BIGORANGE
Surprise 20-1 shot can put the squeeze on...
THE foreboding presence of Big Orange dominates the betting for today’s Qatar Goodwood Cup and it will take a mighty performance to stop him claiming a third successive victory in the race.
Opposing Michael Bell’s gritty Ascot Gold Cup winner at his favoured track may seem foolish, but the globe-trotting
QEWY (Goodwood, 3.35) looks good value following an encouraging comeback at Ascot last month.
Tackling the marathon Queen Alexandra stakes on his first start for 224 days proved too big an ask for Qewy as he By SAM TURNER Britain’s No1 Tipster faded to finish fourth after hitting the front turning for home. The seven-yearold was understandably rusty so it is worth recalling his tremendous run in last year’s Melbourne Cup when six lengths behind Almandin.
Trainer Charlie Appleby’s charge was second behind elidor in a competitive handicap at last year’s Goodwood. He is likely to be ridden close to the pace today and rates a cracking each-way bet with conditions likely to suit.
Victory for Big Orange, the odds- on favourite trained by Michael Bell, would see the gelding emulate Double Trigger as a three-time winner of the race.
Jockey Frankie Dettori sees stradivarius as the biggest danger to Big Orange as the six-year-old must concede 13lb to the John Gosden-trained three-year-old, winner of the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot. Dettori said: ‘stradivarius is the horse we have to beat because he is carrying no weight. But Big Orange is solid. Whoever passes him will win — and he is very hard to pass.’