Appleby sprinter has Annaf in hand for Stewards’ Cup
GLORIOUS Goodwood is on the horizon, with the five days of action from West Sussex looking competitive as ever.
A handful of the feature races are priced up ante-post, including the Stewards’ Cup cavalry charge over six furlongs.
With 84 runners entered at present, it’s not the easiest of contests to assess but there is a price that sticks out in the betting currently.
The horse in question is ANNAF for Mick Appleby.
The seven-year-old doesn’t have as flashy a profile as some that are more prominent in the market, but there’s a good case that he is very well handicapped.
A mark of 100 may appear steep, but he would have been competitive off 107 if granted more luck in this race 12 months ago, where he travelled strongly before running into a wall of horses and finishing on the bridal.
He’s since run with great credit in Group One company, as well as winning the Group Three Bengough Stakes, so the fact he carries seven pounds less in the saddle this time around makes him of interest.
His run last Saturday once again saw him struggling for room at the business end before powering home, leaving the impression that the ability remains.
The fact that he boasts a far more exposed profile than most means we are being compensated on price, but to my eye, this is a savvy piece of handicapping from the Appleby team with what is a high-quality sprinter.
He’s versatile ground wise, so won’t mind if there’s a sudden deluge and he’ll have no qualms with conditions if the sun stays shining.
A mark of 100 ensures that he will get a run if connections want, which appears to be the plan, so the 20/1 looks well worth snapping up.
POINTERS GLORIOUS GOODWOOD
Annaf e/w 20/1 Stewards’ Cup