No time for idle chit chat and fascinating insights into a delicious Courgette Salad, I recently had. (Oh alright if I have the time, I’ll post it up somewhere)
- 13:50 Unibet Handicap (4yo+, Class 2, 1m 1f 197y, 18 runners)
The trends for this race are pretty strong, and I have narrowed it down to five – with an optional 6th if I include Mark Johnston’s second runner. Don’t get me wrong,
I’m not fiddling with the figures, but McJ’s stats for this race are (since 2004) are 29r – 5w – 7p, and the second horse benefits from Ryan Moore in the saddle. So I think the winner is going to come from BERINGER – AQUARIUM – VENTURA KNIGHT – EXEC CHEF – LUNAR JET – JAZEEL. I’m dropping Exec Chef who is still 10lbs shy of his last winning mark, and I’m going with VENTURA KNIGHT and AQUARIUM. Forgetting the trends, my fear is the Andrew Baldin/ Sylvestre de Souza combo with JOHNY DRAMA, and I’m adding LUNAR JET for the forecast.
- 14:25 Qatar Vintage Stakes (Group 2) (2yo, Class 1, 7f, 7 runners)
PINATUBO got his hat-trick in The Chesham Stakes at Ascot, spanking O’Brien’s well regarded Lope Y Fernandez by over 3l. He has impressive gears, and his last ½f seemed very quick indeed. He will be given most to do by MYSTERY POWER who was impressive in the Superlative
- 15:00 Qatar Lennox Stakes (Group 2) (3yo+, Class 1, 7f, 10 runners)
Stouty has dropped ZAAKI back to 7f, and it’s a smart move in this quality field. HEY GAMAN will set the pace in the field, and SPACE TRAVELLER for Richard Fahey has much in common with Fahey’s previous winner in 2013 (Garswood) who was also prepped up with a Jersey Stakes (run (he came 4th). SPACE TRAVELLER won his Jersey Stakes. He benefits – despite being top weight – from a 3yo allowance and will be dangerous. I thought FLAMING SPEAR won just a shade too cosily LTO and he could be up for a decent run.
- 15:35 Qatar Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (3yo+, Class 1, 2m, 9 runners)
Strange but true… The Goodwood Cup has seen 28 runners who ran in a handicap LTO and they were all beaten, as were the 17 runners coming from the Queen Alexandra Stakes. That aside, it would be a crying shame if STRADIVARIUS were to miss out on his hat-trick and the Gold Cup second, DEE EX BEE if he is ridden more aggressively and earlier, might cause the tears.
- 16:10 European Breeders Fund EBF Maiden Stakes (Plus 10) (2yo, Class 2, 6f, 11 runners)
COBRA EYE for me
- 16:45 Chelsea Barracks Handicap (4yo+, Class 2, 5f, 14 runners)
MUTHMIR, DARK SHOT and LORD RIDDIFORD have this between them I fancy – as does the rest of the market, For a long shot have a look at HARRY HURRICANE
- 17:15 Unibet Fillies’ Handicap (3yo+, Class 3, 1m, 13 runners)
SALAYEL is very decent and had a strong UAE reputation. NKOSIZAKI is also highly regarded, but for an interest consider CLARA PEETERS.e/w