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I’m looking to the lucky last at Goodwood
Big Orange squeezed every ounce of energy from his tough reserves to fend off both Quest For More and Trip To Paris, both of whom traded odds-on in-running in the Qatar Goodwood Cup.
A finish to thrill and exhilarate, one which befits that grand old race and it would be wonderful to see the trio do battle at least once more.
The result tested the bookmakers, who had been on the back foot much like Australia at Edgbaston and they needed some respite.
For what had gone before was pretty much one-way traffic.
The Qatar Richmond Stakes was framed to be a stern test for Shalaa. Instead he just aced it, and won somewhat hard held. There were 25 big bets reported from the on-course betting ring on the race ranging from £400 to £5000. The trouble was they were all on Shalaa – oh dear…
After the race I was bombarded with quotes for next years 2,000 Guineas ranging from 12-1 to 20-1, but after a swift interview with John Gosden it appears the Commonwealth Cup is his objective so those quotes are just souvenirs.
Bookmaker Ben Keith probably winced after the result of the photo on the fifth race was called, having laid a hefty bet on winner Notary. Roger Varian’s youngster caused more pain for the layers.
Before the day’s racing began there was the small matter of the Stewards’ Cup draw.
I had the privilege of liaising with Chris Dwyer for Basil Berry, what a thrill that was. Although Basil Berry’s name was drawn out pretty late, it worked out well as one of Chris’s chosen four stalls which we had spoken about earlier had not gone so stall 12 it is - I’ll give him a little cheer on Saturday.
As for my punting on horses, it’s a disaster. It has got to the state whereby Thursday’s tip Groovejet was at one point travelling well until she probably realised I tipped her and then she soon came under pressure.
I hope the same does not happen to the immaculately bred Tashaar, who was a very, very easy winner at Haydock on his only start. He runs in Goodwood’s 5.30pm on Friday
Tanya Stevenson’s Friday tip:
5.30 Goodwood: Tashaar at 9-2 with Ladbrokes
Tanya Stevenson’s Friday pointers:
2.00 Goodwood - Betfred Glorious Stakes:
The Corsican has won both his starts at Goodwood
Nine of the last ten came from the first three in the betting
Luca Cumani has won the race four times with his last eight runners – Connecticut.
Eight of the last nine winners had run at Royal Ascot that season
Two one of the last ten winners had been victorious on their previous start
2.35 Goodwood - Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes:
The last eight winners had run in at least Group Three (four of those in Group One)
Richard Hughes has won the race three times in the last eight years - Kool Kompany
Seven of the last ten winners came from the first three in the betting
3.10 Goodwood – Betfred Mile:
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 13 years 24 apprentices have ridden in the race all have been beaten
Magic City has won three of his seven races at Goodwood
3.45 Goodwood – Qatar King George Stakes:
Six of the last nine winners had run in the King’s Stand Stakes
Nine of the last ten winners had run at Royal Ascot
Eight of the last ten winners came from stall eight or lower
