Global Applause
We managed to beat Lord March’s side in a thrilling game of cricket at Goodwood yesterday evening and won the Alan Lee Memorial Trophy. I captained the Racing X1 and we had a difficult task but some big hitting from Simon Clare enabled us to hit 37 runs off of the final two overs and therefore claim an unlikely victory. It is miserable both here and back at HQ this morning but it is only drizzling so far and looking at the forecast we should not get too much rain, so I would expect it to be good ground at Glorious Goodwood at worst. I am told the horses are well and they are having an easier morning today after many worked yesterday.
Oasis Fantasy ran very well yesterday and it momentarily looked like he would come through and win after overcoming some trouble in running. He has had a fantastic year for us and won nearly £50,000 in prize money but it was frustrating he could not quite get his head in front here. He travelled very well and ran on late, he will now be rated in the low triple digits and at some stage we may try him in a Listed Contest.
I have seven runners today at three different meetings and it will be very busy indeed as four run in three consecutive races at Goodwood. Global Applause is our first runner in the Molecomb, he was freshened up after Royal Ascot and he seems in great order at home. We thought this looked slightly easier than The Robert Papin and The Richmond and so have kept him to five furlongs, given the speed he showed at Sandown it should not be a problem. Frankie was sure it was the ground that beat him at Royal Ascot and we hope he is right, there is some rain forecast as mentioned but hopefully only small amounts. I was certainly surprised how big he was in the Ante Post markets for this race given his form with Mehmas at Sandown and on similar ground here he has a good chance. The Last Lion has been very consistent and was in front of us at Ascot, he may be slightly better with cut in the ground but he is a strong opponent. Aiden O’Brien is a man to be feared at the moment and given how much some of his two-year olds are improving from run to run Sportsmanship cannot be discounted. Rapacity Alexander would look to have the most solid form of the outsiders.
The Lacemaker runs in the 4:20 6f fillies’ maiden, the draw has not been very helpful but I think she has improved for her run at Newmarket where she showed promise in a decent contest. I think she will stay 7f in time but despite the higher numbers in this contest the 7f Maiden tomorrow looks stronger on known form and 6f should not pose a problem. If she gets a clear run then I can see her having a good each way chance. Bouquet De Flores was heavily backed last time and was slightly disappointing given the confidence behind her but it would appear better is expected today and Bithynia sets a solid form standard with the winner of the raced she made her debut in finishing third in a Listed contest.
Sagaciously and Sagely both run in the 4:55 ten furlongs fillies’ handicap, I never thought they would run against each other but it is a big meeting and a track the owners love. Both were entered in Listed contests but they were strong and this race looked the best option for them both, as 10f on decent ground is their optimum although Sagely hasn’t had a fair chance at twelve furlongs yet. Sagaciously has some solid handicap form and has had excuses the last twice whilst Sagely’s second to Diploma looks decent form after that filly won a Listed race easily last Friday when stepped back up to ten furlongs. They both seem fresh and well at home and they both have similar each way chances but Sagely does get the three year old allowance and Sagaciously has to shoulder the burden of top weight. Shaan did well to beat the boys at Newmarket and is improving whilst Rioca has smart form at two and if she is ready to roll on her seasonal debut she will be a danger to all.
Crystal Dome makes his debut at Sandown in the 7f Maiden later on at 7:00. He is a very related son of Dansili but he will learn from this experience and improve for it. It should prove to be an informative contest as only one horse has run in the race and there are several well-bred types. Gloryette drops back in trip in the 8:10. I hope we get a little rain this morning to take the sting out of the ground although I expect the track to have been well watered. She looked like she didn’t stay last time and so we have dropped her right back in trip here. I hope she can show us something and that there will be an even pace in the race. Booshbash runs at Leicester in a strong looking 6f Maiden at 7:50, Harry Burns is taking seven pounds off her back which will help but she is likely to find it too tough.