Scooner and Triple Dip can profit from punching above their weight
DAY three of Glorious Goodwood gets underway with the Land Rover Stakes (2.05pm), an 18-runner handicap for three-year-olds. It looks a good opportunity to build up a healthy pot for the races that follow.
Having won the last two renewals, Mark Johnston arrives double-handed this year and I think there’s every chance he can make it three in a row.
While the 98-rated Resonant has some strong form in the book, including a win over today’s course and distance, the handicapper looks to have a grip on him. Instead, I’m drawn towards stablemate TRIPLE DIP.
All three of Johnston’s wins in this race have come with horses carrying 9st 0lb or less. At 8st 5lb Triple Dip looks dangerously-placed to make it win number four for the Middleham-based trainer.
Her penultimate performance at Doncaster showcased all of her stamina. While another bold bid at Ripon was less effective last time, today’s jockey Silvestre De Sousa can profit from another positive ride.
At the 14/1 mark, Triple Dip looks a solid each-way investment. She’ll be up with the pace and travelling with much less weight on her back than the majority of her rivals.
Another who the handicapper will be keeping a close eye on is the lightly-raced SCOONER. With only five runs under his belt there’s every chance his master trainer Roger Charlton has been playing his cards close to his chest.
A cracking effort in the Sir Eric Parker Memorial Handicap over today’s course and distance resulted in a three pound hike from the handicapper. Yet with apprentice Cam Hardie in the saddle today he now looks in at the weights.
The winner of that race went on to scoop a competitive handicap at Ascot, beating older horses most notably. As a result, I’m reassured that my selection’s form is watertight and the 10/1 available looks each-way value.
While many will like the chances of the highly-progressive Racing History, at around the 4/1 mark, I couldn’t back a horse carrying top-weight in a race that has all too often favoured those towards the bottom of the card.
▀ Pointers…
TRIPLE DIP e/w 2:05pm Goodwood
SCOONER e/w 2:05pm Goodwood