Hermosa most favoured
Steve Hughes gives his best bets for Thursday’s action at Galway and Goodwood
I feel I should be doing the placepot today after the results so far this week, but we plough on for that elusive winner with selections from two races at Goodwood and the feature contest at Galway on Thursday. Our latest place returns on the each-way bets came through True Destiny (advised 9/1), plus the Galway Plate pair Peregrine Run (advised 16/1) and Ravenhill (SP 20/1).
Goodwood 1.50: Sinjaari
I heavily fancied Sinjaari for his handicap at Royal Ascot, but given a strange ride on the wide outside throughout he faded into eighth. However he had previously looked most progressive and the colt is given another chance to prove his worth.
His previous good form this season had been at 10f and he returns to that distance today – it may be that is the best trip for now as perhaps he failed to stay the 12f at Ascot. I thought he was unlucky not to win the London Gold Cup at Newbury, losing out by the narrowest possible margin to Headman who got first run.
Prior to that he had convincingly won his maiden at Windsor and this horse can quicken off a strong pace. Drying ground should enable him to use that turn of pace this afternoon.
Goodwood 3.35: Hermosa
The dual 1000 Guineas winner, Hermosa looks well worth this first attempt at 10f on this sharp track.
She employed front-running tactics to win at both Newmarket and the Curragh and ran right to the line on both occasions to see off allcomers. There seemed little doubt in both races that she could have carried that gallop for longer if necessary.
She was beaten at Royal Ascot last time, but to me Ryan Moore paid for chasing too fast an early pace and Hermosa was picked off by Watch Me late on. However if she can be ridden slightly more conservatively today I think she can beat these fillies. As a full sister to Hydrangea, a group 1 winner over 12f, I fully expect this 10f to suit ideally, especially on drying ground.
Galway 4.55: Tudor City
Although Tudor City is gaining something of a reputation as a bridesmaid on the big occasion (perhaps deservedly), I am sure there is a big prize in him especially on good going. Therefore at an each-way price he looks worth a punt in the Galway Hurdle.
The 7yo has been in good form over the past few months, finishing runner-up on the unseasonably fast ground at Fairyhouse in December behind Wonder Laish. He filled the same spot over the same course and distance in a valuable pot over Easter and most recently was again second at Killarney in May.
Freshened up for this since, he had a nice warm up on the flat at three weeks ago and I expect him to be delivered fast and late for the climb to the finish.
Recommended bets:
1pt win – Sinjaari – 1.50 Goodwood – 4/1 general
1pt win – Hermosa – 3.35 Goodwood – 15/8 general
1pt each-way – Tudor City – 4.55 Galway – 14/1 general (Skybet & Paddy Power 1/5 odds 1st 6)
Next column – Friday 2nd August – Galway & Goodwood again!
