The Qatar Goodwood Cup is the highlight of day three and we have very open race to try and decipher.
Trip To Paris is a worthy favourite having won three of his last four races. His most recent success came in the Ascot Gold cup where he was a ready winner, beating the Ballydoyle trained Kingfisher by more than a length and he was extending the lead at the finish. Given how well he was staying on in that race it's a slight concern that they run over half a mile shorter here.
Simenon has been around for a long time and is usually there or thereabouts in races like this. He has been beaten by Trip To Paris in his previous two starts, however, neither defeat has been by more than three lengths and he is now six pounds better off.
Big Orange was an excellent winner of the Prince of Wales Stakes at Ascot last time out but I think that is his optimum trip and the extra four furlongs here against proven stayers leaves him looking vulnerable.
Quest for more is in fine form and looking to complete a hat trick. He has proved he get the trip and the good ground is fine, this is a big step up in class however and he has taken a big leap up the weights this year.
Oriental Fox was a brilliant winner of the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Ascot. That race was over two miles and five furlongs but he does have an excellent turn of foot and Mark Johnston said it was a surprise as he was hugely overweight going into the race. Assuming he is now back to peak fitness he must have an excellent chance here and I think he is a great each way bet at 9/1.
Qatar Richmond Stakes
Shalaa won the Arqana July Stakes at Newmarket in what looks like was a very strong race. He beat Steady Pace by a length there and although he will carry an extra three pounds because of that victory, it appears there is plenty more to come from Shalaa and I fully expect him to follow that up here with a commanding performance.
Don't forget Paddy Power's brilliant offer - 4 Times The Odds
The Ashes
England has a fantastic first day at Edgbaston, bowling Australia out for 136 and finishing the day 133/3. They will hope they can push on today and get a score far in excess of 300. I think any lead over 200 will be absolutely huge and give them the perfect opportunity to win the match.
It was a great shame that Ian Bell threw his wicket away in such reckless fashion at the end of the day. As mentioned in yesterday's blog we were on Bell to be top England batsman at 11/2 and although we are still in a good position for that bet, he looked set for a much bigger score.
Today's Selections
Goodwood 14:35 Shalaa - 2 points win @ 2/1
Goodwood 15:10 Oriental Fox - 1 point each way @ 9/1