Izzi set to rise to the Top again in Goodwood’s Nassau Stakes
THE QIPCO British Champions Series continues tomorrow afternoon with the focus on the females in the 10 furlong Nassau Stakes. Sir Henry Cecil is already enjoying a fantastic Goodwood and it’s a shame his star mare, Midday, has been retired as she won’t get the chance to add a fourth Nassau to the record third she won last year.
IZZI TOP (3.15pm) heads the market and John Gosden’s four year-old is hard to oppose. Unbeaten in her last four starts, the daughter of Pivotal has taken successive rises in class in her stride and looked impressive in the Group One Pretty Polly last time out. She goes well on any ground and, with the Gosden/Buick team continuing in ominous form, Izzi Top is my bet of the day at a general 2/1.
Nahrain was highly progressive last season but ran a stinker at Royal Ascot on her reappearance while Was, the Oaks winner, was arguably lucky to win a rough renewal of that Classic. Although she will like the better ground, having been well beaten on heavy in the Irish Oaks, Aidan O’Brien’s representative has a bit to find on the ratings.
Goodwood is without question one of the most beautiful courses in the world but, with the unique contours often causing problems for both jockey and horse, proven ability to negotiate the sharp downhill track is a massive plus. Therefore, I cannot resist a small each-way bet on PISCEAN in the opening sprint (2.05pm). Sneaking in at the foot of the weights, Tom Keddy’s horse boasts three wins, a second and two other close efforts from eight runs here. He is well drawn and is seven pounds below his highest winning mark.
In the stayers handicap, ROXY FLYER (2.40pm) has to be worth an interest. Both of her wins have been at the Sussex track and Amanda Perrett’s charge also has several credible efforts to her name in much better company here. Having been narrowly denied on her last two starts, and with Ryan Moore on board, she is well worth another try over this trip.
Form figures rarely tell the true story and DUNGANNON (3.55pm) deserves another chance in the Stewards’ Cup at 14/1 with Coral. Andrew Balding’s inmate has run stormers on his last two starts, taking a bump in the Wokingham Stakes at Ascot but still finishing close-up, and then ‘winning’ the race on the stands side back at the Berkshire venue. Low drawn horses had an advantage that day and he had to settle for a length-and-a-quarter fifth.
Likely jolly Mac’s Power has gone off favourite five times in his last 12 races without rewarding punters so he looks worth swerving. Dandy Nicholl’s VICTOIRE DE LYPHAR was a head second in the consolation race for sprinters who didn’t get into the Stewards’ Cup two years ago and is worth a saver at 12/1 having returned to form last time out.
Richard Hannon has been amongst the winners once more at his beloved Goodwood and his Coolmore-owned colt, WENTWORTH (4.30pm), can make a winning debut in the seven furlong maiden. The son of Acclamation has been showing up well at home and has Group entries.
In the closing apprentice handicap, LANDAMAN (5.40pm) still looks well treated for his win here earlier in the week. Mark Johnston’s gelding won in great style on Tuesday and, with Michael Murphy’s claim negating the penalty, he has leading claims.
■ Pointers…
PISCEAN e/w 2.05pm Goodwood (tomorrow)
ROXY FLYER e/w 2.40pm Goodwood (tomorrow)
IZZI TOP 3.15pm Goodwood (tomorrow)
DUNGANNON e/w 3.55pm Goodwood (tomorrow)
VICTOIRE DE LYPHAR e/w 3.55pm Goodwood (tomorrow)
WENTWORTH 4.30pm Goodwood (tomorrow)
LANDAMAN 5.40pm Goodwood (tomorrow)