Conditions + Pace Angles + Draw Angles:
Class 5 sprint on good ground over 5f. Draw has historically favoured low-to-middle stalls on quick ground at Goodwood, particularly in small fields. Today’s race has pace from So Smart, Merrimack, and potentially Smooth Silesie, suggesting an honest-to-strong gallop. This could set things up for a mid-division closer, especially those drawn low and able to angle off the rail in the straight.
Strongest Contenders:
So Smart – Proven
Returns to Class 5 after dominating a Class 6 at Ffos Las. Speedy type with five career wins, and recent form is solid. Back to ideal conditions, drawn to race handily from stall 4, and gets the services of a capable 7lb claimer. Strong RPRs of 75–79 in recent runs signal he’s holding form well and races prominently, which will be key if pace doesn’t collapse.
Smooth Silesie – Progressive
Career-best RPRs (73–77) in her last three runs, and she has a sharp turn of foot when held onto. Won twice at Yarmouth over this trip recently and is thriving in blinkers. Stall 1 gives her control of the rail, and she’s well weighted under just a 2lb rise from her last win. Upward profile and peaking at the right time.
The Coffee Pod – Proven
Held form well in higher class sprints over the past year and drops back into Class 5 off a workable mark. Back to the scene of a solid mid-pack effort earlier in the year, and stall 6 suits his typical mid-to-late run style. Not always the quickest away, but a repeat of his May win at Windsor puts him in the mix.
Main Dangers:
Merrimack – Promising
Responded well to visor and switch to claiming jockey, winning narrowly at Windsor last time. Has a habit of keeping on well under pressure and comes from a stable in excellent recent form. Suited by decent ground and stiff 5f, but stall 2 may lead to getting stuck on the rail unless he breaks sharply.
On Edge – Proven
Reliable older sprinter with five placed efforts this term. Genuine front-runner, capable of nicking a soft lead if others don’t contest. Will prefer a track like Goodwood, but vulnerable late if pressured and form may have plateaued off OR 70.
Interesting Outsiders:
Rajeteriat – Promising
Lightly raced 3yo, yet to win, but ran to an RPR 74 in only Class 4 start at Goodwood, shaping as though ability is there. Drawn in 3 and well-in under weight-for-age. This is his easiest assignment to date, and any market strength should be noted.
Virtue Temperance – Unexposed
3yo filly with early-season form behind solid types. Ran poorly latest but may appreciate a return to quicker ground. Drawn wide in 7 and likely needs everything to fall right. Needs a career-best, but has some pace metrics in her favour.
Runner Scores and Suitability:
- So Smart: 8/10 – In-form, tactically fast, drawn to lead, proven Class 5 sprinter.
- Smooth Silesie: 8/10 – Improving, versatile, well drawn, strong closing speed.
- The Coffee Pod: 7/10 – Drops in class, workable mark, but draw could cause traffic issues.
- Merrimack: 7/10 – Recently won, sharp turn of foot, but needs clear run.
- On Edge: 6/10 – Reliable, but vulnerable late if challenged for lead.
- Rajeteriat: 6/10 – Lightly raced, class drop, not yet proven.
- Virtue Temperance: 5/10 – Some promise, needs soft lead or collapse.
Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form sprinters returning quickly; they can be hot.
Each-Way Angles (8+ Runners):
With 8 runners, Smooth Silesie makes each-way appeal with her current form and tactical speed. Also, Rajeteriat is interesting at bigger prices as a class-dropper with unexposed upside.
Private Tissue Estimate:
- Smooth Silesie – 3/1
- So Smart – 4/1
- Merrimack – 6/1
- The Coffee Pod – 13/2
- On Edge – 8/1
- Rajeteriat – 9/1
- Virtue Temperance – 14/1
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play):
Strongly run race expected with multiple pace angles. The setup looks perfect for Smooth Silesie, who’s thriving in current form and drawn to take advantage. So Smart will make a bold bid from the front, but is more exposed. Merrimack has a touch of class but can get caught if the gaps don’t appear.
Smart Play:
- Win Bet – Smooth Silesie (thriving, well drawn, proven at the trip and track)
- Each-Way Saver – Rajeteriat (class drop, lightly raced, likely to benefit from pace)
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