Good Morning, Friend

Can Brief Times Follow Up? (3.55 Bangor)

Hmm, not overly happy with how The Galway Hurdle went, for all I wasn't that far off the winner of course, just a matter of subjective price judgement and he did drift out a further point. I was very close to Jesse Evans and rather pleased he didn't get up at 16s as that would have been agony. My two 11YOs didn't run that well, sigh, silly boy. Tudor City beat Jesse last year, but this appeared too competitive this time. Party Central was unlucky to some extent, travelling well as they headed for home when clouting two out I think, poss unsighted, but I'd like to think she may have placed but for that, and got me something back. Alas. Her jockey went very easy on her after that and she appeared to down tools.

Novus added some cheer, Keep In Touch agonisingly done on the line. Jason Hart did win the last at Goodwood, one for the 'Goodwood jockey angles', 6s-7s, not bad. He's got two qualifying rides today, in the 3.35 and 4.45, that may be worth a closer look.

Onto today... I ran out of time to research any trends for Goodwood, and I don't like attacking some of those handicaps without them.

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Sam Darby has looked at the 1.50 in his Free Tips Friday column, which you can read HERE >>>

He's gone in on Calling The Wind EW at 5s/-11/2. But as always, mentions plenty else to ponder and note down.

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I've had a look at a C3, 3m handicap chase...

3.55 Bangor - Brief Times - 5/1-9/2

I thought this more than fair enough and if he builds on Southwell would be disappointed were he not bang there here. He's 5/14,7p in his career, which is admirable, and appears to have taken a step forward since a wind op. He bounced into form up in trip last time where Harry wasn't happy with the pace, sent him to the front, dictated and somewhat sprinted from two out - it's his profile and the form that's lured me in - he was chased home by Go On Chez there, the fav, who two starts before had hacked up and who very nearly beat Kinondu Kwertu on his next start - that's proper summer C3 levels of form, if not 'Summer C2'. He does lug more actual weight here but has carried 11-10 to victory and he has some leap on him, or did last time - superb jumper. I think Harry may bounce him out prominently, his jumping keeping him up there. Hopefully he can power away from two out. Harry is riding superbly at the moment, 30% wsr in the last two weeks, and is superb over a fence. He'll do for me.

It is a competitive looking race. Maybe the fav will dot up again but up in class and this is a different level of oppo, and as such I'll just watch. If she bounds away here then fair enough, she does have nothing on her back. Grey Skies is interesting to some degree up in trip but the selection's form looks a bit stronger, but he could throw down a challenge.

Of the double figures, Saint Arvan's interested me to some degree, no forlorn hope at 12s. Market Rasen may have taken something out of him and I wasn't sure as to the level of his form, and he's hardly unexposed, but his recent win a career best. He'll appreciate a return to this trip. All his chase wins have been in small fields, and it could be the handicapper has him. He does need more, but could mix it in the places if bouncing back to his best. Still, I've gone with the younger more progressive legs, who's been a better jumper to date and may race up in the van.

As always, do with those musings as you please,

All the best,

Josh