Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Glorious Goodwood Day 1 Tips
TUESDAY RACING TIPS
Goodwood 1.50 – Chesterfield Cup Handicap
I’m going with Diego El Queso (15/2), who has been drawn wide but winners from this race in recent years have come from a wide draw.
It seems that the 10-furlong start at Goodwood gives those types of horses a bit more of an opportunity – just because there’s a bit longer either to get into a handy position or there tends to be a nice bit of early pace on for those horses to slot in if they jump well.
He tends to be ridden with a bit of cover. He’s still unexposed at this trip, he’s been in good form, ground versatile and I think that he’s an improver.
Ger Lyons doesn’t send loads of horses over to this meeting so I think that should be of note – and especially with Colin Keane in red-hot form after winning the King George at the weekend.
Megan’s Tip: Diego El Queso WIN
Goodwood 2.25 – Vintage Stakes
I’m going to go Haffner (7/4) here, who impressed when off the mark at Newmarket on his second start.
He won that impressively and it looked straightforward. Ryan Moore said afterwards that he was a Stakes horse and that he gave him a good feel. I think the key here is that he has got a good mind and a straightforward nature.
The favourite, Godolphin’s Al Hudaiba (13/8 fav), only managed to just get up in the Superlative. When put under pressure, I'm not sure how he’ll handle the occasion at Goodwood; it’s a big crowd, tricky track.
So I think Haffner here is the straightforward option.
Megan’s Tip: Haffner WIN
Goodwood 3.00 – Lennox Stakes
Qirat (7/2) was back to form in the Criterion last time after a positive ride from Silvestre De Sousa.
He was a shock winner of the Sussex last year when making all the running and splitting the field to where they, obviously, couldn’t reel him back.
He was massive odds that time. Not quite so big odds this time around but the track suits his front-running tactics and quick ground is a positive as well.
I like the fact that he got his head in front last time just to give him a bit of confidence going into the Lennox here.
It’s quite an open field and a really short price favourite but I’m not afraid to take him on.
Megan’s Tip: Qirat WIN
Goodwood 3.35 – Goodwood Cup Stakes
I’m going Trawlerman (2/1) to reverse the form with Scandinavia (10/11 fav).
He will be fitter from that return run at Ascot where he battled hard and gave Scandinavia a run for his money.
William Buick should be able to make it more of a gallop back down to the two miles, which I don’t think is much of a negative for Trawlerman.
He’s got a really high cruising speed and actually quickened clear from Scandinavia turning into the home straight at Ascot in the Gold Cup before being reeled back in. Fitness and race practice would have helped on that occasion.
So I do think there could be a reverse of form here but it’s a really strong renewal.
I think the stayers was a relatively weak division for a couple of seasons but it’s strong at the moment and it’s great to see the generations clashing.
Trawlerman is obviously the older horse in this sphere at the moment but he still sets the standard and I do think he can bounce back.
Megan’s Tip: Trawlerman WIN
Goodwood 4.10 – Shaker Handicap
Twilight Calls (7/1) was fifth in the Stewards’ Cup last year but seems to be absolutely thriving at the minimum trip this season.
Saffie Osborne is flying and Richard Spencer has been having lots of winners as well and this horse is in great form.
He’s still on a competitive mark in comparison to what he has achieved and the mark he has been on in previous seasons.
My each-way selection here is going to be Jasour (16/1), who’s actually running in a handicap for the first time.
He’s been up at the group level and listed level for pretty much throughout his career and is a talented sprinter – just not easy, he’s very keen.
A big handicap may suit him because they tend to go absolutely flat out, going faster earlier with all these runners.
He’s drawn over on the wing in stall one but if he was just to roll along right up against that rail he might actually be able to dictate the far side.
He’s about 16/1 but he's interesting down in the grade and worth a look if you want an each-way play in a big field like this.
Megan’s Tip: Twilight Calls WIN & Jasour E/W
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
