Sunday 8th January
By SP2A Analysis
Goodwood 3.35 - Fillies Stakes - Class 1 - 1 mile 2 furlongs - 12 run - Soft
I think that the Going and emphasis on stamina is key here.
Janey Mackers is around 9/2 and has form on soft and impressed at a mile but I am not totally convinced stamina wise. Quebella handles Good to Soft and the trip and at 20/1 would be a lively outsider but at double figure odds, the one at a bigger price I would want a small saver on is MODERN UTOPIA. Strictly on form she has a bit to find but Handicap wins at a mile and 9 furlongs on Soft and Heavy suggests any lack of Class may well be covered by a clear liking for the ground conditions.
My real hope here though is the Gosden trained EL BURDOOR. They have been patient with this very well bred girl and there is both some decent form already and some very strong pedigree indications being sired by Kingman, who was a 10 furlong specialist at 10-12 furlongs that this trip and underfoot conditions should hold no fears. I doubt we have seen anything like the best of her so far and she is a nice backable each way price to finish 1-2 or 3 here. (Caro)
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Punchestown 4.20 - Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles and 1/2 furlongs - 18 run - Good to Yielding
An 18 runner line up where the top of the market doesn't overenthuse me as I have some stamina concerns about Stay Gold and the in form Londonofficecallin may also be vulnerable at this trip off a mark that looks a bit over-inflated after recent successes.
I will TRACK forwards One And Only who has been waiting for some rain but who may need shorter too, Natural Look was my 4th top rated and could run a place.
My top 3 rated though are HOWDOYALIKEHERHOME for the Elliott yard, lots to like about a staying on 3rd over just shorter on a recent run at Down Royal, I think the step up in trip for this one will suit and will be very disappointed if we're not winning or placing here. BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA is running at the right sort of trip off a competitive mark and rain won't be a negative at all and looks a very solid each way proposition and the one at a bigger price I like most is MALTON GROOVE who just gets the nod over Natural Look. This one runs off bottom weight with a 7lbs claim and is only 1lb out of the handicap (irrelevant to be honest) very well handicapped and a solid 4th place that was not too distant from the winner, who franked the form with a win yesterday. (MG)
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NO TRACKERS TODAY.