Nick Luck
Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Sandals a fine fit for the King George
William Hill ambassador Nick Luck casts his expert eye over day four of Glorious Goodwood.
Bet on Horse Racing at William Hill
ZINC WHITE can land the opener at Goodwood on Day Four (1.20). Although the ground is by no means bottomless, there will clearly be an ease after yesterday’s deluge, which will suit the selection well. He’s gradually returning to some form after time off, and still looks pretty well treated – his fifth to Agaggio here was promising, and hinted he could get much closer over this longer distance.
SEAGULLS ELEVEN gets the nod in a small field Thoroughbred Stakes (1.55). He raced much more kindly last time when second to the very smart Opera Ballo, and there’s no obvious reason that third-placed King Of Cities should be a shorter price. Cosmic Year has plenty of talent, but emptied out tamely in the Jean Prat and has something to prove.
SKUKUZA might have a stack of weight, but he can make his class tell in the Golden Mile (2.30). He was deeply impressive at The Curragh last time, posting a pattern race performance under similar conditions. With yet more ease in the ground, he should be even more at home, and he can oblige again in what surely will be his last handicap.
TIME FOR SANDALS has been underestimated for her victory in the Commonwealth Cup, whose form is working out much better than expected (3.05). The stable continues to impress, and this well campaigned filly beat the low drawn horses pointless at Ascot. She’ll have no issues coping with the drop to 5 furlongs, while easy ground is fine. The penalty doesn’t make life easy, but she’s up to the task.
JEFF KOONS is a sporting selection to run well in the conditions race (3.45). On this season’s evidence, nine furlongs is about the perfect distance for him, and he’s been stepping forward gently with each run. He won’t mind slightly slower ground, and he gels well with this rider.
