Nick Luck
Nick Luck’s William Hill Blog: Glorious Goodwood Day Four Best Bets
William Hill ambassador Nick Luck is back with his top picks for day 4 of Glorious Goodwood.
Friday, Goodwood
ST MAWES looks a likely type for the opener at Goodwood on Day Four (1.50pm). Lightly raced and improving for Emma Lavelle, there’s every chance he can progress again for George Scott, whose horses remain in good form. He looks to have abundant stamina, has very little weight, and acts well on fast ground.
SABER STRIKE is not without risk but looks a shade too big in the Thoroughbred Stakes (2.25pm) as he tries to get his career back on track. Talk of New York is a massive talent, but so is the selection, and I’m taking it on trust that the combination of blinkers, a step up to a mile and the pause that refreshes can have the desired effect.
BLUE BROTHER gets the vote in the Golden Mile (3.00pm). He ran exceptionally well at Ascot off a big layoff and should benefit both from that run and also this turning track. The draw has come favourably for him again, and he shouldn’t be too far away.
AZURE ANGEL is the pick at huge odds in the King George (3.35pm). First glance suggests she’s not good enough, but closer inspection tells you that she’s right in the mix with most of the market leaders on her running at Royal Ascot and her luckless effort in a pretty strong race at York last time. In addition, her curve appears sharply upward one, and she seems to be getting faster. I fancy this track to suit.
HAATEM can erase the memory of two dull efforts this season in the Bentinck Conditions Stakes (4.10pm). He was pretty fat when he ran here in May, then had a rushed preparation for Royal Ascot, where he repeatedly got no run at all. Wrapped up when beaten that day, he can repay that kindness here in a race that will be well within his comfort zone.
PERSIAN SPRING may be the answer to the Nursery (4.45pm). Quite well drawn, he has Group race entries can be readily forgiven the Ascot debacle and looks tidily treated on his York win.
ASTRACORNUS is a pleasing proposition in the staying handicap (5.20pm). A bit unlucky not to have won his last two, he remains open to loads of improvement for a very good firm with this type of horse.
ZGHARTA might finally have her day in the last race (5.55pm). She’s not exactly had the rub of the green this year, but she’s now four pounds lower than when running really well here last season despite no obvious signs of meaningful deterioration.
