Goodwood 15:45 6f Handicap "Steward's Cup" 30th July 2011

HOOF IT
Lot to like about what he's done so far in his career; most progressive. Carried top weight and won nicely in Sky Bet Dash last weekend at York and has to have leading claims once more even with 6lbs higher mark.       

JIMMY STYLES
Former Ayr Gold Cup winner who won earlier on in the season and finished a decent third behind progressive Deacon Blues in Grp3 on latest start. Two tries at this off lower marks before though and career best needed at his age now.       

DAFEEF
Entries in Grp races later in the season suggest he's well thought of and stable are in tremendous form at present. It would take some effort to land this though on first run of the season.       

TIDDLIWINKS
Still winless on turf despite his rating and his third to Delegator in York Grp Two earlier in season have given him much harder task here today. Fourth in consolation race last year off 13lbs lower and big effort required.       

HIGH STANDING
Very easy winner of the Wokingham as a 4yo. Only 7lbs higher today and won last time out on first start with right conditions (6f; good to firm) since that win (outside of Grp company). Stable/jockey in form and has CD win. Chances at big price.       

PASTORAL PLAYER
Won top Newmarket handicap on first start this term and decent third in Wokingham after that on easy ground. Disappointed in Grp company since but this more likely to suit and can't rule out a big run.       

QUEST FOR SUCCESS
In sparkling form this year and looks to be better than ever. Hard to fault way he won at Hamilton on latest start but this a much sterner test and off career high mark he has it all to do.       

TAJNEED
Really good effort behind Hoof It at York last weekend and actually better off at the weights now with that rival. Hard to knock what he's done this year so far but probably just saving best for Ripon in August.       

VICTOIRE DE LYPHAR
Very lightly raced 4yo and sure to have improvement left in him. Stable starting to now fire in the winners and on same mark as when second in Ayr Gold Cup last term as 3yo. Handled track in the past and no surprise to see a big run.       

ANCIENT CROSS
Risen up the ranks well this year at the grand old age of seven. No wins at this distance a slight worry but has won over 7f before. Toughest test yet off career high mark more of an issue.       

ATLANTIC SPORT
Decent fifth last at Ascot in International but looks tricky to win with off this mark and on long losing run at present. Doesn't strike as the type to win this kind of contest and others preferred.       

BRAVE PROSPECTOR
Finished seventh in this two years ago off same mark but little to write home about in terms of form this time around. Always dangerous ruling out Hanagan/Fahey but not the strongest challenger they have ever sent South and passed over.       

SECRET ASSET
Enjoys the course after fair effort in this last term and win here on Tuesday. Very tricky to predict though and this clearly much stronger contest so hard to envisage the quick-fire double.       

DOCOFTHEBAY
Another Nicholls runner who it's easy to envisage running well. Hugely consistent this term and a winner at the course before he ran well behind Hoof It last time Queally was on board and represents solid each way value.       

NASRI
Class act at two and performed with credit this year in the Dab Hand Racing colours for Dandy. Third behind Hawkeyethenoo off this mark in Victoria Cup gives him a chance but might just lack killer speed when it matters.       

LUI REI
Always looked like he was ready to strike at some point during this campaign but yet to put best hoof forward. Woeful effort last time at Ascot and needs quick change in form to figure today.       

CROWN CHOICE
A CD win to his name in lesser event from earlier in the season gives him a slight edge over some rivals but hard to see him going by some classy looking types in this and placed effort may be best can hope for.       

EDINBURGH KNIGHT
Better for break last time when scoring at Newcastle after tame effort behind Hoof It at York. Lightly raced and looks an improver being only four. Toughest test to date but easy to see him running well.       

FITZ FLYER
Likely to lead right up the middle and make sure it's a good pace but hard to see him winning a race of this magnitude after showing little in lower grade handicaps off lower marks.       

KANAF
Confirmed promise of 3yo campaign with a ready win at Ascot on latest start. Woeful effort here on first start this campaign but may have just needed the run and at the prices he may represent some value.       

COLONEL MAK
Nothing wrong with his latest effort at Hamilton behind Quest For Success and now sits just 1lb higher than when landing Ay Silver Cup last year. Spencer one from one on him and could be running into form at the right time.       

GLOBAL CITY
Down the field in this two years ago but dropped down the weights somewhat since then. Rare for a Godolphin runner to be such a price but probably reflects his chances and was down the field in Windsor handicap last time.       

TAX FREE
Fifth in this five years ago and placed fourth in Grp One at best. Likely to appreciate the conditions but whether he retains same ability he once had is very questionable.       

CAPE TO RIO
Huge ask for 3yo to win this and hasn't been setting the world alight with his efforts this term so far. Watching brief looks best course of action.       

FATHSTA
Finished like a train last weekend behind Hoof It and remains on mark that saw him gain his last success in handicap company. Jockey never out of first three on him and another at a big price who can go well.       




SUMMARY

Probably my favourite sprint handicap of the year. Always a tricky puzzle and this renewal looks like being a similar story. Very hard to knock the efforts of Hoof It so far this year, only going down in a soft ground Wokingham when his stamina was stretched just too far. Ready for group company now but sure to give a bold show under top weight today. I’ll have to have some wager on him, but as value he is hard to recommend now at his skinny odds. The others at the head of the market naturally have a lot going for them too in the shape of Macs Power and Edinburgh Knight, but in terms of seeking some value it may be worth some each way money being thrown the way of Victoire De Lyphar and High Standing. Team Nicholls are creeping into form now and their main hope here was good enough to finish second to Redford last season in the Ayr Gold Cup. A repeat of that effort off the same mark would see him go close and he was just denied in the consolation race for this last year. While the Haggas team continue in fine form of late and the price on offer for their charge looks a tad high. This type of test (6f; good to firm with a strong pace on) suits him well and he won the Wokingham with some ease two years back. Ryan Moore in the saddle will help his cause further and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him play a hand in the finish.


VALUE SELECTIONS

Victoire De Lyphar 1pt ew @ 16/1
High Standing 1pt ew @ 33/1