EACH WAY DUO TO OUT DO ODDS IN THE FIRST ON DAY TWO

13:50 Goodwood

The money has come for Roger Varian’s Nagano who now finds themselves at the head of the betting and after their recent 6th placed effort at Royal Ascot you can see why punters have taken a shine to him. A consistent type who seems to have progressed with each run however I’m not overly convinced these underfoot conditions are going to suit. Do I think he will throw down a serious challenge? Yes! But is he worth backing at odds just above 3/1? Not for me.

For all that Nagano’s run at Ascot was solid enough I was far more impressed with Siskany’s performance when 4th in the King George The V Handicap. A former winner on soft ground it’s Charlie Appleby’s charge that I fear most of the two market principles but if truth be told I’d rather hunt for a horse with better value.

For all that a run at Royal Ascot can be impressive prior to this meeting it can also be somewhat detrimental and take something out of a horse prior to heading here to Goodwood. As such there’s a duo of lightly raced contenders who didn’t participate at the Royal meeting that catch my eye.

With three career starts each both Kolisi and Kings Prince look good value at their current odds and although both have to find more it wouldn’t be out of the question to see them garner further improvement.

Kolisi has improved with each run before a clear cut victory at Salisbury last time out on what was good to soft ground. This is the gelding’s first foray into handicap company and although it’s by far the toughest test of his career to date represents one of the UK’s leading and in-form yards.

Kings Prince was unbeaten in two runs prior to contesting a listed event at Hamilton most recently but I wouldn’t let that put you off. A former winner on heavy ground as well as a victory over this trip the horse already has a few ticks in boxes that most of this field don’t. Mark Johnston always does well at this five day festival and although he’s drifting in the market his current double figure odds look far too big to resist.

KOLISI (E/W)

KINGS PRINCE (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock