DECOY TO PROVE HE’S NO DUMMY
VALUE SCOPE
IT’S time to go Dutch in the final race of Glorious Goodwood today.
Mark and Charlie Johnston’s horses have, predictably, been running well this week, as they often do here.
They have three in the Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Handicap and I like in-form DUTCH DECOY (4.30) the most.
He has struck up a great partnership with young rider Oliver Stammers (right) and this slightly longer trip should help him stay one step ahead of the handicapper.
Have 1pt each-way at 12-1. Several bookies are paying out on five places and Sky Bet is stretching to six.
Back bargain buy REGIONAL (3.20) to hit the jackpot in the Coral Stewards’ Cup.
He cost less than four grand when snapped up by trainer Ed Bethell last summer. His Haydock success in September came at the first time of asking for his new trainer and he’s developed into a promising sprinter.
He’s only had two starts this season and his staying-on second over 5f at Doncaster four weeks ago showed he needs the extra furlong of today’s race.
With Ryan Moore (left) booked and his high draw likely to be an advantage, he has stacks going for him.
Have 2pts each-way at 10-1. Most bookies are paying out on eight places but Sky Bet is going a generous eight places.
I can’t resist having a saver on ANNAF (3.20) in the same race.
His low draw might be a problem but it’s the only negative I can see.
He’s the only threeyear-old in the field and that age group has a superb record in the Stewards’ Cup. Only 11 horses that young have lined up in this race in the last seven years and three of them have won.
Annaf has run really well on his last two starts. If the draw isn’t a problem he will look way overpriced. Have 1pt each-way at 22-1.
The going is likely to be a fair bit softer at Thirsk and that will suit EMPIRESTATEOFMIND (3.48). He did well when he got his favourite conditions either side of his winter break and the warm weather has been no good to him in recent starts. Have 1pt each-way at 11-1. Most of the bookies are paying out on five places.
Yesterday: Rocchiagiani (advised at 6-1) won at 11-2, Lawful Command claimed a place in fifth (advised each-way at 14s)