Our resident pundit focuses his attentions on Goodwood and Tipperary today.
3.45 Goodwood
In what appears on paper to be potentially one of the best three-year-old handicaps run so far this season, PARADISE LAKE (best price 7-2) looks set to confirm the promise he’s has shown in his three starts to date. Bred to get middle distances, it was therefore no great surprise that Sir Michael Stoute’s charge failed to figure in the finish of his only two starts over 7f as a juvenile last season, but it was clear judged on his opening bow to this campaign, that we are likely to see a different proposition altogether once he’s allowed to run over distances beyond a mile. In keeping on nicely without being unduly punished in a well-run affair at Chelmsford 23 days ago, the son of Siyouni gave out positive signals that he’s crying out for a more severe test of stamina and beginning life off a mark of just 76, he has plenty of scope to do really well in his new discipline – even more so over 1m 4f and beyond later in the campaign. Of the rest, Secret Advisor is another similar type to come under the microscope following his eye-catching effort at Windsor last time out. Giving himself a mountain to climb at the halfway point due to early greenness, Charlie Appleby’s charge flew home to finish a never-nearer second to the potentially very smart Crowned Eagle and if it wasn’t for Paradise Lake being in the line-up, he would have been the automatic selection. Add in the likes of promising trio, Eldritch, Maghfoor and War Chief (early candidate for the Triumph Hurdle next season) and this should turn out to be a very informative affair.
4.20 Goodwood
Despite just having the one run under her belt and facing the leap from maiden to pattern company, GAKKU (best price 9-1) showed enough on her debut to warrant a small interest on her bid to bridge the gulf in class. In a very strongly run affair at Yarmouth, Roger Varian’s filly took a while to hit top gear, but once the penny dropped inside the last two furlongs, she fairly rattled home to force a photo with the well-backed favourite Present Tense. Given that the pair pulled well clear of the rest, the form looks solid and being as her dam has a strong influence of stamina, today’s extra two furlongs should really play into her strengths.
6.10 Tipperary
PILLAR (best price 4-1) did precious wrong in defeat at Cork last week and is given another chance to confirm the promise and speed figures of his previous performances over today’s trip. A winner at Navan three starts ago over 5f, Ado McGuiness’ inmate did really well to almost overcome an impossible draw at the Curragh next time out and although he failed in his bid to justify strong support off the back of that run at the Mallow venue last time out, he still came out of the race with great credit. In trying to hold his position up the favoured stand side rail, the son of Rock Of Gibraltar had his stamina stretched to the limit over 6f, but now dropping back a furlong, there’s every chance he will get things pan out perfectly for him this evening.
8.20 Tipperary
ADMIRAL BRIAN (best price 6-1) has been in terrific form of late and although he’s not managed to get his head in front during this fairly productive period, it’s surely only a matter of time before he strikes. Placed on each of his last four starts, the son of Brian Boru arrives here off the back of another solid effort when runner-up to the in-form Prince Charmin’ at Cork last time out and with the time figure of that race suggesting it was a decent one of its kind for the time of year, the eight-year-old rates fairly solid each-way material at his top morning price.
