DE SOUSA: I’M NO DEAD CERT

Champ’s warning on eve of Goodwood

CHAMPION jockey Silvestre de Sousa today played down claims that he is a dead cert to retain his riding crown.

The Brazilian is 20 winners clear of his nearest rival in the championship race.

But as he prepares for this week’s Glorious Goodwood, he said there was a long way to go.

He said: “People keep asking me about the Stobart Jockeys’ Championship but it really is still so early to be talking about titles.

“We are not even in August yet and there is an awful lot that can happen.

“You only just have to look back a week to when I was suspended to see how things can change quickly with bans and injuries. Obviously, it’s great to have a lead but I can only focus on things on a day-byday basis and try to keep riding winners.”

De Sousa is relishing Goodwood, adding: “There is a lovely atmosphere.

“Looking at the forecast, it will be boiling hot again, so I hope they have stocked up on ice in the weighing room.

“I was thrilled to ride a couple of winners at Royal Ascot.

“And if I could repeat that at Goodwood, I would be so delighted.” BIG FANCY: De Sousa on Savaanah who he is due to ride at Goodwood Silvestre de Sousa reveals some of his best rides of the week

Desert Skyline (3.35, Tuesday) “There are some horses I’m looking forward to riding over the first couple of days and they are probably headed by Desert Skyline for David Elsworth in the Goodwood Cup. For whatever reason he just didn’t run any sort of race at Ascot in the Gold Cup and I’m confident you can put a line through that run. They didn’t go quickly and I rode him patiently which meant he just didn’t get involved. Hopefully it was a blip and I’m expecting a much better showing here.”

Savaanah (5.15, Tuesday) “Another one I’m looking forward to riding (she also holds an entry on Wednesday) is Savaanah. She has rattled off a hat-trick of wins already this season and seems to be progressing with every start. Things will be a little tougher off a 5lb higher mark but she is still a filly with a bright future.”

Orbaan (3.35, Wednesday)

“I am expecting to ride Orbaan if he travels over from France for the Sussex Stakes. He’s been brought along slowly by master trainer Andre Fabre and slips in under the radar. Whether he is quite ready to mix it with the very best milers around remains to be seen but I’m hoping he can go well.”

Lil Rockerfeller (1.50, Wednesday) “Has been running so well over hurdles in recent seasons that connections have not felt the need to switch codes but he looks likely to have his first run on the flat for over three years. He is tough, has class and is on a dangerous handicap mark.”

Silvestre de Sousa is an ambassador for 188BET. For more on Goodwood, check out his blog at 188BET.co.uk