DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
FRIDAY AUGUST 1
2.30 GOODWOOD
As is always the case in this contest, the draw, track position and more importantly today, suitability to handle the ground will have more to say about the outcome rather than weights and measures but providing TRIBAL CHIEF (best price 6-1) gets a reasonable rub of the green, he has the course form and ability to give himself a shot at taking home the prize.
The bare result at Newcastle last time suggests David Menuisier’s gelding arrives here following a disappointing effort but in reality, that view may have well have been different if he would have received anything like a clear run in the latter stages.
A shade outpaced as tempo increased at the Gosforth Park track, he was gaining ground hand over fist when he ran into a wall of horses dropping back into his lap at the furlong pole and from that juncture he was virtually eased down to a walk.
Clearly in decent shape once delving into the nitty gritty of that display, the biggest factor to his chances this afternoon come from the dramatic change in ground conditions, as all his best previous form has occurred on a soft surface.
The fact connections have took the trouble to book Christophe Soumilion is another significant sight of intent and with the field likely to come over towards the middle to stands side, stall 11 isn’t such a bad draw either.
TRIBAL CHIEF – 1-point each-way@6-1 (five places)
3.05 GOODWOOD
TIME FOR SANDELS (best price 5-1) proved to be a bit of shock for many when winning the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but there didn’t appear to be any fluke about the result and with the subsequent form of those in behind enhancing the race even further, Harry Eustace’s filly can prove she is one of the best sprinters in training.
Seemingly drawn on the wrong side of the track if the evidence of two previous days were a guide, she was last off the bridle in the small group who raced over towards the far rail, and in pulling well clear of her five rivals, she proved good enough to fend off the bigger group nearside that included the likes of, Arizona Blaze, Symbol Of Light, Whistlejacket, Sky Majesty and Big Mojo who have all gone on to either win or run well in high class races since.
Clearly not short of pace on the evidence of that display at the Berkshire venue, she was unlucky not to win her only previous race over five furlongs last season (Super Sprint at Newbury) and with a decent run under her belt on soft ground two starts ago, she will have no problem handling the ease underfoot caused by yesterday’s rain.
Whether she ends up being well off with the draw only time will tell but she is housed next to the likes of fancied rivals, Asfoora, Big Mojo and, more importantly, likely pace setter, Frost At Dawn, so everything should set up nicely in her favour.
TIME FOR SANDELS – 1-point each-way@5-1
4.55 GOODWOOD
RIDE THE THUNDER (best price 8-1) proved a disappointment when well fancied to build on his opening bow of the season at Ascot last time out but, as the ground would have been way to quick for Roger Varian’s inmate, he is afforded another chance to recoup losses.
Prior to that excusable effort at the Berkshire venue, the son of Night Of Thunder came from off the canvas to score by a narrow margin at Nottingham but it’s his run at York the time before which really highlights his claims.
Although beaten in the end by the hugely progressive Almeric, he showed dogged determination to hang tough from the front and considering the winner is now rated 113, it puts into perspective the level he ran to on the Knavesmire.
Back on similar ground to what he faced that day, this lightly-raced colt can continue the good form of the Varian horses here this week.
RIDE THE THUNDER – ½ point each-way@8-1 (four places)
6.35 GALWAY
LAYFAYETTE (best price 14-1) last ran in a handicap back in 2021, which goes a long way to tell you what kind of company he has been keeping over the years, and the class act of the field is fancied to take advantage of a big drop in grade.
Although Noel Meade’s inmate has run well in Group 1’s in the past, most of his best efforts have come at either Group3/listed level and he backed up that view with an excellent display at The Curragh last time out, chasing home the very smart Trustyourinstinct.
Despite being no match for the winner from two out, he still walked away with a career high speed figure and having gone well on his only previous outing to today’s venue, the eight-year-old has a better chance than his odds suggest to provide his handler with a change of luck this week (second in both the Plate and the Hurdle).
LAYFAYETTE – ½ point each-way@14-1 (five places)