Kate Tracey

Updated 09.15 07/06 - all selections online

After a brilliant couple of days at Epsom, Sunday offers more Flat action at Goodwoodand Navan, while there is jumping from Punchestown and Perth. 

Before we get to today’s tips, I was lucky enough to be at Epsom for the Derby yesterday. The Jockey Club had clearly put renewed effort into bringing Derby Day to life. Sadly, the weather couldn’t be helped, nor could the controversial decision to declare the favourite a non-runner. I certainly felt for all the on-course bookmakers trying to deal with the Rule 4 fallout. Anyway, on with today’s action, where I have a couple of selections for you to consider.

The Goodwood card kicks off with an interesting sprint - Rod Gaskin Garden Machinery Handicap (1.50) .

Seven Questions was an impressive winner over a slightly shorter trip here in May and holds strong claims. However, I suspect the recent rain may hinder his chances of following up, so I’m prepared to take him on.

Toyotomi should be one of the fittest horses in the field, having had three starts since mid-April. Once again, though, I wonder whether the softer ground may count against him. His third at Thirsk last time was a perfectly respectable effort, and any market support would be notable.

My selection, however, is a horse who has been even busier than Toyotomi this season: BROSAY, from the yard of young trainer Charlie Pike.

The first thing that catches the eye is the booking of Oisin Murphy, and it hardly needs explaining why that is a positive. The second is the selections handicap mark, now down to 89 after a string of mixed efforts this season, which gives him a very workable chance. The third factor is the ground - he broke his maiden at the third attempt here at Goodwood over five furlongs on heavy going, and several subsequent efforts suggest he is more than comfortable with cut in the ground.

Taking all those factors into account, I’m happy to side with him to get back to winning ways.

The Listed Weatherbys/British EBF Agnes Keyser Fillies' Stakes (3.35) looks one to keep a close eye on, and at the very least it is worth having the At The Races tracker ready. There are several promising types in the line-up, particularly among the more unexposed runners towards the head of the market.

Sacred Ground has finished second on both starts this season, but her latest effort at Newbury left me slightly unconvinced. Watching the race back, she never really looked like going past the winner when her previous form was reversed, and I’m not sure she represents great value in this company.

Botagoz is an obvious candidate to improve for this step up in trip. Her run at York last month suggested a greater test of stamina would suit, and she is certainly one to keep an eye on.

The one I’m prepared to back, though, is Richard Hughes’s filly ROSE GHAIYYATH. I think softer ground will inconvenience her less than some of her rivals, and her seasonal return in a strong 1,000 Guineas gives her major claims dropping into this company.

She won on debut in France before finishing fourth in the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster on just her second start, which reads reasonably well now. Sugar Island, who finished immediately ahead of her that day, went on to finish third in the Oaks on Friday.

Her only outing this season came in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, where she shaped with credit in much deeper company and was perhaps simply outclassed. Back in calmer waters today, I think she can make a strong impression, enjoy the new trip, and give Richard Hughes another winner.

Kate's Best Bets (scale 1-5 points):

1.50 GOODWOOD

1pt win BROSAY (7-2 general)

3.35 GOODWOOD

1pt win ROSE GHAIYYATH (4-1 general)