Angus McNae's Racing UK Blog
	Thursday 30th July 2015

History beckons for Doyle

Any sport needs someone who by their words, deeds or actions help to promote, educate and popularize his or her chosen sport. In the shape of the late Sir Peter O Sullivan racing had that man rather like cricket had its Richie Benaud.

Both were outstanding broadcasters who cared deeply for their sport, their sport mattered more than their image, more than what people thought of them. Such dedication was allied to a gift of description and an ability to judge the gravitas required for any particular moment. They will both be missed by their respective sports, but in terms of horseracing, yesterday the industry lost a man who set standards for us all to aspire to. Rest in peace Sir Peter.

Another each-way poke in the frame yesterday in the last at Goodwood at 9/1 has kept us afloat without actually repelling the ever hungry wolf from the door. If all else fails over the next two days I really do have one I fancy in the first at Goodwood on Saturday and to some extent I will be keeping my powder dry until then.

Before we put some units down today I want to look even further ahead to the Ebor at York. Yesterday William Of Orange palpably failed to stay the two-mile-five-furlong trip. He pulled hard for much of the race, cruised into contention then stopped quickly. He certainly needs a drop in trip and some may feel that the Cesarewitch is the race for him, but I beg to differ.

Given that both of his wins have come at one-mile-six-furlongs he has surely got to be pointed at the Ebor. He has an entry in the race and is 20/1. That looks like tremendous value to me and I am recommending we get involved at that price now. I can certainly see him being much shorter on the day should he turn up.

Ante-post selection:

Ebor Handicap, York: William of Orange 20/1 various firms.

As for today I will be backing one horse at Goodwood in the shape of Racing History. If you saw him win at Chester last time out you will be with me on this project. He is a full brother to the multiple Group One winner Farhh and the ease with which he cut down a good field from the back at Chester showed that he has a fair bit of the ability his brother had.

He has to race off a 9lb higher mark, but that will surely not stop this progressive individual. The fact that the ground is not rattling quick is also a bonus for him and from a good draw in stall five with James Doyle on board I really do think he is something to bet on with confidence today.

Today's Selection:

2.05 Goodwood - Racing History