John Burke

Morning all,

Sadly, there’s no “dual on the downs” in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes (3:35). It’s a shame for the race that 2,000 Guineas / St James Palace Stakes winner Coroebus had a setback at the weekend and has been forced to miss the  race. So instead of a real race we likely have a procession of 1/5 favourite Baaeed.

Besides day two of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, it’s another evening at Galway and arguably the most competitive race of the day the Galway Plate Handicap (6:40).

Inside today’s main piece. I have had look at the Goodwood feature races and a more in-depth look at Galway Plate. Plus, you’ll find my Goodwood Placepot selections.

Morning all,

It’s Day 2 of the Galway Festival. The feature race of a seven-race evening card is the COLM QUINN BMW Mile Handicap (Premier Handicap) (6:40).  However, most UK punters eyes will be focused on the start of the Qatar ’Glorious’ Goodwood Festival.  Goodwood which is one of the most beautiful racecourses in England when the weather is fine. You have the Sussex Downs to the north and Chichester and the Isle of Wight to the south.

Looking back 12 months the course was hit by 16mm rain of rain the day before the festival got underway which changed the going to heavy for the start of the meeting. No chance of heavy this year. There may be a passing shower during the week, but it looks set to be dry & sunny and getting warmer on Friday & Saturday.

The Goodwood Placepot paid £108.70 for a £1 stake on day one of the 2021 festival. Now you might be wondering. Why I’m a I waffling on about the Goodwood Placepot? Well, it’s very simple. For the next five days I’m going Placepot hunting in Sussex. More on that inside today's main piece.

Morning all,

Inside today’s main piece, I look ahead to the weekend’s big races, in particular the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle. Plus, I look at a couple of today’s races including the Carlisle Bell (2:55) which is the oldest sporting trophy in the world, having been first run for in 1599.

Morning all,

Part two of my look back at Royal Ascot.  Today the focus is on the eyecatchers. Plus, you’ll find my Tuesday nap at the end of the main piece.