Andy Holding is back with six tips for today action, with runners at Goodwood and Galway.
13:50 Goodwood
Competitive stuff, as you would expect for a race of this nature, but given their levels of progression, hope is high that both FOX JOURNEY (best price 7/1) and WESTERTON (best price 6/1) can prove equal to the task at hand.
The former arrives here on an upward curve thanks to his breakthrough success against the older horses in a competitive 1m4f handicap at Newbury last time and with the time figure speaking favourable of his performance, he deserves plenty of respect now back among his own generation.
Clearly a strong stayer at the trip on the evidence on his display at the Berkshire track 12 days ago, it is just a question of whether he can translate that level of form on to softer ground.
The latter will have no complaints about the conditions having run a series of fine races with give underfoot and he arguably brings some of the best three-year-old middle distance handicap form to the party courtesy of his latest exploits at Newmarket.
Although the official description at the time said the ground was good-to-firm at HQ, the race was run in a downpour and was changed to good-to-soft thereafter and given the way he stayed on over the 1m2f trip against many who had form at a high level suggested he could be an even potent force over further.
Three times a runner-up when the word ‘soft’ has been in the going description, Alan King’s inmate looks set to keep his consistent run going with the further rain forecast very much in his favour.
16:45 Goodwood
SIRONA (best price 10/1) burst back to life with an altogether more encouraging effort at Newmarket last time out and with one of her best performances in the past coming over today’s track, Charlie Johnston’s filly can benefit for returning to the slopes of the Sussex venue.
Disappointing at listed level on her first two starts this season, the daughter of Soldier Hollow had her sights considerably lowered at HQ 20 days ago and after been given a patient ride towards the rear of the field, she finished her race off with plenty of pep in her step.
In need of further or a stiffer examination based on the evidence of that display, she should appreciate being stepped back up in trip and having chased home the ill-fated Munch on her only previous visit to today’s track, her experience she gleaned that day will hopefully stand her in good stead.
18:40 Galway
Willie Mullins has sent many smart performers to post for this sought-after prize, but surely none classier than KILCRUIT (best price 6/1) and this former Grade 1 winner has all the attributes to follow in the hoofprints of stable mate Royal Rendezvous two years ago.
Firstly, lightly raced, second season chasers have a tremendous record in this race over the years and secondly, his victory in the big novices’ handicap at the Punchestown festival bears up to the closest inspection. Jumping and travelling well throughout the 2m5f journey at the Kildare venue, the eight-year-old was always in command and in no way did the 15-length winning margin flatter his superiority. It is also worth pointing out that contest back in May was used as a springboard to success in the Plate for the likes of Shanahan’s Turn, Carlingford Lough, Road To Riches and Balko Des Flos in recent times.
Never a factor on heavy ground over 3m1f in an ambitious attempt to land the best Grade 1 hurdle run in France when last seen, going back over fences under more suitable conditions should see him much more in his comfort zone and if he can get into a decent rhythm towards the head of affairs, his qualities should allow him to come to the fore.
Looking at those who seemed to have been saved especially for this race ENNSIKERRY (best price 11/1) is one that jumps off the page and having won in convincing fashion on the Flat recently, his preparations can not be faulted.
A winner of a useful beginners’ chase on his debut over fences at this meeting last season, Barry Connell’s inmate would have no doubt had this race in mind for quite some time and although he lacks the experience of some, he does bring a certain amount of class to the party.
Not quite up to the standard of Grade 1 company when last seen over fences, the son of Jeremy had previous run out a comfortable winner of a Grade 3 at Roscommon and with his profile being one of an unexposed type over fences with the possibility of more to come, he rates an automatic addition to the shortlist.
20:20 Galway
FANCY A COSMO (best price 10/1) had an exposed profile going into his latest venture at Wexford but his manner of victory suggested there was no fluke about his winning display, and he is fancied to back up that view returning to handicap company.
Up against several well-fancied rivals at the Newtown Road venue, the six-year-old always travelled like he was going to outrun his odds, and once set alight rounding the home turn, he duly found the necessary turn of foot to pull readily clear in the closing stages.
Posting a useful speed figure into the bargain, Ross Cody’s gelding ran way beyond his previous best and hailing from a yard who have been in decent nick for quite some time now, he has every chance of showing up prominently at a track where he has gone well in the past (third here last October).
