Seven Saturday selections from Sam Turner.
1.50 Goodwood
The form of THE WAGON WHEEL (Best price 10-1) took a handsome boost when Avon Breeze, swept aside at Chester, won subsequently and, although preference for Richard Fahey’s charge can only be marginal given the competitiveness of this race, we are arguably yet to see the best of him. Richard Fahey continues to be a trainer to keep onside in this type of event as Stamp Hill proved last Saturday and he holds a strong hand here with the selection supported by a strong stable contingent of the likes of Gin In The Inn who arrives on the back of a solid Pontefract run and the unexposed Six Strings.
2.25 Goodwood
Cesarewitch has been suggested as an end of tem aim for SAIGON CITY (Best price 9-1) so there is a chance this is a small step on the road to that autumn feature. However, the selection may not be afforded the respect he deserves after grinding out an impressive victory at Newmarket back in May in a strong time. Connections have wisely side-stepped fast ground in the last couple of month so he hasn’t been seen since but connections can see their patience rewarded here and he looks likely to go well from the front.
3.00 Goodwood
It arguably A lack of experience cost CRYSTAL OCEAN (Best price 7-4) dearly at Ascot and it is arguably fair to say that he didn’t enjoy the most effective ride either when challenging wide on the home turn in the Group 2 won by Permian. Both factors contributed to his two length defeat that day and, although connections were disappointed at the reverse, they will have been pleased at the way the selection acquitted himself on just his fourth career start. Ryan Moore takes over in the saddle and his mount is fancied to justify the faith his trainer has in him.
3.35 Goodwood
Trainer William Haggas has won this race twice in recent renewals and it is perhaps no surprise RAUCOUS (Best price 18-1) has been targeted at this race for much of the season given he wasn’t beaten far last term.There are plenty of conflicting views on the draw going into this afternoon’s feature and it is anyone’s guess where the best place to race is as the fresh strip of ground opened up yesterday and utilised by those draw low today may well by chewed up come race time. Hopefully Raucous won’t be too disadvantaged draw towards the stands’ side rail in 26 as he appears to have a major chance judged on his performance in the race 12 months ago when an honourable third. Beaten just three lengths when suffering an interrupted passage in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot in the first-time blinkers, the selection was far from disgraced in a Newbury Group 3 on soft ground last time, staying on tidily when the race was all over. That outing served to put him spot on for today’s prestigious sprint and he must have a major chance of making an impact on today’s contest providing there is some pace for him to run at late on. It probably makes sense to pick one from either side of the draw as a punter and I could see GROWL (Best price 15-2) posting a big display following his fine run behind Harry Angel in the July Cup.
2.05 Newmarket
TO ETERNITY (Best price 7-1) has been an infrequent visitor to the track of late, but her lack of match fitness isn’t always a concern given the skill of her trainer. Her last effort as a three-year-old was a creditable one with only the classy Abingdon proving too strong at York in the Galtres Stakes and any cut in the ground shouldn’t be too much of an issue as she handled it well on debut. The level of that form looks superior to much of what is on show in this event and, although she is likely to have one or two end of season targets as a priority, To Eternity should make an impact on this afternoon’s event before then.
2.10 Newmarket
