DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING

THURSDAY JULY 31

1.55 GOODWOOD

Eve Johnson Houghton must wake up every morning and wonder if she is dreaming such is the success she is having at present, particularly with her two-year-old operation, and the Blewbury handler looks to have great chance of bagging another big pot with HAVANA HURRICANE in this prestigious Group 2.

The Havana Gold colt made a sparkling winning debut over today’s course back in May and since then he has gone on to land the Windsor Castle, bookended by two honourable displays when runner-up in both the Woodcote at Epsom and The Super Sprint at Newbury.

His victory in the former contest at Royal Ascot was a byproduct of what happened to him the time before at Epsom when he hit the front too soon and a return to more patient tactics were almost employed to a nicety at the Berkshire venue last time out.

Unfortunately, he ended up having switch courses and challenge away from the more favourable stands’ side fence and the vital length or two he lost in the process caught ultimately up with him when he was picked off close home by the fast-finishing Anthelia, who had the luxury of racing on the quicker ground.

He did, however, post his fastest speed figure so far to date and with the likelihood of an extra furlong playing even more into his strengths, another patient ride can see this only course winner burst onto the scene late and claim glory.

HAVANA HURRICANE – 1-point win@9-2

3.45 GOODWOOD

A wide-open race on paper but the recent data suggests both DAN TUCKER and NAD ALSHIBA GREEN are likely to play significant roles in the outcome and they are taken against the field.

The former is only a fag end away from arriving here victorious on his last two starts and in making amends for his narrow defeat at York previously, Jedd O’Keeffe’s inmate produced the sort of performance that suggests he is a three-year-old sprinter very much still on the rise through the ranks.

The way he travelled off a strong pace before quickening to beat the older horses at Pontefract was a sign that he is nearing the peak of his powers and in an event here today that is also likely to be well run, the son of Dandy Man can produce the goods again with another stalk and pounce ride.

The latter represents the same connections who landed this race last year with Shagraan and Mick Appleby’s filly has the credentials to follow suit with a better rub of the green than she received last time out.

Held up at the back of the field at Sandown, the daughter of Dark Angel got hemmed in when Kassaya loomed alongside her two out and from that point, she was always playing catch up against a filly who has a touch of class.

The way she finished off her race, however, indicated she remains in the sort of form that enabled her to win in decisive fashion at Nottingham previously and with form figures in handicaps that read 121342312, another solid effort looks on the cards.

DAN TUCKER – ½ point each-way@15-2 (five places)

NAD ALSHIBA GREEN – ½ point each-way@13-2 (five places)

4.30 GALWAY

Similar to the Plate yesterday, another extremely wide-open contest on paper but based on their profiles and previous track form, there is a good chance the winner might come from either NDAAWI (best price 6-1) or MR PERCY (best price 7-1) and they are the suggestions against the field.

The former has no doubt had this race as his main target for some time since finishing runner-up last year and even without a prep run, Gordon Elliott’s inmate has to be shortlist material.

On reflection, he ended up being in a poor position as Nurburgring skipped away rounding the home turn twelve months ago and although he did his valiant best to try and bridge the gap, the dye was cast as far as winning was concerned.

Going on to run a blinder behind the classy and well-treated mare, Kargese, in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, the five-year-old once again proved that he is well suited by these big-field handicaps and with conditions to suit, he should go well in his bid to provide his handler’s first success in this race.

The latter is one of two representatives from last year’s winning stable and he appears slightly overlooked compared to his achievements.

Winner of a Grade 2 Hurdle at Fairyhouse last season, the five-year-old kept his unbeaten record since fitted with cheekpieces when scoring in gritty fashion on the Flat at The Curragh recently and that effort ensures that he arrives here in A1 shape.

Just touched off on his only previous visit to today’s track last season, hopefully that vital knowledge he garnered will stand him in good stead on his return to Ballybrit and with some ease in the ground likely to suit him more than most, the son of Sir Percy is expected to be in the thick of the action coming up the hill.

NDAAWI – 1-point win@6-1

MR PERCY – 1-point win@7-1