Kevin Stott’s William Hill blog: Justanotherbottle drawn well in Stewards’ Cup 

Goodwood, Saturday 

I begin my rides with Digital in the Stewards’ Sprint Handicap (1.40pm). He hasn’t been firing lately but he’s two pounds below his last winning mark now. He’s yet to win over six furlongs but it’s a sharp track so it’s not too big a concern. It’s a shame there are only 12 runners this year as usually it’s a full field. It’s still competitive, though,  and a career best will be needed. 

Next up is Justanotherbottle in the Stewards’ Cup (3.20pm). He’s been running great this year and at the age of eight has managed to reach his highest ever mark but that obviously means he’s carrying a big weight. Dropping back down to six furlongs will help but with a big field, a late load is essential as he can be tricky in the gates. 

In all honesty, it could be all be down to the start! Stall 21 means I’ll be stands side which is where the winner came from last year, so I think I’m drawn on the right side. You don’t need me to tell you that we’ll need plenty of luck!  

General Lee goes in the 1m1f handicap (4.30pm). He’s off a career high mark but he’s been first and second here which is great because Goodwood is a unique track and course form can be essential. He never fired on his reappearance run back in March and has had a break since then. Stall 12 isn’t ideal but hopefully we have enough time before the bend to get a nice position. 

Chester, Sunday 

I’m off to Chester on Sunday and I kick off with Bielsa in the Listed Queensferry Stakes (2.55pm). Unfortunately, we have the widest stall in 10 and obviously it goes without saying that around Chester it’s not ideal. It’s seems as though Bielsa is happier going right-handed so the track is a concern but any rain is a bonus and it’s a stepping stone for another shot at the Ayr Gold Cup. 

Rock Of England goes in the conditions stakes (4.00pm). He’ll have learnt a lot at Thirsk having been a little green early but passed horses and finished really well. This is obviously a step up in grade but he’s open to plenty of improvement. The track is an unknown but that’s the same for all the runners, so hopefully we can have a strong finish once again.  

Bamboo Bay runs in the 1m4f handicap (4.30pm). We just managed to hold on the last time we teamed up over course and distance. His run at Pontefract last time was too bad to be true, so hopefully he can bounce back at a track he handled well. The draw could have been a bit kinder, though.