Imvula lands the spoils under Richard Hughes.
Another warm and pleasant morning with a similar forecast for the weekend.
Two groups of workers this morning, both at the Al Bahathri. Richard Hills and Tom Queally rode one lot while Bill and Tim Gredley were out on the Heath.
A disappointing day at Epsom yesterday. God Willing appears to have banged himself in the stalls and was playing catch-up from there on in – he didn’t handle the track too well either. Fieldsman fell in a hole three furlongs out and has yet to recapture his juvenile form, although it is far too early to write him off.
Imvula managed to light up the gloom by landing the mile fillies’ maiden that closed Goodwood’s evening card. Her debut fifth at Nottingham had worked out extremely well, with four subsequent winners emerging from the race, and she turned in a thoroughly professional performance under Richard Hughes to fend off all challengers and win quite cosily.
The bare form is probably nothing special and they finished in a heap, but hopefully that means the handicapper can’t go too overboard. She travels well and has a willing attitude - attributes that will stand her in good stead once handicapping.
Just the two runners this afternoon on an unusually quiet Saturday. Dutch Uncle lines up in the opener at Epsom, a race that often produces a future Group performer. Our horse has very solid handicap form – his Newbury third has already been franked by the fifth – and a 3lb rise is not excessive. These are his conditions and he should acquit himself well, although Stravagante is the one to beat.
Oasis Fantasy has been installed favourite for the mile and a half handicap which looks the most competitive race of the weekend. His last two starts suggest he’s an improved horse this year, and the field lacks a standout unexposed sort, but stall 19 will be tricky and he’ll need plenty of luck in running. Hopefully Richard Hughes can weave his magic down the camber!
Two declaration for Monday this morning with Mahsooba heading north to Thirsk and Cogent heading south to Windsor.
Quite light on the entries front as well, although Arethusa was given an alternative engagement in the mile fillies’ handicap at Sandown.
Finally, it’s judgement day for Golden Horn as the imperious Dante winner tests his stamina credentials in the ultimate test of all. The form book suggests he is by and far and away the best horse and surely nothing can beat him if he stays. An intriguing contest lies in store.
Have a brilliant weekend.
Ed