A CRACKING renewal of the Unibet Stewards’ Cup caps a fantastic week at the 2019 Qatar Goodwood Festival. As usual, trying to find the winner is a very difficult task, however there is nothing more satisfying that if your selection comes home in such a prestigious handicap! So I hope later on that I will be celebrating with a glass of English Sparkling Coates & Seely Brut Reserve. Cheers!
1.50 – 6f Handicap
Ballyquin has a good each way chance here and for a big field handicap this has little in the way of front runners and Andrew Balding’s charge looks likely to get and easy time on the front. Bang in form, improving, only the draw in stall 19 might be the one query, yet I still think that will be fine.
Unibet each way 11/1
2.25 – 1m6f Handicap
Kings Advice for Mark Johnston has won five of his six starts this season and when he finished unplaced it was because of the impossible task he was given.
Last time out at the July Festival at Newmarket when he won he was my Unibet nap of the day at 10/1. He is still improving and has a great chance.
Unibet win 4/1
3.35 – Unibet Stewards’ Cup Handicap 6f
Khaadem (nap) is a very interesting contender on handicap debut and has a good chance here, having looked impressive when second at Newbury in Group company last time out. On that occasion he had to wait for a gap and would have been much closer with a clear run. Earlier in the season he won a Listed contest and providing he handles the quick going he is right in the mix.
Unibet each-way 11/2
Lake Volta is good value considering the ticks in boxes he has – trainer form, plot draw in stall 1, likes to lead, faster the ground the better and was a course and distance winner here in May (made all, easily). Really like his chances.
Air Raid has been in cracking form for the excellent Jedd O’Keeffe yard, having won well at Hamilton last time out and is three out three over this trip in turf handicaps. This four-year-old is definitely improving and providing he can demonstrate that he is as effective over quick ground he is right in the mix.
4.50 Handicap 7f
Warning Fire for Mark Johnston went close earlier in the week (over a mile) after slipping the field early. Effectively 3lb better here as he won’t have the penalty to carry, drop back to 7f not an issue, and looks to hold a leading chance.
