You would never figure that it was a bank holiday weekend looking at the bookmaker-friendly meetings lined up.
In the Silver Bowl at Haydock (2:35), I like Mutasayyid but will not be backing him as his win last time was on quick ground plus it seems that retained jockey Paul Hanagan prefers Mutarakez (it would not be the first time he chose wrongly). In the Temple Stakes at 3:45, I will similarly not be backing Goldream as all his best form is on quick ground; however, I think that Pretend should be laid because his form is not on turf so Hot Streak may repeat last year’s victory.
There seems little point in assessing the Irish 2000 Guineas as there is no reason that Ivawood will reverse form with long odds on Gleneagles and the second-best horse on the ratings, Belardo, may be the one for the forecast. Anything else would need to show enormous improvement to feature.
I am probably asking for trouble selecting two probable favourites at Goodwood:
In the 2:55, Pat Cosgrave can continue his good week with victory on MUFFRI’HA for William Haggas (min. odds 4/1). She just failed to win on her seasonal debut and receives 11lb from Mister Universe, who they hopefully will not allow too much of a lead under Franny Norton.
In the 4:05, the clear form pick is QUEST FOR MORE (min. odds 3/1),who was just touched off by Astronereus at Newmarket last time; and may have most to worry about from Royal Warranty and the awkward Le Maitre Chat.
