The first day of Glorious Goodwood sees the stayers taking centre stage with the Group 1 Goodwood Cup the highlight. We are taking 1 bet in that and also go with 2 against the field in the opening handicap.
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3.35 Goodwood Cup
Big Orange is the hot favourite here, having won the last 2 runnings of the race and comes here off the back of a win in the Ascot Gold Cup. However, he’s no odds on favourite, especially with another change of jockey and from a yard whose last 15 runners have been beaten, including 4 favourites. Easier ground than the good to firm he’s faced the last twice might also be another reason to oppose him.
Stradivarius is being aimed at the St Leger and this 3 year old, whilst full of potential, doesn’t look good enough whilst US Army Ranger needs to prove he can do it on the track and is more of a talking horse than anything else.
The one to take the favourite on with is Sheikhzayedroad. Now an 8 year old, the selection has work to do to turn the tables on Big Orange but he’s such a consistent horse, he looks the most likely to take advantage of any shortcomings the jolly has. He has a good season last term, finishing 3rd here before winning a pair of Group 2’s. This season, he’s twice finished 3rd at Meydan before a disappointing 6th in the Ascot Gold Cup where the fast ground didn’t help. He goes really well for this jockey and should be staying on best of all inside the distance. This easier ground and shorter trip will help and it will be a surprise if he’s out of the 3.
Tips
Back Sheikhzayedroad (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 13.00 Paddy Power BOG (⅕ odds 1-3)
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1.50 Matchroom Betting Exchange Handicap
A tough way to start the week with a big field handicap over 10 furlongs but there are 2 to catch the eye at double figure prices.
The first of those is last season’s 2nd, Oasis Fantasy, who has a cracking chance of going one better this year. First up, he’s 5lb lower than last year and comes here in decent form. He has struggled a little the last twice but the ground was probably too lively and is better judged on an excellent 3rd at York off 4lb higher than today’s mark. The fact that connections reach for headgear is a huge positive, especially as the last season they did this, he won a Class 2 handicap at 7/1. He has a decent low draw too and looks to hold a major chance.
Eddystone Rock completes the team from a stable in red hot form. 5 of the yard’s last 7 runners have won so it’s a surprise to see this horse trading at such a big price. Maybe the unfashionable yard helps, price wise. His season has been a decent one overall and he deserves to land a nice prize. He opened with a 6th in the Lincoln off a mark of 100 (races off 99 today) before being hampered at Epsom next time up. He then ran a cracker finishing 2nd at the same track but found the fast ground at Royal Ascot too much. He is better judged on his 6th at York last time out when finishing well off a slow pace and that run can be upgraded especially as he also hit traffic. With a good draw and the ground likely to suit, he should go well provided he gets a clear run.
Tips
Back Oasis Fantasy (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 13.00 Bet365 BOG (¼ odds 1-4)
Back it here:
Back Eddystone Rock (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 13.00 William Hill BOG (¼ odds 1-4)
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