Angus McNae's Racing UK Blog
	Thursday 31st July 2014

I’ve got a 25-1 chance at Goodwood today

What should we make of the Sussex Stakes on Wednesday ?

In truth there is little that we can deduce from a race that was run at a farcical pace, and turned into a sprint over two furlongs.

Kingman
© Racehorse Photos

That sprint was won by the best horse in the race and in recording a split of 10.22 seconds between the two furlong pole and the one pole Kingman showed that he has speed to burn.

He is clearly the best miler around, and even if they had gone a strong gallop throughout he would have won.

In terms of using the race as a form guide I think we should be very careful because the overall time was over 5 seconds slower than the Racing Post standard and all learned was that Kingman had more speed than the rest.

I would love to see him at Santa Anita in the Breeders’ Cup mile. The tight turns and relative test of speed would really suit him but John Gosden tried the same thing with Oasis Dream and failed and the ground could just be too quick for him in California.

Wherever he goes he will be really hard to beat.

So far at Goodwood this week to a level stake profit we are evens.

Today hopefully we can edge ahead.

Astronereus in the Fairmont Stakes at Glorious Goodwood looks a likely source of profit.

His fast time maiden win means that his handicap mark for his debut is a lenient one, and I think the maiden he won at Newmarket will prove to be strong form.

Importantly he has previous experience at Goodwood and Amanda Perrett, his trainer, has a good record at her local track.

I know this opener is very competitive but at around 5-1 this horse makes plenty of appeal.

Secondly I will be backing Shagah in the maiden at 4.20.

This horse was second in a decent maiden at Newmarket last time and that race looks all the better after the easy win of the third-placed horse at Leicester last night.

The Hannon and Hughes team have yet to fire this week but have a great chance with Ivawood in the Qatar Bloodstock Richmond Stakes and this horse can belatedly kick start their meeting this afternoon.

10/1 on Estimate or Brown Panther to Win
– Betfair New Customer Exclusive

My final selection is a 25-1 poke who should be backed each-way.

Magnus Maximus runs in the 4.50 and despite his draw in stall 11 I think he will go close if allowed to bowl along in front.

That is how he won two starts ago. He then he had no chance next time when held up in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot when on the wrong side of the track.

Two horses made all to win on the round course yesterday, and this horse has a good chance of doing the same under Pat Dobbs, who has a good record at the track.

So four units staked today in an attempt to get ahead for the week.

Angus McNae’s Thursday tips:

2.05 Goodwood: Astronereus at 15-2 with Betfair Sports

4.20 Goodwood: Shagah at 2-1 with Paddy Power

4.50 Goodwood: Magnus Maximus each-way at 25-1 with SkyBet