It’s not hard to be a Fan of the Coral Stewards’ Cup. With more than two dozen sprinters hurtling across the beautiful South Downs on the final day of Glorious Goodwood, it is one of the most stunning sights in Flat racing. This year, it should be worth supporting FANDOM (3.35).
He’s been about a bit and everything could well come together in one of the most prestigious sprint handicaps of the season. Having started with Wesley Ward in America, he went on to have a spell in Ireland with Joseph O’Brien before twice running on the ice at St Moritz for Olly Murphy. He’s shown some of his best form since joining Richard Hannon in the spring.
After winning at Thirsk in May, he ran really well from a poor draw in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot and he went close, despite finding 5f too short, back at Ascot three weeks ago. This sharp 6f should be perfect and the draw has been kind to him this time. Have 2pts each-way at 20-1. Sky Bet is paying out on seven places.
SHAFDAR (5.20) has been progressing nicely since joining in-form Ian Williams and the 1m1f of the Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap looks perfect for him. He appreciated the sound pace when successful at Epsom in April before he met trouble when down the field in the Victoria Cup at Ascot the following month.
There was no disgrace in his sixth in a hot 1m Sandown contest in June and that track didn’t appear to suit him. This longer distance around Goodwood’s turns should be ideal and he is still relatively unexposed after just eight starts. Have 1pt each-way at 16-1. Plenty of firms are offering five places.
Things have gone to plan in Group races for TARRIANCE (1.50). He hasn’t been able to make any sort of impact in hot staying races but his record in handicaps is impressive. Not only did he make a winning handicap debut at Sandown and follow up with a battling victory in the prestigious Melrose at York’s Ebor Festival, but he was also ran a close third at the Saudi Cup meeting.
The return to this level gives him a chance to bounce back to form. Have 1pt each-way at 12-1. Most bookies are going four places.
