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Tanya Stevenson's Racing UK Blog |
| Friday 1st August 2014 |
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Get on the Captain, and I don’t mean Angus McNae!
Tom Cruise at Glorious Goodwood on Thursday. How random!
It was a total surprise that one of Hollywood’s biggest draws should grace the Sussex Downs and I can only imagine he would be utterly fascinated with the events that unravelled.
Was my heart a-flutter at the mere mention of his name? No.
Perhaps he will base the next instalment of Mission Impossible at Glorious and his mission is to find the winners of the Betfred Mile and 32Red Cup! In the meantime back to planet reality.
The press room was full to capacity on day three and seats were at a premium. Luckily I pitch up at the course at around 8am, when virtually nobody else is in attendance so I get a prime position by the window - great for natural air conditioning, and great for a quick escape when coming off air.
The car park attendant had told me that he had counted 86 press personnel on Wednesday and he fully expected more on what was Ladies’ Day.
I have to mention the bookmaker over-rounds were nothing short of a deterrent for punters on a couple of races.
In Ivawood’s Richmond Stakes the bookmakers appeared reluctant to manoeuvre, and it’s not healthy.
The majority of us who like a punt are keeping abreast of all the betting movements via our mobiles or similar devices. On course you got 128% about an eight-runner race and it is just not acceptable. I know there is the problem with each-way, and that’s why the layers are so protective.
Move on to the Goodwood Cup and it was 116% for eight runners, which is 2% a runner. And the layers moan why there are no queues forming?
Three people at separate times approached me saying how disappointed and disgusted they were. There isn’t much to add. It must be said that the remaining races were fine, and some of them were even too favourable to the punters.
The general consensus was that Cavalryman was a small winner for bookmakers, but I scarpered home but was stuck behind a lorry with a huge load of hay on the way so I missed my money disappear on Maibait!
Time to put things right and find a winner at Goodwood.
Why make things complicated in the Betfred Mile?
Under the guise of a tricky handicap the race has gone to the first three in the betting in eight of the last ten years - it is incredibly advantageous to be drawn below gate eight.
Captain Cat out of stall six for Roger Charlton, who has won the race in 2007 with Third Set and a year later with Fifteen Love, looks one to zero in on.
Not seen since Good Friday, he last ran on this ground, and won on it, in May last year. Fingers crossed.
Finally after his July Cup exploits Tropics deserves to win the King George Stakes.
Be warned after Friday the climate could be about to change, as rain appears to be imminent so keep that in mind if studying up on the Stewards’ Cup.
Tanya Stevenson’s Friday tip:
3.05 Goodwood: Captain Cat at 8-1 with SkyBet
Tanya Stevenson’s Friday pointers:
Coutts Glorious Stakes:
Nine of the last ten came from the first three in the betting
Luca Cumani has won the race four times with his last seven runners – today he runs Quest For Peace
Quest For Peace has won both his starts at Glorious Goodwood
Seven of the last eight winners had run at Royal Ascot that season
Two one of the last ten winners had been victorious on their previous start
Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes:
The last eight winners had run in at least Group Three (four of those in Group One).
Mark Johnston has won it with his last two runners. Today he runs Bow Creek.
Richard Hughes has won the race three times in the last seven years. Today he runs Shifting Power.
Seven of the last ten winners came from the first three in the betting.
Eight of the last ten winners came from stall eight or lower (three of those were from stall one).
Eight of the last ten winners came from the first three in the betting.
Eight of the last ten winners were no older four.
Eight of the last ten winners finished in the first five last time (five of those finished in the first two).
Mark Johnston has won three of the last five renewals.
Over the last 12 years 23 apprentices have ridden in the race and all have been beaten
Magic City has won three of his five races at Goodwood.
Steeler has won both his Goodwood races.
Five of the last eight winners had run in the King’s Stand Stakes.
Nine of the last ten winners had run at Royal Ascot.
Seven of the last ten winners came from stall eight or lower.
