Fifty Two To B Victorious At Chester

Good morning/evening to you all, I hope we are prepared for another busy afternoon of racing and ready to bounce back from a poor blog last week. Nothing particularly went right last weekend with Heavy Metal meeting a lot of trouble and facing no chance whatsoever before Intrinsic ran a poor race. This was topped off before Kings Fete pulled away his chance early on but proved he stayed the trip well, but he is still no back number for the St Leger and with the addition of a hood could still go close.

As always we have a video preview prepared for you as we look through the day of action on Channel 4 from Sandown, Chester and Beverley. Joining the panel alongside myself are @Adamwebb121, @Calummadell and @TWEnclosure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBHajU3cd88&feature=youtu.be

Now onto the all important selections!

2:20 Chester - B Fifty Two

B Fifty Two is an interesting individual who failed to refind his two year old form for quite some time before correcting that at Newmarket last season over six furlongs. Since then his form has been far better but has been prone to throwing in the odd shocking performance, but they tend to come on faster surfaces. He was most recently seen when running a blinder at the York Ebor Festival behind Blaine and Move In Time, however I argue that the performance can be upgraded.

He raced handy and unchallenged on the far side throughout the race and led the whole field until no more than 20 yards from the line, when caught by the near side group. This was a race that seemed to collapse at the front and fall into the hands of the held up horses, which makes B Fifty Two's performance all the more impressive. He has rightly been raised two pounds in the handicap for that performance, but with a plum draw of stall number two and a course and distance win to his name this season we can take him to go two better this time. (9/2)

3:30 Chester - Noble Silk

From a sprint to a staying contest with Lucy Wadham's representative, Noble Silk who has been in fine form this season including big runs at Glorious Goodwood and the Northumberland Plate. Despite not being outside of the first four in six races this season, he has only been raised five pounds in the handicap, he has also be second twice, third once and victorious once at Haydock.

Despite not winning all that much he has been running in much better races than today's contest and was last seen behind Havana Cooler and Van Percy. I have never been a huge fan of the latter mentioned, however despite that you can't deny he is very consistent and showed that when second in the Ebor last week.

Noble Silk was beaten by two and a half lengths by Van Percy, but that could have been a much smaller margin as he was denied a run by the eventual winner just over a furlong out. By the time he has regathered himself and started to stay on again he found himself with too much to do and the race had gone, but he did stick to the job well. It will be interesting to see how Paul Mulrennan uses his mount here as he stays further which can't be said for some of his rivals, Noble Silk to run them into the ground. (7/2)

3:15 Sandown - Water Hole

Water Hole has a similar profile to one of last years winner's with Integral who came here lightly raced before dead heating with Ladys First. The former has since gone on to be an established force amongst her own sex but Water Hole still has a long way to come until then, she has set herself a solid base though.

Today is another step up from the races she has contested so far, however it isn't as strong as some past renewals that aside from the already mentioned have gone to Dank and Strawberrydaiquiri. I am also not one to read too much into stats but with Ladys First ruled out all of the last five winners have been a three year old which is in Water Hole's favour.

From a tactical point of view there isn't much pace on and Water Hole seems to be the only one that can go forward after making the running last time at Newmarket. If she can get an easy time of thing on the front end then it will take a good horse to catch her and Fintry is vulnerable under her penalty. Water Hole is taken to land her first Group race on only her first attempt in this company. (5/1)

NAP - B Fifty Two
Nb - Water Hole

Good luck today guys and as always, happy punting!

King On Trial At Goodwood

Good evening/morning to you all, today marks the last day of what has been a long week at York for the Ebor festival culminating in the Betfred Ebor itself. There have been some highs and lows throughout the week including the lowest low of Taghrooda tasting defeat for the first time, but those shadows were shone away by the awesome performance courtesy of Sole Power on Friday. Supporting the York card today we have strong meetings at Goodwood and Newmarket which both have Listed action with the former staging a Group race.

As always we have a video preview prepared for you all as we discuss the Channel 4 action for the day. Joining me this week are @Adamwebb121, @Calummadell and @Mytentoryours and this shall also mark the last video of a busy week. We hope you enjoy the show!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgBLPLwbWhA (Live show at 8:45pm ish)

Now onto the all important selections. 

2:55 Goodwood - Heavy Metal

Mark Johnston has been in fantastic form for the majority of the season including when landing the International Stakes at Ascot with Heavy Metal in July. That effort came off an eight pound lower mark than today but he has since posted a good effort at Goodwood over a furlong further, when caught in the final stride by Red Avenger. 

He hit the front too early that day and mixed in with a stamina doubt over a mile doesn't make for a good outcome, however he knuckled down late in the day to just be denied. Suitably he has been dropped to seven furlongs for today's race but he must defy another six pound rise which puts him near Group class, that is exactly where we will see him next if victorious today. His last run also came after a break of only six days which may have been a bit too soon for him, but today he comes here after 22 days off. Heavy Metal and Joe Fanning to put the record straight and take one large step closer to Group company over his beloved seven furlongs. (15/2)

3:55 Newmarket - Intrinsic

Robert Cowell has been patient all season with Intrinsic and he finally got his reward last time out when his charge duly obliged in the 32Red Cup (Stewards Cup). Now it is time for him to become a man in a higher grade and confirm the hype that his connections have awarded him in the early part of his career.

His career started off in the care of Sir Michael Stoute where he was victorious once, however since switching to the care of Robert Cowell he is unbeaten in three attempts. These have also come over six furlongs, however he did have some entries in top five furlong races showing that he has no shortage of speed. This is probably more his level for the moment as even though he was mightily impressive at Goodwood, he still showed signs of being green. 

Despite travelling into the race strongly he shied away from the whip under a right hand drive from Richard Hughes, however when switching hands he straightened up and went away from the field in good style. Tom Queally takes over in the saddle today which is a small negative as he hasn't ridden the horse before, but he is more than capable of course. Intrinsic to be the second that takes a big step towards Group company today. (9/2)

4:40 Goodwood - Kings Fete

If you are a frequent reader of this blog or if you have ever conversed with me for more than 10 seconds you will know that I am a huge fan of Kings Fete. His last visit to this course ended in defeat however he still put in a monster performance and James Doyle will have learned a lot about the horse.

Despite being beaten three lengths by Double Bluff he still shaped as the best horse in the race after settling around 15 lengths off the pace when turning for home, when the eventual winner was already on the front end. Despite this he managed to close down the margin to three lengths at the finish but was staying on all the time which explains the extra two furlongs today. 

One thing that could be viewed as a negative is the removal of his hood which was used last time and seemed to calm him down compared to his York run. However he does seem to be a horse who is improving with every run and natural progression may take over from what the hood could provide. Kings Fete to land today's event to stamp his authority on the St Leger market (Why is everyone proving something today!?). (9/4)

5:00 York - Bancnuanaheireann

Today's final selection has already broken the record of 'amount of times I have checked the spelling of a name before posting a blog' and I still couldn't be sure if I am right. But despite having a really difficult name he also holds a good chance at a big price after turning in a good effort at Ascot last time after a break. 

He found a mile too sharp last time out on Shergar Cup day although he did travel into the race like a dream before found wanting for a bit of speed. Despite that, he finished fifth but only a length behind the eventual winner and was never closer throughout the whole race so the extended 10 furlongs should be right up his street. 

Last season he was victorious in the Silver Cambridgeshire, but his trainer Mick Appleby will no doubt have his sights set on the main event this time around. To make sure there is no doubt about him getting into the Cambridgeshire he must at least run well today which would boost his handicap mark by a few pounds as he is currently 41st on the list. We hope to round off the day with Bancnuanaheireann winning for us at big odds. (22/1)

NAP - Kings Fete

Nb - Heavy Metal

Good luck everyone and as always, happy punting!

Charline To Give Chicago A Euro Feel

Good morning/evening ladies and gentleman, I hope we are all ready for a busy weekend of racing as we have no fewer than eight meetings in England and one over in Ireland. On top of all of this we have a fantastic card from Arlington as they stage their yearly Arlington Million in which Magician is a short priced favourite. Euro Charline and Just The Judge also make the long trip over for the Beverley D which was won last year by Dank for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore.

As always we have a preview video prepared for you guys featuring myself (@Lukeelder13) along with the happy family of @Calummadell, @Adamwebb121 and the ever young @Mytentoryours. We will be back next week as we cover York which also marks a big milestone for OnTheOtherHoof! Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUrIaCPTjbI&feature=youtu.be - Live at 8pm

Now onto the all important selections!

1:35 Newbury - Shafrah

Shafrah won't want much more rain

Richard Hughes' picks up a rare ride for Sheikh Hamdan due to the unfortunate injury picked up at Glorious Goodwood by Paul Hanagan, who in turn we welcome back to the saddle tomorrow. But it was Shane Kelly who rode last time at Sandown when chasing home the improving Agent Murphy and Torchlighter, who have both boosted the form since. He was able to dictate a slow pace at Sandown and it almost paid off as he kicked turning for home, however it wasn't enough to repel the challenges from two of his rivals. This race looks decidedly weaker however but the main worry would seem to be the softer ground at Newbury, although Acclamation's progeny have been known to handle some cut in the ground, but with no rain anticipated overnight it should dry out a bit. He has taken a while to come into himself and he looks ready to announce himself onto the scene as a three year old, Shafrah to get our day started off well. (4/1)

4:50 Doncaster - Humidor

A long wait now for our second selection of the day as Humidor looks to gain his first win since 2011 when he won a listed race over course and distance. Connections once considered him Group class when with his old owners but has since lost his way running against the likes of Catcall, Slade Power and Ortensia. He has been showing glimpses of his old form lately though and led the field deep into the final furlong at Glorious Goodwood in the Stewards Cup consolation race. He didn't seem to stay the whole six furlongs that day but showed plenty of early speed, so a furlong shorter will be no bother to him with four of his six wins coming over this trip. Humidor to bounce back to form with the eye catching booking of Richard Kingscote in the saddle. (12/1)

22:54 Arlington - Euro Charline

Euro Charline fends off the challenge of Kiyoshi

An even longer wait and even further to travel now as we head over to America and in particular Arlington, Chicago for the first of two visits tonight. You should be familiar with the selection however after Euro Charline was fifth in the 1000 Guineas and an unlucky third in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. Since then she has added a win to her name which was her first since victorious at Wolverhampton off a now laughable mark of 78. She outbattled Kiyoshi on that occasion who boosted the form with a good fourth in a strong Group Three at Deauville today, Gifted Girl who was fourth has also turned in a good effort in a Listed race. The selection however steps up in trip and tackles beyond a mile for the first time in her career which should be to suit after making all at Ascot. That was the first time she has run in a race since being bought by Team Valor that has been strongly run over a mile so stamina could be her strong suit. Euro Charline to follow in Dank's footsteps and win the Beverley D for England with Ryan Moore in the box seat. (5/1)

23:36 Arlington - Real Solution

Real Solution and The Apache last year

Since we are already here we may as well stay in Chicago for the Arlington Million which has suffered from a poor turn out, although two raiders from our side of the pond have been enticed to take their chances with Magician and Side Glance. Real Solution won this race in the stewards room however which got the blood of every racing fan in England boiling after the slightest of bumps from The Apache. This year's renewal is slightly more disappointing and after returning to form last time out when winning a muddling Manhattan Stakes, but the less said about that the better. I say he returned to form when in reality may be a bit harsh as before that effort he had since finished second in the Man O' War stakes, which is better form than Magician has coming into tonight's race. Real Solution to go back to back in the Arlington Million for Chad Brown and Javier Castellano. (4/1)

NAP - Euro Charline
Nb - Real Solution

Good luck and as always, happy punting!

Ladbrokes St Leger - Ante Post

Good morning/afternoon everyone, an untimely midweek blog today as we preview the Ladbrokes St Leger which is only a month away.

We don't have a Classic winner in the field however it promises to be a competitive event with Kingston Hill heading the market who chased home Australia in the Derby. He is joined by the unexposed types of Kings Fete, Elite Army and Granddukeoftuscany as well as the Royal Ascot winner Hartnell and the Epsom Derby third, Romsdal.

Kingston Hill

We may not have a Classic winner in the race but we do have Kingston Hill who chased home Australia at Epsom when making him pull out all the stops. As a two year old Roger Varian's colt went through the whole season unbeaten culminating with a success at Doncaster in the Racing Post Trophy, but it was always apparent that he would excel over further. With that in mind he ran a fantastic race in the 2000 Guineas to finish five lengths behind the winner Night Of Thunder and just under four and a half lengths behind Australia. He managed to close that gap to one and a quarter lengths at Epsom before running on into fourth off the

Kingston Hill winning the Racing Post Trophy

back of a slow pace in the Coral Eclipse at Sandown.

For a while connections were skeptical about whether to take their chances in this race, but an entry in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury would suggest he may be on course for the final Classic of the year. There are a few doubts that come with Kingston Hill though and the main one in the past has been the state of the ground. Despite handling a faster surface at Epsom in the Derby and at Sandown in the Coral Eclipse he does seem to be more at home on more testing ground. That shouldn't be too much of a problem after his last two efforts, and the fact that this race looks decidedly weaker than them two events means he comes into the race with a very strong chance.

Elite Army

Godolphin have pinned their main hopes onto Elite Army who burst onto the scene when winning impressively at Royal Ascot, defying a handicap mark of 94 in doing so. He got the better of Windshear that day after finding trouble in running when held in by the eventual runner up, but when getting out into the open showed a smart turn of foot. The last mentioned point may just be his downfall however as he doesn't look a horse with emphasis on stamina, despite not stopping at the end of his races over a shorter distance. So why are there doubts about his stamina? He doesn't appear to have the mentality of a stayer as he has been very keen in the early part of his races and continued to fight his jockey throughout the whole race.

Elite Army beating Windshear at Royal Ascot

With all that kept in mind he may just be a horse that needs a bit more time to mature and it would be interesting to see if Saeed Bin Suroor reaches for the 'trendy' hood. But after a couple of setbacks since Ascot and with no races planned for him between now and the day, he may just be found wanting against more experienced opponents, but he shouldn't fall short on ability.

Kings Fete

There is no secret that I am a big fan of Kings Fete who like Elite Army has been lightly raced in his still young career after finding only Double Bluff too strong at Goodwood. However there was more than meets the eye that day as Kings Fete had to make up 20 lengths from last to first and beat all bar one who was vastly more experienced than him. The form of that race wouldn't be good enough to win a Classic, however he was ridden differently when held up which didn't look to suit him in a first time hood. Despite not winning he took a huge step forward at Goodwood in the preliminaries after behaving atrociously at York when bolting on the way to post. This could just be down to him maturing each time he races as is the way with many Sir Michael Stoute inmates such as Telescope and Sea Moon.

Kings Fete in action at Sandown

Like Kingston Hill, connections have given Kings Fete an entry into the Geoffrey Freer Stakes as well as the Great Voltigeur which is likely the more preferred target at York. With more improvement to come from a horse still rated under 100 at the time of writing he must hold a very strong chance at a big price.

Hartnell

Unlike many others in the field, Hartnell has already proved his stamina when winning the Queens Vase (2 miles) and the Bahrain Trophy (1m 5f) so he has an ideal profile for the St Leger. The path he has taken is a similar one to Leading Light who also won the Queens Vase last year on his way to winning the St Leger for Ballydoyle.

Hartnell however was seen as more of a Derby horse at the start of the year before he tasted defeat in both of the trial races he contested at Epsom and Lingfield. He has since rewarded connections who kept their faith in him by winning twice in as many attempts when stepped up to trips in excess of 12 furlongs. The form of those races is my worry with Century and Marzocco both proving disappointments after both being aimed at the top early on in their career.

Hartnell winning the Bahrain Trophy

With ground not proving an issue at either extreme and stamina in abundance, we can safely give Hartnell a strong chance but he may come up a bit short for win purposes.


Granddukeoftuscany

Aidan O'Brien and his son Joseph won this race last year with Leading Light, but the profiles between the two are vastly different as Granddukeoftuscany comes here with only a Maiden victory under his belt, much like Foundry who was fifth in this last year. He was unfancied on debut at the Curragh but stayed on from an impossible position in nice style to take sixth and showing clear ability. He confirmed that promise when winning very easily second time out at Tipperary by 19 lengths with a horse now rated in the high 70s back in second. Like a few in this field that form wouldn't be good enough to win this but in the same breath, he wouldn't have to improve much and an entry in the Great Voltigeur is interesting.

On the whole he remains an intriguing entry but it is hard to tell how good he really is until he tested in higher company, but he does fall under the exciting category.

Eagle Top

Connections of Eagle Top have stressed that it is unlikely that he will take his chance in the St Leger however if he did turn up then he would definitely be my selection. He was last seen taking on his elders in the King George when a staying on fifth at Ascot behind Taghrooda, Telescope and Trading Leather.

Personally he is at the top of my list for four year olds to follow next season after seeing him up close at Ascot as he still looks a bit weak behind the saddle. With plenty of growing left to do and the shame that he is unlikely to turn up here we will swiftly breeze over Eagle Top... Until next year anyway.

Romsdal

Romsdal will likely be the main hope for John Gosden and William Buick who have won this race twice in the last four years with Arctic Cosmos and Masked Marvel. However William Buick has only ridden Romsdal once in five of his outings when second to Orchestra at Chester, with Richard Hughes riding him on the last two occasions.

After the Derby, Romsdal was installed as the favourite for this race but after leaving a lot to be desired in the King George he has been drifting to big prices. In fairness a run like that was to be expected after getting outpaced late on in the Derby, but there is no shame in lacking speed against Australia and Kingston Hill. On that form he would be in with a big chance but does have to leave that poor performance behind from last time out.

Romsdal

As mentioned before, he got outpaced in the Derby but it looks as if stamina will be his strong suit especially as his Sire (Halling) has bred horses like Deep Purple who once ran in a National and the Dam being by Singspiel. With all that taken into account we can forgive Romsdal his poor run in the King George and for me it is hard to see him being out of the first three.

Snow Sky

Sir Michael Stoute won this with Conduit back in 2008 and could well be double handed here with Kings Fete and Snow Sky, who is coming here off the back of a win in the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. For me he didn't handle the course that day and proved that when running around late on in the day, but there is also a chance that he was getting tired late on which would pose worries about his stamina.

He beat Windshear that day who was potentially unlucky in running, but before that was found out in a weaker renewal of the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. That could be a bit harsh as it was won by Eagle Top, but he won it very easily and Adelaide has been narrowly denied at Belmont in a Grade One. With all that taken into account he would still have to step up his form to win here and preference would be for his stable mate Kings Fete.

Snow Sky winning the Lingfield Derby Trial

On the breeding side of things, there is a large differential between the two sides as on the Sire's side (Nayef) there is no shortage of stamina, however his Dam (Winter Silence) has bred sprinters which would put stamina into doubt. Especially after his exploits at Goodwood Snow Sky can be overlooked and others are preferred.

Windshear

The final contender on the list is Richard Hannon's representative in Windshear who was unlucky in the Gordon Stakes but has been ultra consistent all year. He has also been beaten by three others in the race at this stage which are Hartnell, Elite Army and Snow Sky, although the only one I would consider a danger out of them three is Hartnell.

Windshear winning at Sandown

As mentioned previously he was unlucky in the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, however when he got into daylight he absolutely flew home and just ran out of time behind Snow Sky. He was ridden as if they had some stamina doubts about him that day, but he answered that question in no uncertain fashion so staying power is no worry. The only worry I have about him is that he has finished second on his last four attempts, whereas I have no worries regarding his temperament but it is understandable to have them doubts.

Windshear may come close for this event but it could just be that he finds one or two too good, but if he did get his head in front there would be no other that deserved it more.


1st - Kings Fete (16/1)
2nd - Romsdal (8/1)
3rd - Windshear (14/1)

Advice

Win bets on Kings Fete and Romsdal

Double Is No Hassle For Cox

Good morning/evening everyone, whether you love it or hate it the Shergar Cup is back for it's yearly renewal and it looks as competitive as ever. Last week was a fantastic blog for us with two winners at 14/1 and 8/1 along with two other places at shorter prices, but we should have stayed afloat. We can only hope for a week as good as the last today but the weather looks set to ruin a few days as always. I will be at Ascot tomorrow with BetRacingNation, so if you see us come up and say hi, we could do with a few tips in fairness!

As always we have a video prepared for you guys as we preview all of the Channel 4 action today including the Shergar Cup action. Joining me on the panel this week is @Adamwebb121 and the new face of @TWEnclosure, we hope you enjoy the show!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1175CgU4UA

Now onto the all important selections!

1:30 Ascot - Hassle

Clive Cox has his string in fine form right now and Hassle is one of them who has held his form all year, but in truth hasn't really run a bad race in his still young career. As always with the Shergar Cup it is a lottery for what jockey you get but connections will be delighted by securing the services of top French rider Olivier Peslier.

We last saw Hassle when chasing home the progressive handicapper Maid In Rio over course and distance, but there is no shame in that at all. She didn't exactly frank the form at Goodwood but it was plain to see that she didn't stay and remains one to keep onside. Hassle however was three and a half lengths clear of the rest of the field and as a result must carry an extra three pounds which shouldn't be enough to stop him today. (5/1)

1:50 Haydock - Profitable

Patience Alexander sets the standard here after a good third in the Albany at Royal Ascot, however as a result she must give 24 pounds to Profitable. The selection was very green on debut when hanging over to the far side at Newbury but put the record straight in no uncertain fashion when winning at Sandown. He just seems to be a horse who needs a bit of time, but his win at Sandown will do him the world of good and he should improve a great deal for the experience.

My only worry is that he doesn't look an out and out five furlong horse so he may improve over further, but off this mark he should get away with it and is by no means slow. Despite disappointing on debut when well backed, the form has been franked since with the winner finding only Kool Kompany too good in a Group Two next time out and the runner up winning at Ffos Las, albeit in a very weak Maiden. With a monster weight allowance we side with Profitable to land his second career victory and complete a quick Clive Cox double. (7/4)

2:30 Newmarket - Urban Dance

You may remember Urban Dance making an entry on this blog last time out, unfortunately the ground deteriorated and completely went against him which cost him his chance. With that taken into account we can give him another chance today as he didn't disgrace himself on going that didn't suit him at all. Before that outing he was unbeaten over course and distance from two attempts that came on Good To Firm and Good Ground. With hopefully no rain tonight and more importantly no rain tomorrow he should take all the beating and provide Adam Kirby with a valuable Godolphin winner. (11/2)

2:40 Ascot - Dark Emerald

I have to say that I am more than a little shocked to see that Dark Emerald hasn't opened up favourite for this event as he seems to have everything in his favour. Last time out he split Heavy Metal and Alejandro who have both won strong handicaps since and as a result Dark Emerald has been raised five pounds. That came over seven furlongs which could just be a bit on the short side, so the step up to a mile looks a good move by Brendan Powell. As mentioned earlier it is always a gamble in the Shergar Cup as you don't know what jockey you will get, but Olivier Peslier can round off a double in good style here. The ground will be no problem for him either way but ideally he would want it on the quicker side, but with all things considered he is the one to beat. (7/1)

NAP - Hassle
Nb - Dark Emerald

Good luck today guys and as always, happy punting!

Fete To Be King Of Goodwood

Good morning/evening everyone, I hope we have all enjoyed the week of racing so far at Goodwood and Galway with the former mentioned ending today. As always we end with Stewards Cup day... Oh wait sorry, I meant 32Red Cup day, catchy name isn't it!! The card is headed by the Group One Nassau Stakes which for me is a bit disappointing, but there are many more betting opportunities on the card.

As always we have a preview video prepared for you however only the two of us were on the panel this week with myself and @Adamwebb121 as we cover Newmarket and Goodwood. We hope you enjoy the show and thanks to all who got in touch with us to make the show it's normal banterous self... Ahem...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzLgqDOEX4A 

But onto the all important weekly selections!

2:05 Goodwood - Barnet Fair

Normal service can be resumed today with Dandy Nicholls saddling a Goodwood sprint handicap winner to take after his brilliant sprinter Zuhair who made this course his own in the late 90s and early thousands. Barnet Fair can continue that trend after connections elected to come here instead of taking up an engagement over five furlongs earlier in the week. He built on a few good runs to finish second, last Sunday at Ascot when finding only Racy too good (Which is something that can't be said too often). I can say how well he looked after seeing him in person that day, and he may have been a little unlucky as the field seemed to carry him towards the rail in the final furlong. Once he found the rail he started to stay on and was closest at the finish after fighting past Peterkin who will be mentioned on the blog later on. The main argument against his chances will be stamina as all his best form is over the minimum trip of five furlongs, however he ran a good enough race in the Stewards Cup last year off a higher mark. For that reason we take Barnet Fair to land today's opener. (14/1)

2:40 Goodwood - Kings Fete

You won't need me to remind you how highly I rate King's Fete if you follow me on Twitter (@Lukeelder13) after his eye-catching Maiden victory at Sandown. Sir Michael Stoute then decided to put him into Handicap company off a mark of 90 which he made look a bit easy despite the short winning margin. That has to be taken into account with his antics in the prelims as he behaved poorly when bolting going down to post and worrying his followers. This didn't improve much in the race as he still pulled for his head for the early part of the race, something that would have beaten a lesser horse. He wears a hood for the first time to correct any quirks but despite all of that on his step up to 12 furlongs, he managed to hold off Mighty Yar who is fancied in the Ebor later on this season. Kings Fete was raised six pounds in the handicap after that win, however James Doyle put up a pound overweight which effectively reduces that to five pounds. Kings Fete to continue his progression and prove himself a valid St. Leger contender. (9/4)

3:50 Goodwood - Intrinsic

Robert Cowell will be feeling pretty good about himself at the time of writing this after he opted to wait instead of having a run to higher Intrinsic's handicap mark, this means he can run off a potentially lenient mark of 95. However the plan didn't work in the Wokingham as he missed the cut but this time the risk has paid off and he arrives with a huge chance. We last saw him when winning over course and distance as he caught Ashpan Sam on the line who benefited from an enterprising ride by Ryan Moore. However Intrinsic didn't exactly receive a good winning ride from Richard Hughes as he gave our selection a lot to do in the final furlong, nobody will be complaining about the if they backed Instrinsic however. Robert Cowell to bag his first winner this week with only his second runner after Kingsgate Native yesterday. (8/1)

5:35 Goodwood - Peterkin

It has been hard to ignore the form of Mark Johnston's yard lately as he has been amongst the winners and scarcely had a poor performance, including two Glorious Goodwood winners courtesy of Lyn Valley and Sennockian Star. He can round off the meeting with a winner in the shape of Peterkin who has recently refound his winning form after two successful visits to Chester. However he came unstuck last time out at Ascot behind Racy (Seriously that is twice in one blog!!) and Barnet Fair, although he ran with credit that day to be third. There aren't too many similarities between Chester and Ascot and the same goes for Ascot and Goodwood, so it could just be that he needs a really sharp five furlongs instead of a stiff trip. He is all about speed is what I am trying to say and that will come into full effect today and round off a good week for Mark Johnston and Joe Fanning. (6/1)

Nap - Kings Fete

Nb - Peterkin

Good luck and as always, happy punting!