Ian’s Racing News

Apologies for the slightly later update but I have been at Goodwood all week with a variety of tasks to perform.

In my opinion the ground is not nearly as bad as people are saying and the proof is that the jockeys still seem to be favouring the far side, which is where the moisture generally ends up. Also, watching from down by the furlong pole, I thought horses were finishing their races off properly and there was nothing wrong with the winning time in the King George sprint.

What this means is that my original choice for the Stewards’ Cup, Projection, is favoured in one way  –  ground not as soft as feared  –  but hindered in another, because he is drawn high.

MY other fancies are this side, as well. Polybius and Outback Traveller are both in the twenties and I just have to hope that they are not inconvenienced. However, GROWL is drawn low, has a very capable apprentice on his back and may demonstrate that he has been taking on slightly classier sprinters than these He is my overall choice though I shall have savers on the above.

I’m not too happy that Rasheeq raced only a week ago but he has each-way claims in the consolation at 1.50, where Stellarta may run into a place. She was fourth last year but is 8lb higher, which has to be a concern but this is her sort of contest.

My good friend George Marten has You’re Hired going in the last. A great supporter of Goodwood, George has his share of winners here and Amanda Perrett will have You’re Hired ready first time up. He shoulders a big weight but there is a lot of mile form in a mile and a quarter race and he may be up to the task.