Our first bet on the card comes in the opening race, a staying-handicap over two miles for jumps jockeys (14:00) and Number One London with Ger Tumelty on board looks to have an excellent chance. He benefited from a step up to this trip when striking over C&D back in June, and he lines up today off just a 4 lb higher mark. He's found life tougher in the interim but has been set much stiffer challenges and now he's had his sights lowered and gets his favoured underfoot conditions, he looks primed to strike again. That said Aiyana and See and Be Seen both won last time and merit respect.
The second contest under consideration is a competitive class three handicap over the minimum trip (15:40) and the one to keep on side is Humidor. He has key course form having won over the track twice before, and although a strict reading of his race ledger suggests he hasn't been successful for three years, he hasn't had much luck. He was first past the post at Epsom only for the race to be called void and followed that up with a fine third in the Portland handicap at Doncaster last time. Khubala and Duke of Firenze both merit respect in a competitive contest but if the selection is in similar mood to the last twice he should be tough to beat.
The final bet of the day comes in another class three handicap, this time over a mile-and-a-half (17:15) and Soviet Courage is the one for our money. He deservedly opened his account when thumping six rivals in a maiden here over ten furlongs and given that he shouldn't struggle with the step back up to twelve furlongs things look right for another win. There's also a significant chance given his connections that he will improve a good deal for the switch to handicap company, and if that's the case the likes of Oasis Fantasy and Tioga Pass will have their work cut out.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Goodwood
Back Number One London in the 14:00
Back Humidor in the 15:40
Back Soviet Courage in the 17:15
