Neil Morrice best bets and tips – QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL DAY 5 SATURDAY BEST BETS

QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL DAY 5 SATURDAY BEST BETS

Race 1 CORAL GLORIOUS STAKES (Group 3)

No1 AL AASY (Nap)
Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Jim Crowley

A 3lb penalty shouldn’t prevent AL ASSY from repeating his 2024 success in this contest. The veteran operates most effectively in small field Group 3s and as the clear top rated runner has everything in his favour. His pilot will look to delay his challenge for as long as possible, at which point he can gun down MOUNT ATLAS and his stablemate CANDLEFORD.

Race 2 Coral Summer Handicap

No11 MASTER BUILDER (Each Way)
Trainer: David Menuisier – Jockey: Oisin Murphy

Now that it has put a decent win on the board it could be worth following horses from the local Menuisier stable. MASTER BUILDER is one such individual going into bay as a relatively fresh horse. A strong traveller, he ran well at Epsom and again over this course and distance and has the champion jockey on board. FRENCH DUKE is looking to score at this fixture for the second year running and should be all the better for his first run back, when he appeared to be given plenty to do. SAM HAWKENS merits respect in his quest to complete a hat-trick while DANCING IN PARIS is dangerous to leave out considering he was too free last time.

Prediction: 1st MASTER BUILDER, 2nd French Duke, 3rd Sam Hawkens, 4th Dancng In Paris

Race 3 QATAR LILLIE LANGTRY STAKES (Group 2)

No2 DANIELLE (Each Way)
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: James Doyle

The go-to horse for many punters will be GOODIE TWO SHOES who relished the testing conditions for her recent Group 3 triumph at Fairyhouse. The dual purpose mare has her tail up, but now she moves up the distance ladder DANIELLE could prove a thorn in her side. The close relative of Gold Cup winner Courage Mon Ami makes a late entrance to the stage but her love of soft ground puts her in with a cracking chance in what can signal a new dimension to her career. Last year’s winner TERM OF ENDEARMENT brings so,I’d form to the table over a trip which is probably her best. The German-bred filly has to run well and can make the podium.

Prediction: 1st DANIELLE, 2nd Goodie Two Shoes, 3rd Term Of Endearment

Race 4 CORAL STEWARDS’ CUP HANDICAP

No1 APOLLO ONE (Each Way)
Trainer: Peter Charalambous – Jockey: Alice Bond

High numbers appeared to be favoured in races up the straight course earlier in the week. The field always splits into two groups and the changed underfoot conditions will bring new names into the equation at big prices, including JAKAJARO, VADREAM and ORAZIO. The former should benefit from this 1200 metres whilst also acting on the ground and having dropped onto a handy mark. Vadream is getting longer in the tooth but following a string of disappointing efforts is well in on her old form. ORAZIO has troubled the judge in the Wokingham and finds himself on a tempting mark considering he likes to get his toe in. ELMONJED is progressive and goes on an easy surface. He’s improved from race to race this year and has to be taken seriously. GET IT was an all the way winner of the corresponding race 12 months ago but is 4lb higher than for his recent Wokingham triumph and the conditions are a concern. HAMMER THE HAMMER has been a real money spinner for his connections but whether he will operate as effectively in the soft is up for debate. This leaves me with top weight APOLLO ONE who has finished second in this for the last two years. He’s been prepared for a middle to late season campaign and has a touch of class which should see him bang there at the finish. He would be a worthy winner.

Prediction: 1st APOLLO ONE, 2nd Elmonjed, 3rd Orazio, 4th Vadream, 5th Hammer The Hammer, 6th Jakajaro

Race 5 Whispering Angel Handicap

No12 MUDBIR (Each Way)
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Jim Crowley

MUDBIR finished runner-up at Newmarket on his only start last year and importantly handled the testing conditions. This season he’s sandwiched a defeat at Doncaster with successes at Chelmsford and Sandown and with so few miles on his racing clock makes considerable appeal. THE FINGAL RAVEN is one I’ve had my eye on and should be accommodated for a saver if close to his paper price. He consistently lights up the board and is a player. Being by Lope De Vega, the Ralph Beckett-trained EL MATADOR can get into the argument. He’s unexposed and this is only his fourth ever run. MIAMI MATRIX won in the soft at Chester where he was again successful last month. He has good track craft and embarks on just a fourth out outing on grass. It might prove unwise to leave him out.

Race 6 British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes

No9 ISAAC NEWTON
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien – Jockey: Ryan Moore

Camelot colt ISAAC NEWTON ran well to chase home a more experienced stablemate on his Curragh introduction. In a race that looks there for the taking, and granted normal progression, he should make no mistake. For the other side of the exacta it might be worth including ISLAND BEAR, whose stable saddled a big winner earlier in the week, and who himself has shown ability.

Race 7 Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap

No14 DUTCH DECOY (Each Way)
Trainer: Charlie Johnston – Jockey: Jack Mitchell

DUTCH DECOY was carded to contest the Golden Mile yesterday, but if making a quick reappearance which his connections are often happy to do he can get into the shake-up. The lightly-raced GLADIUS would be my choice if Dutch Decoy doesn’t run. While it’s hard to weigh up what he’s achieved he represents a trainer who is red hot with this type of individual. TREASURE TIME is sure to be all the better for his first run back, and can also get involved.