Stradivarius kept up a magnificent winning run on the opening day of Glorious Goodwood and there is another good card at the famous south of England track today, as well as one of the highlights of the Galway Races at Ballybrit – the Galway Plate. Here’s the best of the day’s action, with Too Darn Hot the star of the show.
GOODWOOD
2.25 Unibet Handicap
Almost 50 grand goes to the winner of this one and it could be a big another big day for Frankie Dettori and John Gosden, with their Kosciuszko well fancied to win this mile-and-a-half handicap. Sir Ron Priestley from the Mark Johnston yard and William Haggas’s Desert Icon are other fancied runners.
3.00 Markel Insurance Molecomb Stakes
Wesley Ward has long been a good supporter of the British flat season and he has another interesting horse in 2yo Maven, with the added bonus of in-form Italian Dettori being in the saddle. John Quinn’s Liberty Beach is the favourite, though Clive Cox’s Hand On My Heart also has a good chance in this Group 3.
3.35 Qatar Sussex Stakes
Too Darn Hot (pictured) finally got somewhere near his 2yo form when winning at Deauville last time and though he came third behind Circus Maximus in the St James’s Palace Stakes, he can turn that form around. Irish Guineas winner Phoenix Of Spain adds another element to what could be a fine race.
GALWAY
7.20 thetote.com Galway Plate
Bryony Frost is the star attraction as she takes the ride on Black Corton for Paul Nicholls and she has been tapping into the Ditcheat master’s former top jock Ruby Walsh for tips on how to ride the course. Top weight may be the problem, though as Borice is the favourite for Gordon Elliott and that one is 22lb lighter at the weights. Peregrine Run’s unbeaten run will be tested, while the usual suspects will be represented – Mullins, Elliott, McManus and Gigginstown. Snugsborough Benny could be of interest for a smaller yard. After coming fourth in the Irish National, Liam Cusack will hope his horse will be closer this time.
