2010 GLORIOUS GOODWOOD DAY TWO TIPS AND SELECTIONS

We’ve got two hot Group level contests today at Glorious Goodwood but there’s also plenty solid bets in the other races. We’ve got some big fields and a few tough handicaps to decipher but that’s what makes this whole thing a nice bit of fun.

In the 2:10 Sportingbet.com Goodwood Stakes, we’ve got a few rather accomplished runners here and I’m going to jump on board Ascot Stakes winner Junior (Singspiel) who got a great result with Seb Sanders last time out in an emphatic victory. I’m not a big fan of backing jumpers in quality flat contests, but I think he’s definitely the one to beat for me. Markington (Medicean) hasn’t finished outside the top two in all five of his races this year with a 22111 record. He hasn’t been running at the highest level but I still think he’s a contender.
The 2:45 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes is a Group 2 race where I’m seeing Crown Prosecutor (Exceed and Excel) as the key variable. This will be his first step up to group level after coming off a conditions victory at Salford. He’s won over the Goodwood surface on his debut where he had Kieren Fallon aboard for the trip. He is by a very solid sire and that’s a great reference in a race like this. Waltz Darling (Iffraaj) is an interesting one but I think the spoiler is likely to be King Torus (Oratorio) is top-weighted and that’s justified by his previous Group 2 score at Newmarket. It was a very tight victory though and it may be interesting to see if they try a different game plan here
In the 4:00 Racing UK Handicap, Frankie Dettori and Saeed Bin Suroor team up with Emirates Dream (Kingmambo) and I think the step up in trip for him could see him bounce back. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a quality price available here. Bowdler’s Magic (Hernando) looks a decent shout as well but he is very heavily-raced this year and ran less than two weeks ago when he scored at Sandown. If you’re looking for an up-and-comer, try the rather obscure filly Sea of Heartbreak (Rock of Gibraltar) who has scored four from five lifetime.
We’ve got the Markel International Maiden Fillies Stakes up next at 4:35 and this one is really anyone’s guess as many of these contenders are debuting here. I’ll be jumping on top of Brevity (Street Cry) and Royalorien (Royal Applause) could also be slated to improve. This is a roll of the dice though.
In the 5:10 I really want to drop a bet on Kinky Afro (Modigliani) but a great name doesn’t compensate for a crap record. Seasonal Cross (Cape Cross) is nicely-weighted for this one and has a great track record racing against females. She’s run 2nd over the Goodwood surface in the past and could be poised for a repeat. Agony and Ecstacy (Captain Rio) could be the progressive sort so she’s worth a look as well.
The 5:45 Sportingbet.com EBF Classified Stakes is a tricky one, but I think I’ll be backing Coasting (Cape Cross) here based on a course and distance victory. Stefanki (Danehill Dancer) was a beaten favourite last time out but has run very well this year and looks to have really progressed from his two year-old season.