Racing in the UK this week is a bit low on quality in the wake of Glorious Goodwood. The Shergar Cup is the main attraction this weekend and, try as I might, I can never get inspired by this competition. I shall preview it on Friday with a view to finding a couple of winners but I don’t think any serious punters take the rivalry between the jockeys too seriously.
There are some competitive little races at Brighton on the Sussex coast on Friday. Being a Sussex man, I have some affection for the rolling South Downs and Brighton’s undulating track usually provides good entertainment.
One horse that I will not be putting my pennies on tomorrow is Muhawalah who looks decidedly mulish. The daughter of Nayef has been called a few names in the past but she got her head in front at Carlisle last time out, albeit with various forms of headgear. Course form is always worth a pound or two and I respect the chances of bottom weight Sandy Cove but I am just leaning towards the hat-trick seeking Serena Grae. Marcus Tregoning knows how to get the best out of his horses and this filly could still have a few pounds in hand.
The following sprint is littered with course and distance winners. Brighton regulars will have a soft spot for Noverre To Go after numerous fast finishing efforts here but he rarely finishes in front at the line. Ginzan ran a mighty race to get close to a well-handicapped horse at Windsor last time out and is feared most but I am siding with Panther Patrol.
Eve Johnson Houghton’s stable are in decent form and this one seems to have all the credentials necessary to win here. Usually fast out of the gate and an easy traveller, the weights suggest a quick hat-trick is on the cards.
My final selection is Welsh Inlet in the seven furlong handicap. I had fancied the Mark Tompkins-trained Blue Bounty. He has run in some competitive races and this looked as good an opportunity as he has had. He has been withdrawn this morning and Welsh Inlet could be the one to benefit.
This one has won and placed here before and always seems to stay on up the Brighton hill. The race does not look as though it will take a great deal of winning and 3-1 is a fair price.
Serena Grae 3.40 Brighton at 9-2 BetVictor
Panther Patrol 4.10 Brighton at 9-4 Stan James
Welsh Inlet 4.40 Brighton at 3-1 William Hill
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
