoid trouble while conversely "Monte" is a hold up horse. With such a big field this will be no easy task for Micky Fenton; the gelding is however blessed with plenty of speed and is a handy type. Both horses are well handicapped and will handle the track. Dangers abound, Judge Davidson and Totem Pole are taken as the most serious ones. A word of caution a high draw is a big plus in this race

Selections

Montecassino Abbey

True Knight

Judge Davidson

Totem Pole

5:35

Evening Standard Maiden Stakes

(Class D) (Colts & Geldings) (2yo)

6 furlongs

 

A mix of experience and newcomers in this interesting finale. Fatik and Foss Way also carry entries in the Richmond a switch by either to this race would be significant. Washeeq ran a blinder first time out and the winner, All Nines , has won again since. Entered in the Dewhurst and Racing Post Trophy he can go close here. Ocean Song represents the in form David Loder stable; he also carries Group entries and is reported useful. North Landing represents Mark Johnston, he too is apparently useful and of course the Hannon and Barry Hills stables cannot be entirely dismissed with three entries each.

Selections

Washeeq

Ocean Song

Fatik

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day Two Wednesday 31st July

2:15

Marriott Hotels Goodwood Stakes

(Handicap) (Class C) (3yo+,0-95)

2 miles 5 furlongs

 

Hugs Dancer bids to repeat last years success off a 14lbs higher mark and although improved this year he faces a stiff task. Taffrail carries topweight, he loves fast ground and improved all through the second half of last season. He is however, weighted right up to his best form and will need to improve again to take this. Ranville is another fighting the handicapper. Xellance should guarantee a sound pace and his ex-stablemate Mana D’Argent, should he take in this race, would have strong each-way claims. Arabian Moon is a horse who dislikes big fields; if the race cuts up he can run a big race. Kaluana Court bounced back to form at Sandown last time; she loves fast ground and if staying the marathon trip has sound claims. Grand Fromage and Galleon Beach have won this season, stay well and should play some part in the race. Greenhope has a second to Bangalore and, an unlucky in running, three length ninth behind Riyadh at Royal Ascot, to his name this season. The ground will not be a problem he has run well at the course and if ridden positively, has an outstanding chance of improving Nicky Henderson’s excellent strike rate on the flat this year.

Selections

Greenhope

Kaluana Court

Mana D’Argent

In the absence of Mana D’Argent

Arabian Moon

is selected

2:45

Champagne Victor Vintage Stakes

(Class A) (Group 3) (2yo)

7 furlongs

 

All Nines is a tough sort who continues to improve, sure to stay this seven furlongs he will be thereabouts. Mark Johnston has Bourbonnais and Wilful entered and I hope Mark chooses this race as the target for Bourbonnais. The trip will suit and this powerful colt is sure to gallop all the way to the line. Summerland made an impressive winning debut, the form of which, has been advertised by the victory of Garros at Ascot. An extremely likeable colt he will make a bold effort. Dublin and Silver Seeker represent David Loder, both seem on form, to be just below this grade. Norse Dancer is a colt I like very much; both his wins have come from racing off the pace and finishing strongly. My one concern is that the track maybe a little sharp and his finishing burst coming too late. Tacitus will enjoy the seven furlongs, he does however seem exposed and Newfoundland is a disappointing type. Sarayat is tough but Hilbre Island and New Wish look outclassed.

 

 

 

Selections

Bourbonnais

Summerland

Norse Dancer

3:20

Sussex Stakes

(Class A) (Group 1) (3yo+)

1 mile

 

In going for his sixth Group 1 on the trot, Rock Of Gibraltar will be the banker of the meeting for many. His form is there for all to see and he will be extremely hard to beat. Aiden O’Brien has five other entries and the enigmatic Sophisticat maybe his next best. The main challengers from England are No Excuse Needed and Noverre. They fought out the finish last year and both should run their race again. The age record indicates that three-year-olds are far more likely to win this Group 1 race and in my mind only very firm ground would jeopardise Rock Of Gibraltar chances.

Selections

Rock Of Gibraltar

Sophisticat

Noverre

3:50

Tote Gold Trophy

Showcase Handicap (Class C) (3yo,0-100)

1 mile 4 furlongs

 

Another conundrum to unravel with some progressive in form horses entered. Stance is a nice colt who is also tough; he will be hard to keep out of the frame. Honor Rouge and Sentinel have won seven races between them this season, preference is for the latter who may act on the ground slightly better. Dune is consistent, he has had a short break after a busy start to the season. More improvement may be forthcoming and he rates each-way material. Waverley and Sharzan House are consistent but look held here. Windermere, the subject of a gamble at Royal Ascot, hit the rails after two furlongs and never really travelled afterwards; that run must be forgiven and he holds a major chance. Distinction will appreciate the step up in trip and is another with chances.

Selections

1. Windermere

Stance

Dune

Distinction

4:25

Weatherbys Bank Fillies' Rated Stakes

(Class C) (Handicap) (3yo+,0-90)

1 mile 1 furlongs

 

Helloimustbegoing disappointed badly last time out, prior to that she had won well and had been touted as a filly to follow. Stroke Of Six is consistent and should be in the shake up. Silence Is Golden may turn out again after her win at Ascot on Friday and a filly in form is always worth supporting. Portacasa is in form as is Mamounia who made all at Newmarket; although raised in the weights this race may be a little easier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selections

Mamounia

Silence Is Golden

Stroke Of Six

Helloimustbegoing

5:00

Lady of The Month Champagne Victor

Maiden Fillies' Stakes (Class D) (2yo)

6 furlongs

 

Irtahal has some fancy entries and she has been pleasing her trainer. Tuscan Sky and Vision Of Dreams are reported useful, while Medeena is the best of those who have raced. The market and paddock should be studied closely before this event.

Selections

1. Irtahal

Tuscan Sky

Vision Of Dreams

5:35

Charlton Stakes

(Handicap) (Class D) (4yo+,0-80)

5 furlongs

 

A real poser of a sprint handicap. Zuhair has won the last three running of this race off marks of 79,79, and 72, he runs off 70 this year and showed distinct signs of a return to form at Yarmouth last time; he will be hard to keep out of the "four". Fly More returned to winning form on his latest run; once on song he is a horse who can rattle up quick wins in succession. Flak Jacket is another course specialist and should give his running again. Delegate is in the form of his life and with his confidence sky high he will be finishing to some effect. Rita’s Rock Ape is very fast and always likely to pop up in a race such as this and the booking of Darryl Holland for Talbot Avenue takes the eye.

Selections

1. Zuhair

2. Fly More

Delegate

Talbot Avenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day Three August 1st 2002

 

 

The weather may yet play a part in proceedings and the forecast of thundery weather means we may end up with the nightmare scenario of watered ground drenched by rain. You are advised to keep a close ear on the commentators on BBC and Attheraces for up to date information.

 

2:15

Stanley Racing Stakes

Showcase Handicap (Class C) (3yo,0-100)

Please remember if the soft ground does materialise, low numbered drawn horses will not be so inconvenienced by the normal draw bias .

7 furlongs

 

Another competitive handicap to try and unravel. I have to confess that I am not a fan of Richard Hills when it comes to hold up tactics so I hope he races handily on Mubaah. This animal has run consistently well since his win at Kempton at Kempton in April. He handles all types of going and the step up to seven furlongs may well bring about more improvement. He is closely matched with Jonny Ebeneezer and Zandicular amongst others. Wixoe Express is a typical Sir Mark Prescott improver; still well in at the weights this improving colt will be hard to keep out of the frame. Freya’s Dream keeps on winning and even off a mark 4lbs higher than her last win she will be difficult to keep out of the "four". Krugerrand has the potential to win this, he does however, seem a bit quirky, with so many in form horses prepared to battle he may find it just too much. The booking of Darryl Holland for My Raggedy Man who he won on last time is interesting. He rarely rides for Hannon and with the horse having won at Epsom and Brighton the course here will hold no terrors. Pablo is considered better than his current rating he does however need juice in the ground. Paul Cole has enjoyed some good days here; Pieter Brueghel who had a nice confidence boosting win at Chester last time and may just be a bit better, than a handicapper. The booking of Michael Kinane is a bonus.

Selections

Pieter Brueghel

Mubaah

Wixoe Express

My Raggedy Man

Should the ground turn soft enough for Pablo to run he would become the second choice with Mubaah and Wixoe Express dropping a position.

2:45

Molecomb Stakes

(Class A) (Group 3) (2yo)

5 furlongs

 

The Molecomb has produce some shocks over the years. Presto Vento is likely to be favourite this year; the filly has blinding speed and took advantage of a good draw at Newbury where she had Wunders Dream, Sir Edwin Landseer, New Foundation and Polar Force behind her. Sir Edwin Landseer is taken to reverse form with those he finished behind. Drawn well and then bizarrely switched to the far side, he ran an extremely creditable race to finish third in unfortunate circumstances.

Riva Royale showed good pace to lose her maiden tag at Yarmouth. She flopped over six furlongs at Ascot in similar company to here, but has chances of a place over this sharp five. Petite Histoire has been on the go on all season. She has shown a good level of form on softer ground and whether she can produce the same form on faster ground is debatable.

Selections

Sir Edwin Landseer

Presto Vento

Riva Royale

3:20

Jpmorgan Private Bank Goodwood Cup

(Class A) (Group 2) (3yo+)

2 miles

 

Hatha Anna 20/1, Give Notice 10/1, Persian Punch 10/1, Jardine’s Lookout 7/1 and Bosham Mill 20/1 all clashed in the Gold Cup last time out. Hatha Anna is fancied to finish in front of his rivals again; Ascot was Hatha Anna’s first run since his excellent victory in Australia last November and close analysis of the Ascot race, reveals, he was travelling best of all turning into the straight. Narrowly beaten over the course last season he is solid each-way material. Cover Up beat Double Honour at Ascot over two and three-quarter miles by two necks. On 4lbs better terms many will fancy the Johnston horse to reverse placings; however, once again, Cover Up was travelling far the best turning into the straight, and were it for not being hampered at a crucial stage, he would have run out a ready winner. As an aside he is Golan’s work companion! And Beyond won impressively on heavy ground in Germany; he may be just below this class on good to fast ground, while the game Northumberland Plate winner Bangalore has much the same chance as Cover Up. Charley Bates is the only three- year-old in the race and appears to have it all to do.

Selections

Hatha Anna

Cover Up

Bangalore

3:50

King George 200th Anniversary Stakes

(Class A) (Group 3) (3yo+)

5 furlongs

 

Bishops Court, an unlucky in running fourth in this race last year, will no doubt be the choice of many again. An exciting hold up horse, his style of running should carry a government health warning and while I respect his chance, he needs everything to drop right. Conversely Dominica blasts out the traps and plays catch me if you can. Interestingly her trainer reported that five furlongs and soft ground is best for her, so if the rains come, her chance will increase. Agnetha looks best of the Irish contingent and she can reach a place at least. Rudi’s Pet won this race in 1999, nothing would surprise me with Dandy Nicholls, while Repertory bounced back to his best last week. French invader Porlezza, like Dominica has a Group race penalty, she is however, a speedy and game filly. Any rain would increase Jessica’s Dreams chances. Whitbarrow is an in and out performer.

Selections

Agnetha

Porlezza

Bishops Court

Soft ground would see Dominica as the second selection

4:25

European Breeders Fund New Ham

Maiden Fillies' Stakes (Class D) (2yo)

7 furlongs

 

Play That Tune ran a promising race first time out at Kempton; the third horse in that race has skated up since and the winner is reported to be one of Mick Channon’s best juveniles.. She is the clear form choice of those who have run. Joyous Greeting is the subject of positive reports and the Loder horses are in good form now. Irtahal is also reported to be working well enough to give a good account of herself. Ed and John Dunlop have entries as does Barry Hills; as always in this sort of race the paddock and market will provide the best clues.

Selections

Joyous Greeting

Play That Tune

Irtahal

5:00

De Boer Nursery Stakes

(Handicap) (Class C) (2yo)

5 furlongs

 

I have to admit five-furlong nurseries are not my idea of fun and this one is no exception. Tamasuk and Fortune Bay are both trained by masters of their craft when it comes to handicapping and either horse’s presence would be significant. Platavium Princess is improving and Tim Easterby’s youngsters are bang in form. Maneater appeals as the best of the Hannon entries. Lord Of The Inn looks an improver and is also respected. Locally owned Stagnite will have been prepared for this and is the best outsider.

Selections

Lord Of The Inn

Maneater

3. Tamasuk

Fortune Bay

5:35

Drawing Room Stakes

(Handicap) (Class D) (3yo+,0-80)

1 mile 1 furlong

 

Junikay won this race two years ago; he runs off the same mark again today and has been performing creditably this season. Junikay finished fifth last year when Pagan Prince was third; he is 14lbs better off for a five length beating. Escalade has been on my horses to follow list for a while now and it is a close call between this fellow and Junikay. Richard Fahey is having a cracking season and Altay boasts two wins over nine-furlongs on his c.v.; he has solid each-way claims. Tropical Son is a lightly raced, improving type and trainer Alan Jarvis likes a winner here; he is taken as the best of the rest.

Selections

1.Junikay

2.Escalade

Altay

4. Tropical Son

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day Four August 3rd

2:15

Seabeach Handicap

(Class B) (3yo,0-110)

One mile two furlongs

 

Macaw, Wild Fling and Expected Bonus all clashed at Newmarket three weeks ago in what was a rough race where Macaw and Wild Fling were forced wide and possibly unlucky not to win. Wild Fling has since been slightly disappointing behind Turbo, however, that contest was run at a muddling pace and it may pay to overlook it and give Wild Fling one more chance. Macaw has won again since and this tough competitor is sure to be in the shake up. Bonecrusher is tough and consistent and is sure to give another good account of himself. Common World has run two cracking races outside of handicap company behind Burning Sun and Century City in Ireland. This is a big ask off nine stone seven pounds and probably the last run in handicap company he will have; I believe he can make it a winning one. Legal Approach also has improvement in him, and with, as expected, the Johnston horses on fire, he can make a serious impression on the outcome. Chorist improved for the step up to ten furlongs when winning at Newmarket she may however just be too high in the weights now. Lingo 9lbs higher than when recording an easy victory at Epsom. If the ground turns really soft he will come into the reckoning. Mount Street is sure to be popular, her chances based on form achieved are slim, however trained by Sir Michael Stoute, she is bound to have come in leaps and bounds and has to be respected. The rest are all much of a muchness.

Selections

Common World

Legal Approach

Macaw

Lingo

Bonecrusher

In the event of serious easing in the ground Lingo would become second choice.

2:45

Theo Fennell Lennox Stakes

(Class A) (Group 3) (3yo+)

7 furlongs

 

An extremely open race where betting should be kept to a minimum. Nayyir has done nothing but improve this season; running a blinder at Royal Ascot in the Queen Anne he will find this easier and is the selection, the one negative is the trip which is a furlong short of his best. Millennium Dragon bounced back to form in the July Cup and this seven furlongs suits him well. Mister Cosmi ran as though finding his form last week and if he runs here a fast pace will be ensured. Priors Lodge bounced back to form on his last run; this grand looking colt will give a good account of himself. Atavus has the ability to make his presence felt, if getting the run of the race and Love Regardless, who came back to something like his best on his latest run, will also figure if he has come on for his last race.

Selection

Nayyir

Millennium Dragon

Love Regardless

3:20

William Hill Mile

Showcase Handicap (Class B) (3yo+)

1 mile

 

This handicap is one of the tightest knit races I have assessed. Thirty four horses come out within four points on my ratings. As shown in the draw high numbers are a must and any conclusions reached must bear that in mind. The way to approach this race is to find a horse improving and capable of a higher rating or one who has achieved a high rating but yet to hit top form. Heretic comes into the first category. This horse win his last race, a competitive handicap at Sandown, in the manner of an improving colt., he looks capable of defying the 9lbs he has been raised. Heretic has only had eight runs in his life so he should have more improvement to come. The only "if" is the ground. Heretic is bred from a horse whose stock loves some juice in the ground and so far in his career it appears that is the case with him. Surprise Encounter on the other hand loves fast ground. The mightily impressive winner of the 2001 Hunt Cup has been struggling, along with most of Ed Dunlop’s horses, to recapture that level of form. A drop of 7lbs in the weights since the start of the season will give his supporters heart and the booking of Fallon or Dettori would be significant. A course winner he has a major chance. Calcutta is a regular in races like this and he found a new lease of life recently. A hold up horse he has run at Goodwood four times, three unplaced (two in this race) and one second indicates the difficulty he will face coming from the back of the field. Beauchamp Pilot will have similar problems and may enjoy a little more cut in the ground. Ghannam ran another game race on Saturday and this mile will suit him admirably. Set to race off a 1lb lower mark he has a serious chance if his trainer decides he has recovered sufficiently to run. Demonstrate ran in the same race at Ascot and won the race on the far side, not given a hard time when it became obvious he was fighting a lost cause this lightly raced colt can play a leading role if he turns up here. Ian Semple is a man to ignore at Your peril and in Judicious he has a horse with a serious amount of ability. A recent comeback win will have done his confidence no end of good and if his habit of breaking blood vessels is behind him he will not be disgraced. Atlantic Ace, Invader, Finished, Article Smirk, Bourganville, Dumaran, Irony, Morpheous and Rafferty figure high in the rating; their respective trainers are, not at present, firing on all cylinders. I had marked down Kruggerand as a possible for this race, he has been taken out; Wing Commander from the same stable still holds an entry.

Just behind Ghannam in the Britannia he has a 1lb pull for a two neck deficit; progressive and tough he is solid each-way material. Wannabe Around, second last year off a 2lbs lower mark seems out of sorts this season. He does however, love this course and will no doubt try and destroy the field with his forcing tactics. Muchea continues to run well and has a squeak. While True Knight and Torrid Kentavr have engagements elsewhere and hopefully will take those up.

Conclusion: With the draw unknown at this stage I put up in order of preference Wing Commander, Surprise Encounter (Fallon or Dettori a big plus), Heretic ( ground negative), Ghannam, Demonstrate and Judicious

 

3:50

Lady O Memorial Glorious Rated Stakes

(Class A) (Handicap) (Listed Race) (4yo+,0-110)

1 mile 4 furlongs

 

Ovambo had Alunissage five lengths behind when an unlucky second to Xtra at Newmarket. He is however 20lbs higher than his last handicap win which is a big ask. Alunissage has only won one race and that was over fourteen furlongs; he may this on the sharp side. The Whistling Teal has never run over twelve furlongs; he is 15lbs higher than his last handicap win. Chianti flopped on his only attempt at this trip and despite a creditable record in handicaps has never won one. Maniatis has the beating of Ovambo on a line through Xtra; he likes some give in the ground and the booking of Fallon would be highly significant. Darasim ran well on Tuesday and may turn out again. Stablemate Murghem won this race two years ago off a 2lbs lower mark, he acts on good ground but is a far better horse on fast. The in form Wait For The Will may struggle in this company. Prompt Payment is another improver; however, the runner up on her latest win has since been beaten in a maiden which casts a doubt on the form. Solo Flight has the ability to win this, he is however, extremely frustrating and not one to rely on.

Selections

Fast Ground

Murghem

Ovambo

Maniatis

Good or softer ground

Maniatis

Ovambo

Murghem

4:25

Bexley Nursery

(Handicap) (Class C) (2yo)

6 furlongs

 

Nursery handicaps as previously stated are not races I enjoy analysing, and bets should be kept to a minimum if Fancy Lady is a non-runner. Locally owned Stagnite seems fairly handicapped and Mark Usher’s horses are running well. Magic Piper is reasonably handicapped and should go well. Lord Of The Inn is improving and not without a chance. Even with topweight Fancy Lady she is a strong fancy.

Second to the impressive Russian Rhythm, she returned to Newmarket and hacked up on her next run. Barry Hills reported she would go into Listed company in next race, were she to turn up here, my thoughts are that she is a blot on the handicap

Selections

Fancy Lady

Lord of the Inn

Magic Piper

Stagnite

5:00

European Breeders Fund Trundle Maiden Stakes (Class D) (Colts & Geldings) (2yo)

7 furlongs

 

The paddock and market will provide the best guide here and this is not a race to get too involved in. Albareq and Wahsheeq set a fair standard with the latter just preferred. Stablemate Shuhood is well regarded and should be noted in the market and paddock. Gala Sunday is reported useful, as is Paul Cole’s Liffey and a market move for any of these would be significant.

Selections

Wahsheeq

Albareq

Shuhood

5:35

Stewards' Sprint Stakes

Showcase Handicap (Class B) (3yo+)

6 furlongs

 

Difficult to assess as some of the runners may get into the Steward Cup itself So my selections are based with the current topweight James Stark and those below included.

Selections

Flak Jacket

Taranaki

Cardinal Venture

Undeterred

College Maid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day Five Saturday August 3rd

2:15

Vodafone Nursery Stakes

(Handicap) (Class C) (2yo)

7 furlongs

 

Another impossible looking nursery handicap opens proceedings on the final day. Aries appreciated the step up to this distance when winning at Folkestone. Rebate also appears reasonably treated and she can make the frame the pair appeal as a modest split stake punt. Pick of the others is Fellow Ship who is running consistently.

Selections

Aries

Rebate

Fellowship

2:45

Vodafone Thoroughbred Stakes

(Class A) (Listed Race) (3yo)

1 mile

 

Michael Stoute’s improving colt L’Oiseau D’Argent, made an impressive debut, this was followed by a somewhat disappointing second to Imtiyaz over ten furlongs. On his next run, dropped back to a mile he had Love Regardless a head back in second. Looking to have more in reserve that day and likely to improve again, he can confirm that form. Where or When has been campaigned at the highest level and is reported to working brilliantly. His two runs over a mile have resulted in him being beaten seven lengths by Rock Of Gibraltar, any improvement on that would make him a very dangerous opponent. Common World as previously stated has been in top form all season, he may find a mile in this company to short.

Selections

Where Or When

L’Oiseau D’Argent

Common World

if absent

Love Regardless

3:20

Vodafone Nassau Stakes

(Class A) (Group 1) (Fillies & Mares) (3yo+)

1 mile 2 furlongs

 

The Nassau Stakes at 3.20 looks an open affair. Choc Ice has shown good form in Group 1 company in her native France, Hong Kong and Canada. The booking of Peslier or Murtagh would be a big plus and she is taken to take the prize back over the channel. Islington and Quarter Moon represent the stables of Stoute and O’Brien respectively. The former has not run since the Oaks where she reportedly could not handle the ground, she does seem to have her limitations though; Quarter Moon second that day, has since been run out of the Irish version, after leading two furlongs from home. The O’Brien filly is not a straight forward ride and will need to be held up until the last possible moment, she does however posses plenty of ability and a turn of foot. Sophisticat also carries an entry and would be an able deputy if both run I would expect Quarter Moon to come out on top. Tarfshi should ensure a fast pace and she is a useful filly when running fresh and getting her own way out in front.

Selections

Choc Ice

Quarter Moon

Sophisticat

Tarfshi

3:50

Vodafone Stewards' Cup

Showcase Handicap (Class B) (3yo+)

6 furlongs

 

Border Subject and Feet So fast dispute favouritism. Both are on the verge of moving into Listed company and given the run of the race both should make the frame at least My one concern with Willie Musson’s colt is the ground. Pat Eddery made it clear in a post race interview after his latest win that he would not like to see the colt risked on fast or firm ground as he is a heavy topped horse. Border Subject ran a cracker in the Wokingham and this has been the plan ever since. The winner of that race Caprichio ran a stormer when dead heating in the Bunbury Cup where to my eyes he went slightly lame in the last one hundred yards. Brevity has had a somewhat less successful season this year due in no small part to the handicappers attentions. He has caught my eye on more than one occasion and is rated the best each-way long shot. Dandy Nicholls has his usual glut of entries and Scotty’s Future who has attracted cash in his last few races may find this fast six furlongs right up his street. Hurricane Floyd is also expected to make a bold showing. Trace Clip and Doctor Spin have the ability to go close if in the mood, however whether they will be is anyone’s guess. Halmahera and Peruvian Chief have been quiet whispers in recent days and the latter will enjoy this cavalry charge.

Conclusion: Border Subject is taken to defy his big weight and hold off Brevity, Peruvian Chief, Scotty’s Future and Feet So Fast . In the event of easing in the ground I would make Feet So Fast my second selection.

 

4:25

Turf Club Rated Stakes

(Class C) (Handicap) (3yo,0-95)

1 mile 6 furlongs

 

Amanda Perrett is having a good week with two winners so far. Overstrand with Mick Kinane up and Kaparole with Steve Carson booked are her representatives. Both horses won maidens last time and in a close call between the pair Overstrand is just favoured. Scott’s View won comfortably over course and distance earlier in the week; it is difficult to envisage him being out of the frame. Robe Chinoise is an improving filly who will appreciate this trip, even off top weight she should not be taken lightly. Stance is being brought along steadily; he broke his duck in convincing style at Newbury and is another who will relish the trip.

Seaborne is a game filly who may just find this too tough for her, at the present. Unleash has dropped 2lbs since his last run. A messy tactical race that day, he will appreciate this trip and looks to be coming to the boil at the right time. Paul Cole’s Titchfield and Starzaan are basically disappointing types, though the former who got his head in front last time, might improve a little. Sir Brasitas also got his head in front at Yarmouth, he did however, beat an unwilling sort in True Knight.

Selections

1. Stance

Unleash

Robe Chinoise

Scott’s View

A split stake on the top two is suggested if both run.

5:00

Richard Baerlein Rated Stakes

(Class C) (Handicap) (3yo,0-90)

5 furlongs

 

Willie Muir has resisted the temptation to run Zargus since Royal Ascot and the patience should be rewarded. A good run from Agnetha earlier in the week would frank the form and he can improve again to confirm the form with the consistent Fire Up The Band. Hufflepuff behind in the Ascot race has since won at Bath, she is another improver who should make the frame. Strathclyde sprang a surprise at Newmarket last time out, there appeared to be no fluke about it; he is rated best of the rest.

Selections

Zargus

Hufflepuff

Strathclyde

Fire Up The Band

5:35

European Breeders Fund Racegoers Club

Classified Stakes (Class B) (3yo+,0-95)

7 furlongs

 

If Ian Semple decides to re-route Judicious he would be the pick A shrewd thinker of the game his decision, if taken would be respected. Nemo Fugat and Northern Desert are closely matched on previous running, Northern Desert is just preferred. Royal Millennium and Vanderlin would be respected if taking this option up.

Selections

Judicious

Royal Millennium

Northern Desert

Vanderlin

In the event of Pieter Brueghel taking up this option he would become the selection.