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Angus McNae - Wednesday 31st July 2013

Dawn Approach: Too Fast, Too Tough, Too Classy

Too fast, too tough, too classy.

In a nutshell that is why I believe Dawn Approach will win the duel on the Downs today.

Let’s face facts. He has beaten Toronado twice this year, but on neither occasion has he encountered an evenly run race.

The 2000 Guineas was something of a mess as far as pace is concerned and the same could be said of the St James's Palace Stakes.

It is to Dawn Approach’s credit that he managed to win under such circumstances. An even gallop in either of those races would, I believe, have seen him win with much more authority.

When he gets such a race he has proved that he is a cut above the rest, the Coventry Stakes and the Dewhurst Stakes last year showed us that.

In short this horse has a big performance in him given the right circumstances and I think that day will be today. Never mind beating Toronado in a duel, he is, in my opinion, capable of blowing him away.

The card at Goodwood today looks very trappy and I think it would be wise to tread with caution when punting on it. That said I do like Magic City in the last race. He is a horse who has a sharp turn of foot and his win at this track three starts ago was impressive.

He also won last time out at Epsom where his change of gear was clearly evident. I expect him to be dropped out by Richard Hughes and providing he gets the splits he looks sure to take a hand in the finish.

He remains well handicapped despite those two recent wins and his wide draw will put plenty of people off, which may just add a little spice to the price. I am not too worried about him starting in stall 18 because he needs to be dropped out and covered up, such tactics should be easy enough for Richard Hughes and a big run is on the cards.

The -sponsored top jockey award at Goodwood could take an interesting turn today. Ryan Moore is the top jock at the moment with two winners, but he is not riding today and thus the gate is open for Richard Hughes to hit the front.

Hughes was 6-4 to win this title again yesterday and now, albeit in a market of poor liquidity, he is now 1-2 on the exchanges.

He has a good book of rides and I expect him to at least draw level with Moore if not pass him.

I am going to be back in the studio today after a 10-day holiday and I am looking forward to a busy day.

Four meetings on the channel will keep me busy long into the evening and I hope that our coverage inspires you today and helps you find a winner or two.

Angus’s Wednesday selections:

3.05 Goodwood - Dawn Approach at 11-10 with Paddy Power

5.25 Goodwood - Magic City each-way at 7-1 with bet365