Hi all,
An interesting afternoon and evening action with Listed races at both Goodwood and Haydock. Inside today’s main piece I look ahead to the best of Friday’s action.
They always used to say that Goodwood’s Predominate Stakes, now known as the Cocked Hat Stakes (4:10) was the last Derby Trial, and the Lupe, now known as Height Of Fashion Stakes (3:00) was the last Oaks Trial.
Well, you must go back to 1979 and Troy to find that colt to do the Predominate/Derby Double. The last Lupe winner to go onto Oaks success was Snow Fairy in 2010. On balance of probability, we won’t see a Classic winner run in either race this afternoon. However, both races have attracted decent sized fields and are good races in their own right.
Up at Haydock there’s also Listed action with Cecil Frail Stakes (3:15) the feature race of a seven race card.
The big race action switches across the Irish Sea this evening. It’s a bumper eight race card at the Curragh for the start of the Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival. For me it’s the Curragh card with four good handicaps to get stuck into which holds most of my betting interest.
Goodwood
3:00 – William Hill Height Of Fashion Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m 2f
Araminta won a Newbury maiden on her racecourse debut before improving further when a 1 length 3rd of 6 in Listed race (1m) here 20 days ago. A filly going the right way and a decent chance she’ll stay 1m 2f.
Kempton winner Veil Of Shadows looked in need of further when a 3 length 3rd of 6 at Ascot (1m) last time. She looks capable of better as does Blue Missile who won at Lingfield on her final juvenile start. The daughter of Galileo should stay 1m 2f and could make her presence felt on seasonal reappearance.
Recent Windsor winner (1m 2f) Understated is open further improvement but may find this trip a bit on the short on quickish ground.
Sirona was outclassed in the Cheshire Oaks behind Savethelastdance on her seasonal return. But she’s back in calmer waters here and will like the better ground. Frankie Dettori booked so must be respected.
4:10 – Cocked Hat Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m 3f
Gregory looks the one to be with here. The son of Golden Horn looked a useful middle distance prospect when winning at Haydock on racecourse debut 27 days ago. He’s open to plenty of improvement with racing and his half brother Lionel won this race last year.
Klondike is another colt open to plenty of progress. The son of Galileo overcame greenness to beat seven rivals on his racecourse debut at Newbury (1m 3f) last month. He’s bred for 1m 4f+ and should win more races.
Irish challenger Goldenstatewarrior has some of the best form on offer after his 7 ¼ lengths 5th of 8 to Derby hope Sprewell in a Group 3 at Leopardstown last time. Today’s slightly longer trip should suit the gelding and he’s got a decent chance.
Haydock
3:15 – Cecil Frail (Listed Race) – 6f
Gale Force Maya didn’t like the soft ground when last of 10 to stablemate Azure Blue in a similar race at Newmarket 20 days ago. The return to quicker ground will suit the mare and despite having to give 3lb to her rivals, is the one to beat if at her best.
Kape Moss, Makarova and Princess Shabnam were fourth, fifth and sixth in that Newmarket Listed contest.
Kape Moss looked much improved, but the ground was softer that day and she did have race fitness on her side.
Makarova was a length behind Kape Moss. However, the 4-year-old was making her seasonal reappearance and quick ground suits her better. Progressive as a 3-year-old she could be capable of better this season.
Princess Shabnam and was just ¼ length behind Makarova at Newmarket. She beat Gale Force Maya at Pontefract last season so has to be in the mix if reproducing that performance on her third start of the season.
Friday Selection:
Most of the horses I like today In the previewed races are not at backable prices. In fact there’s just one above 11/4 at the time of writing
Goodwood
3:00 – Araminta – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John
Superb pick today. Congrats!
Thanks Paul
Excellent tipping John, very well done and thanks for sharing!
Cheers for that Gerry.