ROAR FOR RAUCOUS

Haggas has form in Sussex

BACK battling RAUCOUS (Goodwood, 3.35) to tear up the Sussex downs and land today’s Qatar Stewards’ Cup. There are plenty of conflicting views on the draw going into this afternoon’s feature and it is anyone’s guess where the best place to race will be as the fresh strip of ground opened up yesterday and utilised by those drawn low today may well by chewed up come race time.

Hopefully Raucous won’t find himself too disadvantaged positioned towards the stands’ side rail in stall 26 as he appears to have a major chance judged on his performance in the race 12 months ago when an honourable third.

Trainer William Haggas has won the Stewards’ Cup twice in recent years and it is perhaps no surprise his four-year-old has been targeted at this race for much of the season given he wasn’t far behind winner Dancing Star last term.

Beaten just three lengths when suffering an interrupted passage in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot in first-time blinkers, the selection was far from disgraced in a Newbury Group 3 on soft ground last time, staying on when the race was all over. That outing should serve to put him spot on for this prestigious sprint and, with champion jockey Jim Crowley on board, he must have a major chance of making an impact on today’s contest providing there is some pace in the track for him late on.

It probably makes sense to pick one from either side of the draw as a punter and I could see Growl posting a big display following his fine run behind Harry Angel in the July Cup.

He was a place behind Raucous in this race last year and goes on any ground so these conditions shouldn’t be a concern for a horse who is a regular in this type of contest.

LOVE DREAMS (Newmarket, nap, 4.25) has always been held in high regard by connections and jockey PJ McDonald was effusive in his praise for the three-year-old when partnering him to victory a fortnight ago.

Sired by Dream Ahead, the colt looked as though his attitude may get the best of him earlier this season at Salisbury, but he has improved to the point he was highly impressive over course and distance last time out when tackling soft ground.

He may have flashed his tail when striding clear, but it didn’t appear to halt his momentum and I’m hopeful his form can continue on an upward curve.