TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

15:40 Goodwood – Stewards Cup

Cavalry Charge can often be an overused term when it comes to sprint handicaps but with 28 runners entered for today’s Stewards Cup it’s very apt indeed.

The race itself is one of the oldest in the calendar having been inaugurated way back in 1840. A staggering 178 years later and one of today’s many runners aim to etch themselves into the history books this prestigious race. A horse that has already entered the winners enclosure after this contest is last years victor Lancelot Du Lac. Somewhat of a shock that day as he returned at 25/1 he looks to emulate only five other horses who’ve won this race on two occasions. Such a feat hasn’t been replicated since Sky Diver took back to back victories in 1967 and 68. Carrying just one pound more in weight than last year it’s not beyond the realms of possibility and despite trainer Dean Ivory being out of form he’s definitely worth each way money.

Three year olds may well lack in experience here but the younger generation have won two of the past three renewals. The team of jockey David Probert and trainer Andrew Balding teamed up to muster success with three year old Dancing Star in 2016. The duo join forces once more to represent the same connections this time around with yet another three year old Foxtrot Lady. A winner of the Bet365 handicap last time out she found her nose in front (and it literally was a nose) at the line as she looks to progress further. The handicapper has been far from kind with his assessment of that victory however and she has to defy an eight pounds heftier burden. If she’s a likely improver there’s no reason to say she won’t be able to defy her weight and with whispers circulating that she could be a future group race performer a race of this nature will be well within her grasp.

With such a huge field to filter through I’m opting for pinpointing three horses here and the third looks a lesser fancied option. Trainer Clive Cox had a bit of a disappointing week thus far but may be able to atone for his loses with a bold run from Tis Marvellous. He hasn’t won since 2016 but that was a Group 2 race in France when he was a two year old. A disappointing three year old career led many to believe he was just a flash in the pan but two runs in the UK this year has seen him return to some of his former glory. Very respectable efforts to finish 4th and 5th in big field handicaps shows he more than deserves his place in the lineup and if Cox, who’s worked the oracle with sprinters in the past, can get him primed and ready he could improve upon recent outings to get even closer today.

Consistent performers Gunmetal and Watchable are likely dangers based on their performances this term and honourable mentions have to go to the likes of Haddaf and Glenamoy Lad who may have untapped potential.

LANCELOT DU LAC (E/W)

FOXTROT LADY (E/W)

TIS MARVELLOUS (E/W)

ITV RACING:

13:50 Goodwood – Boy In The Bar (WIN) – NAP

14:05 Newmarket – Alwaysandforever (WIN)

14:25 Goodwood – Watersmeet (E/W)

14:40 Newmarket – Posh Perfect (E/W)

15:00 Goodwood – Sun Maiden (WIN)

written by Rory Paddock