Joe McConnell
Albasheer, a leading Stewards’ Cup contender, is Vscek Racing Ambassador Hollie’s main chance on the final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival on Saturday.
I WOULD NOT CHANGE ALBASHEER IN FORM
It was great to see my old friend again ALBASHAEERHe returned to the front in a valuable handicap at Ascot last weekend, and has the talent to continue if he is in the same mood in Saturday’s Coral Commissioners Cup (3.35) TO Good wood.
Archie Watson has put his six-year-old in a good position, both mentally and physically, which is vital for these top-class sprinters. He loves to bang his head home at a steady pace, and he certainly will in this 6f cavalry charge.
A 6lb penalty shouldn’t be enough to stop him – he’s good enough to challenge the 104lb limit and carried a heavier weight the other day at Ascot.
Wathnan Races Dark Soldier He has been the centre of attention in the betting this week, and rightly so, after his great effort to finish second in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot, but I wouldn’t change Albasheer in his current form.
Hollie raves about Albasheer at Goodwood
IDEAL RESISTANCE TEST FOR SWEET MEMORIES
The move to 1m6f could be the realization of SWEET MEMORIESwhich can give a scare to the principals of Group 2 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (3.00).
I know John and Thady Gosden’s filly well, having won the Listed Chalice Stakes with her at Newmarket a year ago. Things didn’t work out when I rode her again in the Fillies’ & Mares’ on Champions’ Day at Ascot, but she stayed on with determination in the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks last time out, when she suggested she was ready for a bigger test of endurance.
Although the Gosdens also have the likely favourite in Free windI think this lovely daughter of Sea The Stars can do very well, provided the ground is not too fast for her.
INTINSO HAS THE SHAPE TO FIT WELL
THE Coral Summer Handicap (2.25) Goodwood could be an ideal assignment for John and Thady Gosden EXTENDEDwho has shown he has the talent in two big handicaps this season to be taken seriously here.
He last had an excuse in the Copper Horse at Royal Ascot, but was judged better on the basis of his placings in the Rosebery Handicap at Kempton and again at the Guineas meeting at Newmarket.
The grey son of Siyouni by my boss Imad Alsagar remains uncompetitive for a four-year-old. This will be only his tenth start, and John and Thady seem to have him at the top of the order.
The main question mark is the undulating track. He is a horse with big strides, but if he can find a good rhythm he certainly has a great race like this in his locker.
GOOD CHANCE FOR AN UNEXPOSED REFLECTION
Thought He was on the wrong side of things when I rode him in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot, but he still ran well for a long distance: I thought he would do some damage until his fuel tank ran empty. However, dropping back in distance for the 7f Whispering Angel Handicap (4.10) could see him break through there.
I won on Charlie Hills’ colt on debut at Newbury last summer and, after only four career starts, the son of Churchill remains relatively unexposed. He has so much ability, but he just needs to learn how to apply it properly.
HOPE THAT DESFONDADO CAN GET OVER THE DRAW
I absolutely love Simon Dow’s gelding FOUNDED and I would be thrilled to win against him for the third time in Coral we are here for this Handicap (5.20) at Goodwood.
Previous victories came in the All-Weather at Kempton, but he showed he can run on faster ground when finishing fourth over 1m at Ascot last month.
We got stuck in the car park which didn’t help but he’s a big strong horse with great ability so we’re hoping for some luck and keeping our fingers crossed that the ground doesn’t get too fast for him.
Big Evs faces Asfoora in the King George Qatar Stakes
TOM LOOKS HARD TO BEAT IN THE BIG EVS
Even if I’m riding a Southern WellI will scream for my husband Tom Marquand and Large electric vehicles in the main race on Friday at Good woodTHE King George Qatar Episodes (3.35).
He is a brilliant horse who will be much more at home in this easier 5f race than the more challenging test at Ascot, the King Charles III Stakes.
Big Evs has already proved his worth at this track after winning last season’s Molecomb Stakes, but I think it could be tough for the Australian horse AsfooraHe beat Mick Appleby’s star at Royal Ascot, but will find this test of speed completely different to anything he has faced before.
It’s already been a fantastic week for Mick and his owners, having saddled first and third homes in the Molecomb on Wednesday, and I’d love to see Tom round off the week in style.
