Tips for Goodwood Sprint Day

Matt Rigby | Metropolitan Racing | Sat 20 August, 2011

Race 1:

Its not a bad race to start the day with the likes of Cohort, Ocean Cracker and even Kawatiri in a bit of form. Ocean Cracker is the testing material here but was literally carried over the line by Pike last start. Had he not been on it, theres no doubt it gets beaten. Cohort was held up at a crucial stage and gets the services of one of my favourite apprentices, Michael Grantham here. Kawatiri's chance depends on just what Dashing Dan decides he wants to do and when he wants to take off. Ill be punting Kawatiri, but I'll be tipping Cohort (if that makes sense). Risktaker and Talk to the Wall are both queries at the trip for mine. Rich Success is not silly at the price, especially if he decides to lead. I'll tip Cohort from Kawatiri and Ocean Cracker.

Suggested Bet: Kawatiri is the value at $7.50 and has a great chance of sneaking this race.

Race 2:

On paper it looks like the Trustee Brown Cup and he really should win with his new lease of life under Stephen Miller. But how often do you see a shortie come unstuck in a race like this, particularly if there is no pace. Its hard to find the leader here. I'm guessing that Ma Shang with blinkers, Changing Lanes or Friars Touch are the only three that can go to the front. Trustee Brown will win with clear running but Ma Shang will be doing everything in his favour to get him beaten. Star Beau was a good run first up at the 1700m for Ben Owen, sitting wide throughout and boxing on for third. No horse with W Pike aboard should be a 50/1 shot and for that reason we have specked him at $12 the place. Kereign is always a chance in a race like this and will win when you least expect it, but I could never tip him. Trustee Brown from Ma Shang and Star Beau.

No Bet.

Race 3:

This is a terrific bunch of three year olds. Bliss Street is the obvious testing material and if she is as good as they think she is, she should win first up. The rest are in a different class, but some still have claims. Valley Girl gets a big drop in weight and she's only a small filly. The 54kg will suit her much better. You Say So has done little wrong and Lord Balthazar has trialed well for Jim Taylor. Dr Indy steps up in class, but must also have claims now with Command Centre scratched. We're going to tip Bliss Street from Valley Girl and Lord Balthazar.

Suggested Bet: Back Bliss Street.

Race 4:

This is a cracking 1000m sprint with tons of speed from the likes of Centrum, Marunouchi and Celebration Girl. Like most, I couldn't believe just how easily Celebration Girl skipped to the front in her last race? She'll lead again here, but will get untold pressure from Marunouchi and/or Centrum. The latter has blinkers added for the first time in a while. He's a mad over racer in any case and Ryan Hill won have the strength or the will to hold him. He will be pounding the leaders without doubt. It will set the race up for a swooper, the likes of Follow The Road (with new trainer), Jay Jay Makster or even Princess Grandera. Will to Win has too much weight first up for mine and may be in need of this run at the 1000m. Jay Jay Makster was an uncharacteristic run behind Celebration Girl, on a day where many get back horses failed to do anything. We'll forgive him and put him on top, even though he rarely wins. Princess Grandera and Follow The Road for the placings.

Suggested Bet: Jay Jay Makster each way at around the $8 on offer.

Race 5:

This is one of the tougher races on the card. Yamunotri will probably lead with Lovabruchill to her outside. Apart from this, there is very little pace. Bontiara, Sherann, Festival Star and Conakey will all get back and must be risks for that reason, even though Bontiara looks very promising. Kim Classic was a pitiful run first up and blinkers go back on here. Not many of these would be capable of giving Playing God a touch up, even on his off day. For that reason, he's the tip (take him on trust) to beat Yamunotri and the smokey is Melody Lady, another at big odds with Willam Pike aboard.

Suggested Bet: Kim Classic each way at anywhere near double figures.

Race 6:

Another excellent race with some diverse formlines. Bridgestone returns after an excellent trial behind Werd. He carries the weight here, but none is anywhere near as accomplished, apart from maybe Peach Tree. Her run first up in the Newmarket was just ordinary, but she will improve sharply one of these days, as Chopper's tend to do. The 59kg is a slight worry for her though. Mantango has been raced heavily over the last six weeks. While still racing consistently, I think the bubble will burst soon. He wasn't suited at the mile last time out and could end up in the breeze here outside Ten Aces. Elle Choisit has been the big improver. She sat wide and beat Friday's Girl before finding Latoria a bit too sharp last time out. Aaron Rogers is a good kid but the bookies will probably take her on as a result. She might end up being the value. Black Felix has disappointed at two runs back. He's much better than that, but I can't tip him until he shows some of his spring form. Bridgestone from Elle Choisit and Ten Aces, who will be there at the 100m mark.
Suggested Bet: The $7 about Bridgestone was good value, each way.

Race 7:

See Goodwood Sprint preview.

All Friared Up, Gondorff and Idyllic Prince.

Suggested Bet: All Friared Up each way at $3 or better and save on Gondorff each way. The $31 has been taken, but the $21 is still decent value.

Race 8:

The last is a raffle. Senhor Da Gama was specked first up for Simon Miller but has now been scratched. He wsa going to be the on top pick. TheWidder is a nice horse out of the Gangemi yard. He was ridden a treat by O'Donnell last start who rides well on back markers. He'll find this a deal tougher than his effort to beat Dare To Doubt, who raced wide. Great'n'Grey was en excellent run to go down narrowly to Numerous Secrets. Grantham got flushed out early and hit the front on straightening. He may however find himself in the same predicament from barrier 7 here. Ibrahimovic is another that William Pike has jumped on to that he has not ridden before. By virtue of his ability, it brings the Troy Mahood trained galloper right into this race. Provided there is enough pace, Irish Action is the forgotten horse here. He is much better suited coming to the outside for his run, which he will have to do from 12 here. Tricky Syd has improved out of sight for Staeck and Kersley and will box seat again. Grozny has been disappoiting and Heart Play will need luck. A tough race but we'll go Great'n'GreyG from The Widder and Irish Action.

No Bet.