26th September 2012

A truly awful day yesterday, but they do happen every once in a while. The key about this week is to keep focused on the weekend where there does appear to be some really decent racing. However that doesn't mean we haven't got some things to sink our teeth into tomorrow.

15.40 Goodwood

The best race of the day is found at this unique track and attracts a decent enough field for this Listed stakes. A couple of these, Rockinante and Pisco Sour, have shown real class in the past but haven't show that this year and are unlikely winners. Love Your Looks warrants a second look after a good 1 length second behind Hajras, but this race has to revolve around EKTIHAAM. Mesmeric at times last year, he's had a bit of a strange season; winner on his reappearance, a good second to Bonfire after that, before not really showing his best at the French Derby. His extended time off the track isn't a worry and if arriving here in full form he will be tough to beat. Questioning will appreciate any give in the ground but I think connections are just struggling where to place him at the moment. Voodoo Prince takes the step up from handicap company and may have a bit to find, whilst Primevere should run her usual race and finish thereabouts. 11/8

16.15 Goodwood

This looks a typically tough handicap to decipher, and the market is headed up by Cardinal Walter after recent efforts behind Sir Graham Wade and Biographer. The former of that form however hasn't worked out particularly well, so other options in the field will be preferred. Enery is certainly improving but this is his hardest challenge to date and may struggle. Rosslyn Castle faces easier opposition than recently and must have a chance, but at a big price for an each way bet, RIGHT STUFF is fancied to make a decent run. Another who can run well fresh, his last run over the flat was a hard race in a handicap behind Thimaar and Gulf Of Naples. Before that he gave Viking Storm a real race who has only kept winning. As a result this isn't the most ridiculous idea to believe he can win this as he's also had a previous run at Goodwood and didn't fare too badly. 16/1

18.20 Kempton

This is another hard handicap with plenty of mixed form coming into the race. Come On Blue Chip may be rejuvenated for the return to the polytrack but is overlooked. Henry Clay looks to have a big chance under Fallon stepping up in class, and Position must have a chance if Roxy Flyer races well earlier in the day at Goodwood. However ASATIR stands out as an interesting choice. The Godolphin boys have had a great record this season of stepping up horse's in trip, culminating in Encke's shock St Leger win, and the extra furlong or two may be what Asatir needs to get back on the winning trail. 5/1

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer