It was always a bit of a risk going for an older horse who hasn't been in the greatest of form this season.
Percy's Lad had a decent position after breaking well from the stalls. He was in trouble a fair way from home, and I didn't think Tom Eaves was particularly strong in the saddle.
Fair play to the winner, who is progressing nicely with age and is in the form of her life.
St Mawes 9/4 (1pt) – Goodwood 3.07
If Give It To Me Oj stays the trip, then he has to be a key player in this small field event. On the basis that we don't know if he stays the trip, St Mawes seemed a great alternative for a yard who has done well on the flat in recent years in staying handicaps.
Emma Lavelle's lightly raced four-year-old stayer was too keen over the course and distance last time out, but I think that was because it was his first start in nearly 200 days. With the freshness out of his system, I believe he can continue his progression that he was showing on his previous two starts, which yielded two wins.
I like the fact that he has run at this track, because it is a niche track. Getting experience from last time out will be a great advantage for him against the opposition who haven't raced here before.
Fashion's Fancy 5/2 (1pt) – Haydock 1.45
I'd like to believe that Tribal Queen will comfortably be the best horse in this race by the end of the season, but for this race I think she might be vulnerable against horses with more experience.
Billy Loughnane has been riding a lot for Charlie Appleby whenever William Buick isn't able to take the rides. He has struck up a strike rate of just short of 50% from 50+ rides to date, which is a fantastic return. Oisin has only ridden for Charlie six time in the last five years, so I'd like to think that young Billy would have had the pick of the rides.
My selection ran okay on debut, but was too keen to do herself any justice. It looked like she got the hang of things late into the race, but the damage was already done. With that experience under her belt, I think she will be able to make use of that and beat the others whilst Tribal Queen runs well on debut, but not enough to beat my horse.
GambleAware