Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing taking place at Goodwood (Day 2), Thirsk, and Bangor-On-Dee.
GOODWOOD
Race 2: No10 – TRUE DESTINY
Trainer: Roger Charlton – Jockey: Jason Watson
With the Charlton stable going through a purple patch it’s hard to envisage TRUE DESTINY not having a big say in the outcome of this stayers’ handicap. A three-times scorer last year, he’s gone close on both starts since returning from a year off, finishing second on Polytrack at Kempton and third at this level at Newbury. He ran well to place in the corresponding race 12 months ago, and will not mind stepping up in trip.
Race 4: Markel Insurance Molecomb Stakes (Group 3)
No7 SIGNIFICANTLY
Trainer: Karl Burke – Jockey: Ben Curtis
A tendency to do too much too soon cost SIGNIFICANTLY on his latest start in a Listed race at Sandown, where he was worn down by Gussy Mac. The Garswood colt had failed by even narrower margins against decent rivals like Muker on debut at Newcastle and Uncle Jumbo at Doncaster. The selection moves into Pattern company with a fine chance of going one better, as this five furlongs is less demanding than Sandown.
Race 5: Qatar Sussex Stakes (Group 1)
No2 – MOHAATHER
Trainer: Marcus Tregoning – Jockey: Jim Crowley
Owner Sheikh Hamdan dominated Royal Ascot and has a good chance of also landing Goodwood’s marquee race, mother Sussex Stakes, with MOHAATHER. The Showcasing colt faces a fascinating match up with 2,000 Guineas winner Kameko and Irish 2,000 Guineas hero Siskin in a race that’s been dominated by three-year-olds in the last decade. Kameko converted in the gamest fashion when holding Wichita at Newmarket before failing to get the trip in the Investec Derby, while Siskin produced a Houdini act to get out of trouble and nail the Curragh Classic with a lethal turn of foot at the finish. However, the year older Mohaather was arguably unlucky not to go very close when badly hampered on his return from a long absence behind Circus Maximus in the Queen Anne and proved that by storming home in the Group 2 Summer Mile at the same Ascot track to make him an upwardly mobile performer that can take his trainer back into the big time.
Prediction
1st MOHAATHER
2nd Kameko
3rd Siskin
4th Circus Maximus
5th Wichita
Race 7: No18 – SOCIETY LION (Nap)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Ryan Moore
With few miles on the clock, SOCIETY LION is of serious interest in this handicap around a bend, in spite of the fact he has a horrible draw to overcome. In retrospect his jockey at Doncaster last time may regret making his move too soon, as he led a furlong out only to get worried out of it by Tiger Crusade in the final 100 yards. The assessor put him up 5lb for that defeat which might seem harsh, but this colt is very well regarded, and if things work out for him traffic-wise will surely be in the firing line at the finish.
THIRSK
Race 1: No3 – DIGITAL (Nap)
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Tom Eaves
With the form of his Doncaster second working out, DIGITAL holds the cards in this opening maiden and should prove hard to beat. The son of Kodi Bear shaped well behind Victory Heights on his Newcastle introduction and ran into one in the shape of Ubettabelieveit on the Town Moor. Being in stall one could be the best place to be for this outstanding form pick.
Race 3: No1 – WITH THANKS
Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Cieren Fallon
While the fitness of WITH THANKS has to be taken on trust, the once-raced Camacho filly can remain unbeaten. It’s nine months since her success in a Newmarket novice when she was also partnered by Fallon, but she’s been in good form at home, to suggest she’s ready.
Race 6: No4 – GLEN FORCE
Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott – Jockey: Ryan Tate
GLEN FORCE was turned over when odds-on for an Ayr maiden when wearing first-time cheekpieces. It was the fourth time in succession that he went off favourite only to be beaten, but is worth one more chance and may know too much for Wondrous Words with the headgear retained.
BANGOR-ON-DEE
Race 1: No5 – ISAAC WONDER
Trainer: Michael Scudamore – Jockey: Brendan Powell
Reverting to hurdles after an impressive win over fences, ISAAC WONDER sets the standard for the others to aim at and holds strong claims for a follow-up triumph. He’d run into the money on his return on the Flat and can prove too hot for Lady Reset to handle.
Race 3: No4 – LANTIERN (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Whittington- Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
This is the best of three opportunities over fences for LANTIERN who ran with credit on his chase debut and can now be campaigned fruitfully off a mark of 118. He displayed plenty of pace before facing over two miles and five furlongs on that Stratford comeback and should appreciate dropping back to two miles and a furlong here.
