Alan Thomson's Racing Tips: That's the Spirit at Goodwood

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RESTIVE SPIRIT (4.50) steps into handicap company at Goodwood on a fairly stiff rating (93) but looked one to follow after his wide-margin maiden victory at Ripon.

William Haggas also saddles in-form Nicklaus but jockey bookings point to Restive Spirit, a keen-going sort likely to help force the pace along with Wednesday’s game runner-up Vale Of Kent. Haggas has been in tremendous form this week and sent out last year’s winner Battered.

THE NIGHT PORTER (5.25) found the leap into Class 2 company beyond him when fading into sixth behind Communique and Zaaki at Newmarket but that was a very hot contest. Mick Channon drops his three-year-old into this apprentices’ handicap under a useful 7lb claimer and The Night Porter gave the appearance of a improving type when scoring at Beverley and Lingfield. He can go well at a nice each-way price.

Earlier on the card GIFTED MASTER (3.40) may be hard to peg back in the Unibet Stewards’ Cup. Talented apprentice Jason Watson takes off 5lb and Gifted Master has form on this undulating track when running third in the Lennox Stakes, a Group 2 contest, a couple of seasons ago.

Now returned to handicap company following an abortive tilt at the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, speed merchant Gifted Master should give his backers a thrill. He is drawn on the stands’ side in stall 25 and from the other side of the track SOLAR FLAIR is worth an each-way interest at big odds. He ran well last year (eighth) behind Lancelot Du Lac on soft ground and this recent Newcastle winner is due to go up 10lb. Apprentice William Cox takes off 5lb and local trainer William Knight saddled a winner here earlier in the week.

The 1m 6f Qatar Summer Handicap has attracted 14 experienced stayers and SIR CHAUVELIN (2.25) could upset a few more fancied runners. Jim Goldie’s gelding saw too much daylight when switched out wide at Newcastle last time but a repeat of his unlucky-in-running second to Dash Of Spice at Royal Ascot would put the Scottish raider firmly in the mix. His form ties in well with fancied Melting Dew, fourth to Dash of Spice at Epsom.

At Newmarket, CRIMSON ROSETTE (2.05) should go close in the fillies’ and mares’ Listed contest. She has been keeping top company, running third to Second Step at HQ at the end of June and chasing home God Given at Haydock.

At Doncaster ATTICUS BOY (2.20) can continue his winning streak on the back of a last-gasp Hamilton success. A 3lb rise is very fair.