Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips to consider at the York Ebor and Goodwood on Saturday. View selections below.
ANTE-POST backers of Motivado will be feeling elated now that the Betfred Ebor favourite has sneaked in at the foot of the handicap and Sir Mark Prescott’s charge looks sure to play a leading role in the York showpiece.
Motivado has been all the rage since his five-length Glorious Goodwood romp and a 4lb penalty won’t stop him if in the same mood. His price has collapsed, however, and CAMBORNE (3.40) has the form in the book to give John Gosden and William Buick another big Saturday scalp. Camborne has won both his races since cheekpieces were applied, the latest coming in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot, and he should again have the measure of runner-up Hammerfest. Gosden’s four-year-old has winning form with cut in the ground.
Last year’s Northumberland Plate hero, Tominator, could go well at an each-way price, having been campaigned very sparingly this season, while Luca Cumani’s improving Qahriman is first reserve and would command plenty respect if getting a run.
The Betfred Melrose Handicap over 1m 6f is packed with progressive three-year-olds and Mark Johnston’s SIR GRAHAM WADE (2.30) can take revenge on his Haydock conqueror, Gospel Choir, on these revised terms. Gospel Choir beat Sun Central at Royal Ascot and that horse bolted up in the Shergar Cup Classic. That’s a strong formline.
Goodwood Cup hero SADDLER’S ROCK (3.05) is the logical pick in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup as the Itish raider had several of his rivals in arrears when finishing third in the Ascot Gold Cup (refused to settle). Any further rain would boost the each-way prospects of hat-tricking seeking Cavalryman, while negating Askar Tau’s legitimate claims.
At Goodwood, QUEST FOR PEACE (4.30) will probably be sent off favourite for the Listed 1m 6f March Stakes on the back of his all-the-way success here last month. That event was run over 1m 4f and Richard Hughes, replacing Kieren Fallon, will probably be content to take a lead from habitual frontrunner Harris Tweed.
The concluding two-mile maiden handicap has attracted some disappointing types but there doesn’t seem much long with the attitude of SILVER SAMBA (5.40). Andrew Balding’s top weight was beaten a couple of lengths by Three Bards at Newmarket (pair clear) and the filly should break her duck. Brian Ellison sends Looks Like Rain on the long trip south and his close second to Solar View at Beverley last month wasn’t a bad effort, with third horse Dr Irv winning a modest event next time out.
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Tally Ho
Alan
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