Today’s racing at Goodwood, Bangor, Thirsk, Bath, Haydock & Newmarket

Wouldn’t it be great if the powers that be up above could organize  some rainfall overnight at these major festivals.  I have nothing against watering but you manage to get the draw sussed and then the taps are turned on and your confidence in the perceived advantage begins to wane.  I will stick with the middle to high theory and put up Joseph Henry at a massive price to stick in my combined exacta with three more, the featured Totesport mile is another event where a high draw is favoured.  Looking down the field there aren’t many guaranteed front runners, I wonder if the canny Royston may just jump out and set a sedate rather than breakneck pace aboard Sea Lord, or even let Aspectus bowl along and sit second.  The first quarter may well be enlightening, a couple of Northern juveniles take on the Hannon charge Libranno in the Richmond, all unbeaten and the other trio are no mugs either, therefore a cracking renewal is in store.  My preference is for the Mark Johnston trained Satin Love, demoted Guineas winner Jacqueline Quest will hopefully land the group three for connections though it is hardly a gimme.

Over a decade ago before the advent of summer jumping Bangor started this Friday afternoon meeting to open the National Hunt season a day earlier than the norm, now a regular on the calendar the opening event is graced with some famous silks, those of Noel Le Mare, he had a decent chaser in the 70’s Glenkiln, but obviously he will be remembered as the owner of Red Rum.  Baraathen carries the colours of the famous gelding now in the ownership of the trainers mother Mrs Beryl McCain, a French import from the Hobbs yard Charmeur looks a likely sort, the owners were successful with Barnhill Brownie Tuesday evening after a ten year break from ownership, two wins in a week would be some comeback.

Frankie Dettori heads home to Newmarket after the fourth at Goodwood for four rides, two newcomers one for Godolphin and the other for Jeremy Noseda, the market will tell the story.  Jamie Spencer must be taking to the air as he travels northwards to Haydock for five rides this evening.  Three for different trainers in the ownership of Dr Marwan Koukash, while Seb Sanders heads west after one ride for Jonjo, Spectait, fairly sure he ran in this as a three year old for Sir Mark,in the Totesport mile, to partner a couple of fancied sorts for his guvnor at Bath.