Foiled by an outstanding talent in the Stewards’ Cup, Orion’s Bow (3.55) can gain compensation in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon, the big betting race of this Saturday.
Dandy Nicholls’ sprinter has been on an extraordinary run this year, winning five on the bounce before finding Dancing Star just too good at Goodwood a fortnight ago. The impression was left that many others will also find that relation of Lochsong too quick for them in races to come. In failing by just a length and a quarter to give her 6lb, Orion’s Bow deserves masses of credit.
The form of his previous success had been boosted that same day when the runner-up, Hoof It, won the consolation race for the Stewards’ Cup. Orion’s Bow will surely be able to put up another big performance with just a 3lb higher rating and I would rather stick with him than guddle about for an alternative.
Tips for Saturday’s other TV races
2.15 Newmarket From the Ralph Beckett yard that is having a fine summer Shozita looks fairly treated for this handicap debut, having run on well to win on her debut at Salisbury. An extra furlong and the likelihood of a stronger pace should really help.
2.30 Newbury Beckett hit the crossbar in a maiden race at Glorious Goodwood, when his Amabilis was outpaced close home by a classy Irish raider. This race is a step up for a filly who has yet to win but her form looks strong and there are doubts about those ahead of her in the betting.
2.45 Newmarket A change of stables and a return to six furlongs seem to have helped Case Key, who remains below the rating he was given in the autumn, even after a penalty for his recent Leicester success. Andar is clearly a threat but there is something about a record of 0/9 that makes a punter narrow his eyes.
3.05 Newbury This looks straightforward for Kings Fete, who won at this level at Glorious Goodwood, proving his unlucky Royal Ascot effort was no fluke. Red Cardinal is on an upward curve but has lots to prove on this step up from handicaps.
3.20 Newmarket With just an extra 5lb for his course-and-distance success three weeks ago, Mont Kiara can follow up under Neil Callan, who is not often seen on these shores nowadays.
3.40 Newbury In view of the sudden return to form of the Henry Candy yard, Noble Peace is worth a good look at a big price. He managed to win in April, which was beyond most of his stablemates, and can be forgiven a poor showing in a hot Goodwood handicap. He ran on strongly there in June over a distance that might now be on the sharp side for him, and makes plenty of appeal from the same mark on this step up to seven furlongs.
4.10 Newbury Home Of The Brave has the form to win this but would need to be at his best and there is a slight concern about the form of Hugo Palmer’s runners this week. A chance is taken on the tricky Convey, who was missing his usual cheekpieces when flopping at Ascot two starts ago. He put up a career best when they were refitted last time.
