There is the possibility of rain at Goodwood where the feature contest is the listed Foundation Stakes for three-year-olds and upwards over ten furlongs.
Roger Charlton’s Bullfinch has been most progressive on polytrack winning his last three starts but steps up in trip this afternoon on his first turf start since disappointing on heavy ground as a juvenile on debut.
High End (2.55) returned from a near three-year lay-off when runner up at Sandown last month and the hope is that he won’t “bounce” on his second start back from such a long absence. As a son of Dubawi the selection is likely to appreciate any rain that hits the track and the 5s with bet365 is a fair ew price.
Thundering Blue finished last of eight on his reappearance over 12f, but 10f is his optimum trip and this globetrotter is entitled to come on for last month’s run.
I like the booking of Saffie Osborne for the veteran Pettochside (4.40) who is a standing dish at Goodwood and has been knocking on the door of late. The 11-year-old led at the furlong pole when third here last time over six furlongs and the return to the minimum trip is a plus. Any significant rain would be a positive and the ew recommendation is 11/2 at 10bet.
There is a valuable 3m handicap chase at Perth where the top-class mare La Bague Au Roi (4.15) makes her reappearance. I thought Warren Greatrex’s nine-year-old was going as well as anything when she had a disagreement with Richard Johnson in the 2m 4f handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen back in March. I am still slightly concerned with the form of the yard, but this looks an excellent opportunity for the mare to get back to winning ways. The 5/2 with bet365 didn’t last long and, at the time of posting, she is a best price 2s with the same firm.
Fergal O’Brien has sent a strong raiding party to Perth and he has a number of excellent chances including with Blue Monday (5.20) who has won his last couple of chases going right-handed although he is 8lbs higher than when scoring at Wincanton back in February. Any further rain would be a plus although it is worth noting that he doesn’t have a particularly good record fresh. The 11/2 with William Hill – 4 places – looks a decent ew price.
I thought Joly Maker looked the winner for the vast majority of the race at Fontwell earlier in the month but I was disappointed with his finishing effort although this slight drop back in trip will suit. He is one of two JP McManus owned representatives in the race who have leading claims.
At Redcar Motamayiz carries a 6lbs penalty for scoring at Bath last time but that is largely negated by Ray Dawson’s 5lbs claim and he must have every chance of returning to winning ways. The vote, however, goes to the lightly-raced three-year-old Bright Start (3.50) who drops back in distance by a quarter of a mile having gone down to the progressive Prince Alex at Leicester earlier in the month. I expect Hayley Turner to send the Godolphin colt forward from a good draw in stall four. The 7/2 with bet365 looks a fair price.
At Kempton Secret Protector (5.00) looked a sure-fire future winner when third over today’s course & distance on debut and Charlie Appleby’s colt will be hard to beat with that experience under his belt. There are some well-bred newcomers in opposition especially John Gosden’s Marrakech Moon who is half-brother to an all-weather winner. The 8/11 with William Hill looked too big and he is now a best-priced 8/13 with BetVictor.
Amir Kabir (7.00) made all to score at Newmarket last time and he is taken to defy a 4lbs rise in a competitive 11f 3-y-old handicap. The selection – 5/2 with William Hill – has won two of his last three starts since being stepped up to 10f and the hope is that this evening’s additional furlong can eke out further improvement. Luncies has won two of his three career starts and looks the main danger although all six who go to post hold realistic claims.
There is a terrific jumps card at Listowel where I hope to see Malone Road (2.45) maintain his unbeaten record in the competitive Novice Hurdle over the minimum trip. The selection returned from a 642-day absence to score at Kilbeggan on his hurdles debut when he was workmanlike rather than impressive.
My Plan Of Attack (4,30) was to get to the Kerry National this year having failed the vet when trying to meet up with many of my cousins for the corresponding race 12 months ago. Covid has scuppered those plans but I hope Henry De Bromhead’s 6-y-old can reward ew support at 6s with Boylesports.
