William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews the first day of the Guineas meeting from Newmarket, with seven tips for the afternoon’s action.
Friday, Newmarket
DIEGO VENTURA might offer some value against the front of the market in the TV opener at Newmarket on Friday (2.20). He was quietly progressive for this yard after his acquisition from Ireland, but he never had an opportunity to race on decent ground. He’s not without pace, which should be a prized asset on the Rowley Mile this weekend, and was quite an unfurnished horse last year, suggesting their might be a fair bit more to come.
HORNSEA BAY has plenty going for him in the mile handicap (2.55). Lightly raced and with a good pedigree, he showed quite a bit last season, then was fully entitled to need the race on his seasonal debut, travelling well before that lack of race fitness told. He has been a shade keen in his races, and I like the idea of Jamie Spencer on this horse.
PHYSIQUE is worth another chance today (3.30). He caught everyone’s eye on his stable debut, before disappointing last time. That was a messy race, however, in which he was poorly positioned and never had much of a chance to get going. Better ground might well help, and he remains interesting off this mark.
SILVER KNOTT should just have the edge in the Jockey Club Stakes (4.05). Although he doesn’t race in England much nowadays, he’s been tremendously consistent throughout his travels, has tactical speed, and won’t mind a small field. He’s won on his only start here, and has fewer questions to answer than his three rivals.
Friday, Goodwood
TOCA MADERA can win the first of three TV races at Goodwood (2.35). He has a fair weight pull with Shagraan for their meetings last year, has a fitness edge, and might have the best of the draw. He needs to settle a little, but this track will suit his freewheeling style better than Newmarket.
SHAHA looks a shade overpriced in the Daisy Warwick (3.10). She sank on her final start last year in very deep ground, but had earlier looked good when stylishly disposing of Santorini Star at Southwell. That form looks very good now and the selection should enjoy a productive season for her in-form yard.
SPRING BLOOM looks ready to strike (3.45). Only one pound higher than his last win, he gets a further seven pounds off courtesy of a very smart apprentice, while he shaped quite encouragingly on his comeback. The race should be run to suit.
