Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Newmarket and Goodwood on Saturday. View selections below.
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NAHAAR (3.35) has been topping ante-post lists for the Unibet Stewards’ Cup and is fancied to justify that market confidence on the final day of Glorious Goodwood.
William Haggas has stripped him to win five of his eight career starts and the colt comes into the race in rampant form. Nahaar laid down a solid marker when third to Chiefofchiefs in the Silver Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot and went on to beat Watan more than two lengths at Newbury 13 days ago, justifying strong market support in convincing fashion. Haggas has bagged this prize twice before and Nahaar looks sure to run a huge race, despite a potentially awkward draw in stall 19.
Khaadem became the third three-year-old in five years to win the race when landing a touch (4-1 fav) 12 months ago and Meraas will be fancied by many to further enhance that statistic. This big sprint has so far eluded Mark Johnston but there was plenty of confidence behind Merhaas when the improving three-year-old landed a gamble in the Scottish Stewards’ Cup at Hamilton 16 days ago.
Kimifive has a high cruising speed and will be suited by finding some cover in this big field. Joe Tuite has booked Cieren Fallon to take off 3lb and Kimifive, hampered on a couple of occasions when tenth last year, is one for each-way punters to consider.
The 1m 6f Unibet Summer Handicap can fall to Sir Michael Stoute’s LAAFY (1.50), an easy Newbury winner on resumption before posting a solid second to Deja in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock.
Shailene, third last year, was given an indifferent ride at Newbury last time and should be thereabouts again along with in-form Calling The Wind.
ENBIHAAR (3.00) is banker material to repeat last year’s easy success in the Lillie Langtry Stakes.
John Gosden’s mare cruised into the lead under Crowley 12 months ago, crushing one of today’s principal rivals Manuela De Vega by an easy five lengths. Enbihaar was made favourite for her return to action at Newmarket but could never gets to grips with the front-runners. That was her first outing in 278 days and will have put her cherry-ripe for today.
Manuela De Vega has impressed since comeback, scoring twice in very pleasing fashion at Haydock on a soft surface, but if the track is riding slick it will favour Enbihaar. Aidan O’Brien’s Irish Oaks fifth Love and consistent Cabaletta don’t look good enough.
Seven three-year-olds go to post for the 7f handicap at Newmarket and Hamdan Al Maktoum’s BAASHIR (2.40) looked the real deal on this quick ground when spread-eagling his field at Salisbury. Karibana delivered a late thrust to catch Inhalation at Newbury and is feared.
WITHHOLD (3.50) can beat three rivals in the 1m 6f Listed event. Roger Charlton’s gelding goes great guns at Newmarket, routing his field in the 2017 Cesarewitch and more recently scoring by six lengths over course and distance last September. Withhold hasn’t been disgraced in Group company this season and should hold too many aces for classy but disappointing Moonlight Spirit, tailed off behind Eagles By Day at York a fortnight ago.
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Tally Ho
Alan
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