Nick Luck’s Blog: Being Tactical at Goodwood and Newmarket

Saturday, Goodwood

ZAMAN JEMIL looks a sound, albeit obvious, play in the Goodwood Saturday opener (1.50pm) at 3/1. There are very few classy and/or progressive sprinters here, but this one fits the bill on both counts, is in sparkling form, and has a good run on softish ground on his CV. He can operate over further, too, which will be a help if this turns into a test at the trip.

OMNISCIENT might be a little each way value in the staying handicap (2.25pm) at 10/1. He ran a sound race on his comeback in the Northumberland Plate, still bang there inside the furlong pole, and may appreciate a slight ease in distance. Certainly he doesn’t look handicapped out of it and, although Sweet William was undeniably impressive at Newbury, he’s wheeling back quite quickly.

RIVER OF STARS gets the nod in the Lillie Langtry (3.00pm) at 9/2. Although Free Wind is potent if at her best, she’s taken very little racing and wasn’t very inspiring at Ascot. I’ll happily watch her win at cramped odds, while the selection is the sort her trainer does very well with and is a resolute and progressive galloper.

TACTICAL must have a sound chance in the Stewards’ Cup (3.35pm) at 28/1. One of three in the race for Julie Camacho, he looks nicely treated on his best form for Andrew Balding, and ran perfectly respectably last time. He was fancied before being unable to run in the Wokingham, and a breathing operation won’t harm his chances.

Saturday, Newmarket

SAY HELLO might be able to win again in the nursery at Newmarket (2.05pm) at 9/2. Although blinkers were credited with her improvement on her nursery debut, there is every chance a return to easy ground had just as positive an effect. And while the handicapper has had a right go, she could easily be up to it in this grade against her own sex.

MARKET VALUE has possibilities at a price of 11/1 in the Chalice Stakes (2.40pm). She has it on at the ratings, but William Haggas has pulled off this trick already this season in a Listed race, and he wouldn’t be squandering a nice mark without good cause. The key is the step up in trip, which will suit given she’s out of the Gold Cup winner Estimate, and – with useful handicap form under her belt – she might be ridden quite positively.