PERFEC TDAY
Easterby speedster ready to strike in Stewards’ Cup cracker
PERFECT PASTURE (nap) is the bet at a massive 50-1 to put veteran trainer Mick Easterby back in the big-race spotlight by landing the Stewards’ Cup (3.35, ITV) at Glorious Goodwood today.
The 86-year-old Easterby (left) still cuts a sprightly figure and continues to churn out the winners from his stable in North Yorkshire. Hoof It, winner of the six-furlong feature in 2011, also represents Easterby, but it’s Perfect Pasture who catches the eye. The seven-year-old, successful in Listed grade at Windsor in
May, will be at home under the prevailing soggy conditions — he scored on soft ground at Pontefract in the spring of last year.
In addition, Perfect Pasture ran well on his only previous visit to Goodwood, finishing seventh — beaten under two lengths — in a valuable contest 12 days after his Pontefract win.
And my selection’s BHA rating of 109 should prove within range — Perfect Pasture went close off a 2lb lower rating when last seen in handicap company at Nottingham last back-end.
Two weeks ago, Perfect Pasture did best of those racing towards the stands’ side when fifth to Magical Memory in the Hackwood Stakes at Newbury.
With Sean Levey, on board for the Pastoral Pursuits-sired gelding’s Windsor success, in action at Newmarket, Easterby turns to Andrea Atzeni to do the steering.
Atzeni partnered a stunning four-timer on the Sussex Downs on Tuesday, and can end Glorious Goodwood just as he started it — with a bang.