Glorious Goodwood Saturday tips: a Stewards' Cup outsider plus a Newmarket selection

1.05 Goodwood, 7f EBF Maiden Stakes

Richard Hannon is enjoying another solid season with his two-year-olds, and is in a particularly rich vein of form at the moment with four two-year-old winners this week already, including Trillium in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood. 

He certainly has changed his approach to the juveniles in recent years and while Hannon debutants used to be fully revved up, these days they tend to improve significantly for their first racecourse experience. 

Classic looked in need of his debut - he broke slowly and took a moment to find his stride. In the middle part of the race he moved in the manner of a classy type, and Pat Dobbs was very gentle in the closing stages where he found a small degree of traffic trouble. He wasn’t beaten far and under a more forceful ride would likely have gone very close. 

His owner, Julie Wood, has enjoyed good results in the past at Goodwood with Strong Suit winning the Lennox Stakes and Olympic Glory winning the Vintage Stakes. This contest isn’t as prestigious but I’m confident Classic can give her another Goodwood highlight. 

Selection: Classic @ 1.91

3.20 Goodwood, 6f Stewards' Cup Handicap

I think a lot of weight can be put on the draw here, with those drawn high often having the advantage. A low draw against the far rail can be overcome, while a middle draw makes things significantly harder. 

Great Ambassador ran a huge race last year when drawn on the far side - he did well to finish third and was a long way clear of those in his group. Sadly for connections the draw this year hasn’t been kind and even with Saffie Osborne claiming a valuable 3lb, he is racing off an 8lb higher mark. I’m sure he’ll make a bold bid but it’s a big ask. 

Commanche Falls made the most of a good draw last year, staying on powerfully to win a touch cosily. He has once again been favourably drawn and arrives here with effectively just two runs to his name - his seasonal return at Doncaster when finishing second was a fine run showing that this mark of 103 is not beyond him. Epsom followed and he simply didn’t handle the track before at Ascot in the Wokingham he lost David Probert as he exited the stalls. 

Michael Dods' charge will love the quick conditions and has built up a strong partnership with the underrated Connor Beasley. He can become the first dual winner since Sky Diver won in 1967 and ’68. 

Selection: Commanche Falls @ 30

4.05 Newmarket, 7f Harry Allport Is Getting Married

Love De Vega held an entry at Goodwood as well as in this, so I’m hoping it’s significant that the Johnston team have aimed him here. 

He went into my notebook after finishing a good second on his debut at Newmarket last year. It’s a race which has worked out well with Caturra (rated 106) and eventual Group 1 winner, Ebro River, finishing fourth and sixth. 

I was struck by how much pace Love De Vega showed when in contrast his pedigree is primarily stamina-heavy. His sire, Lope De Vega never raced at shorter than seven furlongs and recorded a career-best when winning the Group 1 Prix Du Jockey Club over ten furlongs. While his dam, Ribble, is from a family that contains winners at up to 16 furlongs. 

Love De Vega won comfortably at Nottingham over six furlongs on his last start and enters handicaps off a fair mark of just 80. This seven-furlong trip should see yet further improvement with Frankie Dettori a solid jockey booking. 

Selection: Love De Vega

Recommended Bets

Classic @ 1.91

Commanche Falls @ 30

Love De Vega