MAKE A TIDY PROFIT
Sprinter ready to cash in on the going
CLIVE COX is establishing a reputation as a master trainer of sprinters and PRO F I TABLE (Goodwood, 3.35) can enhance it with another big- race success in today’s Qatar King George Stakes.
The Lambourn handler is enjoying another marvellous season courtesy of his speedsters and Harry Angel’s blistering July Cup victory is still fresh in the memory.
Profitable provided a similarly seminal moment last season when landing the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on rain- softened ground and he should find conditions to his liking again this afternoon.
The son of Invincible Spirit made a bold bid to defend his Ascot sprinting crown in June but had no answer to the speed queen Lady Aurelia, who displayed her trademark brazen pace to dismiss her 16 rivals.
There was no disgrace in that performance and Cox is happy to return Profitable to a track where he can get his toe in and enjoy some cut in the ground.
I like the fact the five-yearold has been kept fresh since and targeted at today’s feature by connections. He looks sure to gain a good tow into the race with the trailblazing Take Cover a couple of stalls away in three. Like many of these top- class sprints, the competition is fierce and Battaash has proved to be one of the stars of this sphere this season.
Two Sandown victories elevated the three-year- old to favourite for this contest and he is a hard horse to knock, given his natural speed and likeable attitude.
However, the prevailing conditions raise a query, as they do with classy Marsha, so with Profitable’s effectiveness on easy ground already confirmed he gains the nod.
The Betfred Mile is always a fascinating affair where gaining a clear run is almost as tough as winning.
Royal Hunt Cup winner Zhui Feng is likely to try to make the running again from stall four and I’m hoping Ryan Moore can sit on the four- year- old’s tail aboard MASTER THE WORLD (Goodwood, 3.00).
David Elsworth’s enigmatic handicapper isn’t one for the family silver but is highly capable on his day and was only beaten a head in this race 12 months ago by a handicap good thing in Franklin D.
He has the opportunity today to go one better following an encouraging performance at Newmarket last time and the selection’s Goodwood figures read 202 so he appeals as a fair eachway wager in a tough race.
One Word More, another veteran of these contests, also ran in the race last season but suffered a nightmare and it would be no surprise to see him find some form, with his yard among the winners in the past fortnight.