Former Talksport man Charlie McCann marks your card with six to follow on Saturday at Goodwood and Doncaster. View selections below
Minding (3.10) faces four rivals in this afternoon’s Gp 1 Nassau Stakes with Ryan Moore’s mount unopposable in her quest for a sixth success at the highest level. Aidan O’Brien’s filly has been a revelation since signing off from her juvenile campaign. The daughter of Galileo made a winning return in the 1000 Guineas Newmarket and, despite a minor blip when found to be subsequently injured in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh, followed-up with further top-grade success in the Oaks and the Pretty Polly.
The latter showed to be her optimum trip and she looks a penalty kick for connections on the downs. BetVictor have both ‘Betting Without’ and ‘Lengthen the Odds’ betting available this afternoon, with Minding Evens with BetVictor to beat her opposition by three or more lengths and fancied to do just that.
Stewards’ Cup prices from BetVictor; Each Way 5 Places
Orions Bow 6/1
Dancing Star 6/1
Toofi 11/1
12/1 Bar
Whilst the Nassau looks uncompetitive, the Stewards’ Cup is quite the opposite and BetVictor are paying FIVE PLACES for punters looking to complete the puzzle that is today’s 6f Handicap. Dandy Nicholls has a great record in the race and is double-handed with both Kimberella and Orions Bow, who are both respected after impressive successes last time out. Nevertheless, both look skinny enough at the prices whereas Toofi (3.45) looks terrific each-way value at 11/1.
Robert Cowell’s charge has improved on both starts for the yard, finishing an unlucky 8th last month in the Wokinghan at Royal Ascot and looks primed to go even closer under Adam Kirby. The selection chased home Magical Memory in the corresponding race 12 months ago, the winner successful at G2 level thereafter, and looks well-treated from a 4lb higher mark.
In the opening consolation race Roger Charlton’s Projection (2.00) gets 11lb from his elders and can use that to score under Ryan Moore. The well-bred son of Acclamation shaped with plenty of promise on his seasonal debut last month at Newmarket and looks primed to go close under man of the moment Moore.
Another well-bred type that looks a potentially group class animal is Godolphin’s Move Up (2.35) stepping up in trip to a mile and a half in the 3-y-o Handicap. The selection got up late to chin the well backed Gerwshin last time out at Ascot, with the runner-up held in the highest of regards by connections. He remains open to further progression and is a confident selection to give yet further success to in-form jockey James Doyle.
Doyle enjoyed a treble on Wednesday’s card but still looks set to miss out on the Top Jockey award with Lockheed (4.20) expected to seal the accolade for Ryan Moore. William Haggas’ colt cost connections 450,000 guineas at the sales and looked a useful prospect when chasing home Seven Heavens three weeks ago on debut at Ascot. With further improvement likely he is a confident selection to shed the maiden tag at the second time of asking.
Stratum (2.55) should ensure John Gosden’s terrific strike-rate is enhanced at Doncaster, bidding to end a sequence of runner-up efforts under Nicky Mackay. The selection pulled clear with a well-backed favourite of Godolphin earlier in the month at Leicester and sets a useful standard that should see him get his head in front at the belated fifth time of asking.
Gary Mahon is an eye-catching jockey booking for the boys in the blue aboard Flight Officer (3.30) for the feature ten furlongs’ handicap. The son of New Approach bolted-up in a warm Nottingham maiden 18 months ago but has been seen once subsequently, when second on bottomless ground last month at Newmarket. He should strip fitter for the run and prove better than his mark of 93 suggests.
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Be lucky Charlie
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