Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Goodwood Day 3 on 1 August 2024.
QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL DAY 3 BEST BETS THURSDAY
Race 1 No6 ARAGON CASTLE (Each Way)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Callum Hutchinson
The Balding stable has made a good start to the week and will be looking to boost its tally with a handful of fancied runners on Day 3. ARAGON CASTLE meets the requirements to do well in the opener after deservedly getting off the mark for the season at Hamilton. Beaten in a photo on his previous start over a shorter trip at this course, he can add to his laurels although hat-trick-seeking MIDNIGHT GUN and SISYPHEAN are similarly strongly fancied and can also take a hand in the finish.
Race 2 MARKEL RICHMOND STAKES (Group 2)
No9 TROPICAL STORM
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
This isn’t the hottest Richmond Stakes which is why it’s not difficult to envisage a maiden taking the spoils. The said horse is TROPICAL STORM, who beat all but shareholders in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and appeals as a winner waiting to happen. His main opponent is THE STRIKIN VIKING, who if reproducing his near miss in the Railway Stakes at the Curragh will be a danger to all.
Race 3 JOHN PEARCE RACING GORDON STAKES (Group 3)
No3 BELLUM JUSTUM
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Only five contest this traditional trial for the St Leger and any of that number can win. Unbeaten in two JAN BRUEGHEL is the hardest to weigh up, as in scoring in a maiden and a Group 3 at the Curragh it’s hard to know what he achieved. He carries a 3lb penalty for his defeat of Trustyourinstinct in soft ground which could leave him vulnerable to Sea The Stars colt BELLUM JUSTUM. The last named finished a respectable seventh in the Derby and third in the mile-and-a-quarter Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3) at Royal Ascot. The form was partially franked when the runner-up King’s Gambit ran well, in the Sky Bet Stakes at York, and the overall claims of my selection are stronger. One that could outperform his price is ALIGN THE STARS, who though stepping up in class could upset the applecart for a stable that loves having winners here.
Race 4 QATAR NASSAU STAKES (Group 1)
No8 OPERA SINGER (Nap)
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien – Jockey: Ryan Moore
The best race of the day has attracted a strong field of distaffers, and the match-up between EMILY UPJOHN and OPERA SINGER should prove one to savour. Any doubts that Emily Upjohn had lost some of her sparkle were quashed with her very good run in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh, and John Gosden has had this as her big target all through the season. OPERA SINGER is a physically imposing filly who is surely one that Coolmore will excel with on the international stage for the remainder of the year. She raised her game when chasing home Porta Fortuna in the Coronation Stakes, and that Ascot form has worked out. From France, SPARKING PLENTY warrants close inspection and especially now that Philippe Cotter has equipped her with a first-time tongue tie and a hood. EMALKA is safely held by Opera Singer on the Coronation form while STAY ALERT needs to bounce back from an underwhelming run in the Pretty Polly. One that could go well at a fancy prince is DOHA, whose connections saw fit to run her at the highest level rather than contest a handicap on the first day of the meeting.
Prediction: 1st OPERA SINGER, 2nd Emily Upjohn, 3rd Sparkling Plenty, 4th Stay Alert, 5th Doha
Race 5 No1 EL BURHAN
Trainer: George Boughey – Jockey: Jim Crowley
One of the hottest nurseries of the season can see EL BURHAN taking away a cheque. The New Bay colt has looked super smart in his two winning efforts and especially when landing the odds at Beverley, whose undulations are not dissimilar to Goodwood’s. He has a plum draw and top weight might not stop him. BRIGHTON BOY is one to consider although his wide draw will make life difficult for him on this short run to the downhill entrance to the straight. That remark also applies to KING OF ANGELS but JET PACKER is in a favourable slot and may prove a lively roughie. FRED ON FIRE could also have a say with Ryan Moore an eye-taking booking for that Mehmas colt.
Prediction: 1st EL BURHAN, 2nd Fred On Fire, 3rd Jet Packer, 4th Brighton Boy, 5th King Of Angels
Race 6 No15 MAKE IT EASY (Each Way)
Trainer: Nigel Tinkler – Jockey: Alex Jary
Of the northern trainers that patronise this excellent meeting Nigel Tinkler has been visiting for decades. He might hold the key to a wide-open sprint handicap with MAKE IT EASY, a filly who looked unlucky when experiencing an impaired run through horses at York last week. The selection wasn’t at her best when contesting a nursery at this meeting 12 months ago but the track should suit her. NOEL FOX skipped an opportunity the other day and needs respecting from closer to the head of the market KENDALL ROY must also go into all permutations as an in form and live danger.
Race 7 No3 BELA SONATA (Each Way)
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: Tom Marquand
STELLENBOSCH may prove the best of those with previous experience but it wouldn’t be a surprise if a newcomer were to prevail. American Pharaoh filly DREAMY is a fascinating contender for new owners at Coolmore but I shall keep one eye skinned for any interest in BELA SONATA who has the best of the draw and has shown in her work that she has an engine.
Race 8 No8 JUNGLE MAC (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Edward Greatrex
The nightcap appeals as the best betting heat on a marathon card and the one to be on is JUNGLE MAC. Channon couldn’t have picked a better draw for this keen going front runner who though quirky gets on well with his jockey and will have had his confidence buoyed by a narrow though cosy Newmarket triumph. The combination can make a good shot at going back-to-back, with MOUNT TEIDE and SPANISH BLAZE possible stumbling blocks to further success.
