Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Glorious Goodwood Day 3 Tips
THURSDAY RACING TIPS
Goodwood 1.50 – Heritage Handicap
Decade Of Time (9/2) was too keen at Newmarket last time in a smaller field but I think a bigger field this time with a stronger pace on will help him relax.
He’s drawn a bit wide but I imagine a bit of cover will help him and, because he can hold his position quite well in a race, he should be able to sit at least halfway.
I think he’s an improving type.
He’s only run the four times – twice the winner – and he wasn’t disgraced last time by any means at Newmarket where, ultimately, he over-raced and that probably blew his chances although I think he was beaten by a big improver in Heraldry.
The track could well suit, too, being that little bit sharper.
Megan’s Tip: Decade Of Time WIN
Goodwood 2.25 – Richmond Stakes
Flann Sunna (7/4 fav) has looked very impressive in his starts to date and is up in grade – but I’m actually going to go with Cut A Dash (3/1) here.
I was at York when he ran on his debut and he was so incredibly green and raw, I couldn’t quite believe he managed to win as impressively as he did.
He then ran with a huge amount of credit at the Royal Meeting. He’s obviously been saved with this in mind.
Cut A Dash was quick enough at the five in York, so I think a sharp downhill six won’t be an issue and he has proven he is capable at this type of level.
I like this horse and still think there’s improvement to come with him. He’s quite powerful but mentally he was just a little bit behind and hopefully Ascot will have taught him a lot.
Megan’s Tip: Cut A Dash WIN
Goodwood 3.00 – Gordon Stakes
I like Enceladus (11/4), who is ready for the step up in grade.
He won the King George V at Ascot quite nicely and, as I say, I think that he is ready to come out of handicap company.
His form got a boost when the runner-up, Al Azd, came out to win again since so I think that it’s a handicap worth keeping on the right side of.
Trainer Joseph O’Brien doesn’t necessarily go up in grade quickly if he felt this horse was still handicapped enough to warrant going that route then he would.
So he clearly thinks this is a big improver and an open opportunity where a lot of horses have been in and out of form.
And I think Enceladus is the most unexposed of the field.
Megan’s Tip: Enceladus WIN
Goodwood 3.35 – Nassau Stakes
I’m a big fan of Diamond Necklace (8/13 fav).
Unbeaten so far, she had a big price tag from the sales with a pretty impeccable pedigree and she’s lived up to the family and the price tag.
She has won at the highest level already so 10 furlongs isn’t a problem.
It’s great to see her in the UK for the first time, having been running in Ireland and France, so it’s great that we’ve got her coming to Goodwood.
Aiden O’Brien hasn’t been shy with his opinion of this filly either.
I think she missed the Epsom Oaks because she is very much a filly with speed – therefore the mile and the 10 furlongs were the better option so she went for the Diane at Chantilly instead.
It’s great to see her over here taking on the older horses, which shouldn’t be an issue as she’s been pretty impressive so far.
Megan’s Tip: Diamond Necklace WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
