Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Goodwood, Yarmouth, and Ayr on Tuesday 28 July 2020.
GOODWOOD
Race 2: No9 – DEREVO
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Ryan Moore
Three times winner DEREVO needs to overcome a hazardous draw but has the talent to make his mark in this fiercely competitive handicap. The Dansili colt has been in very good form at home and will enjoy the easier ground that has emanated from unsettled conditions along the south coast over the weekend. He capitulated towards the end of his comeback run at Doncaster when probably ridden too enterprisingly. His chance today depends on him getting racing real estate under more patient tactics from the saddle.
Race 3: Veuve Cliquot Vintage Stakes (Group 2)
No1 – BATTLEGROUND (Nap)
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien – Jockey: Ryan Moore
BATTLEGROUND made great strides from his first run to a second when taking out the Chesham Stakes at Ascot last month. The son of War Front managed only fifth on his Naas introduction, but in going off an 11-4 favourite for that Listed race at the Royal fixture indicated he’d made plenty of improvement at home. He was in full control at the end of a race run in easy conditions. He will also experience cut in the ground today and should prove hard to beat.
Race 4: Qatar Lennox Stakes (Group 2)
No5 DUKE OF HAZZARD
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: David Probert
From a good draw course specialist, DUKE OF HAZZARD should get cover in the early stages of what promises to be a sizzling affair. The Lope De Vega colt broke his maiden here and enjoyed a bountiful spell returned to the downland course last August when landing a Group 3 over a mile followed by the Group 2 Celebration Mile. While seven furlongs is perhaps short of his best, the selection should get a strong pace off which to attack in the straight and can foil the in-form duo of Safe Voyage and Space Blues.
Race 5: Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (Group 1)
No5 – STRADIVARIUS
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Frankie Dettori
STRADIVARIUS is the undisputed king of the staying ranks and in winning this historic contest for a record fourth year in succession can put himself at the top of a roll of honour that includes champions such as Le Moss, Double Trigger, Yeats and Persian Punch. His much-publicized ten race winning sequence was halted by Kew Gardens in the big staying race at Ascot on Champions’ Day, while he made a good fist of it when beaten by Ghaiyyath on his return over an inadequate mile and a half at Newmarket. When returned to two miles for the Gold Cup last month he plundered that prize for the third time in as many years with a10 lengths hammering of Nayef Road. The last-named horse reopposes with scant hope of turning the form around, and it should be left to fast-improving three-year-old Santiago to give Stradivarius most to think about.
Race 8: No10 – DANCING APPROACH
Trainer: Roger Charlton – Jockey: Tom Greatrex
The Charlton stable has hit form with a vengeance and DANCING APPROACH looks another scorer for his Beckhampton team in this fillies’ handicap. The daughter of Camelot is going to get the cut in the ground that helped bring about her recent triumphs at Haydock. She absolutely hacked up under a 6lb penalty last time and is more than likely progressing faster than the assessor can keep up with her.
YARMOUTH
Race 2: No7 – KIMBERLEY
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
Hat-trick seeker Awesomedude will attracted plenty of the betting handle on this Class 5 handicap but he could be usurped by the unexposed KIMBERLEY. Fanshawe does well with this type of unexposed filly and should have her spot on to deliver on handicap debut following gradual improvement in her three races to obtain a mark. Interestingly, the best of those came when she switched from the all-weather to turf in a Windsor novice last time (second to First Winter).
Race 9: No5 – MICHAELS CHOICE (Nap)
Trainer: William Jarvis – Jockey: Hayley Turner
The blinkered MICHAELS CHOICE has been in good form racing on turf since the resumption of racing, picking up a small race at Bath before seeing that form overturned by the runner-up May Remain in a rematch at Sandown. He’s got the points on the board to keep up the good work and is the best bet on a tricky card.
AYR
Race 5: No7 – DUTCH DECOY
Trainer: Mark Johnston – Jockey: PJ McDonald
DUTCH DECOY looks to have benefitted from a change of stable and with headgear removed delivered on his first start for Johnston on Polytrack at Kempton. He’s up against an unexposed rival in Entrancing but should add to his laurels.
Race 6: No10 – STOCKBRIDGE TAP (Nap)
Trainer: James Bethell – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Consistency has been the hallmark of STOCKBRIDGE TAP’s three career starts that resulted in a third and two seconds. He will not be harmed by any softening of the ground and receives weight from his nine foes. He also has the in-form Doyle doing the steering for the first time.
