Sweet Gale (advised at 16/1) was so close to giving us a big return yesterday. She looked all over the winner when she hit the front inside the final furlong, but just faded near the line to finish 2nd. Micky Mac (advised at 10/1) was also 2nd to return some place monet, but the day ended in a slight loss. I am sure another big winner is just around the corner.

Today’s bets:

2.05 - Goodwood:
Hamoody - 1 pt win. Available at 12/1 (Ladbrokes and William Hill)
Vhujon - 1 pt win. Available at 11/1 (General)
Not many of these hold any secrets from the handicapper in a very competitive opener. There are plenty of horses present who have run their best races on this track but most of them are out of form and their prices don't reflect the current level of their performances. Hamoody had an unsuccessful stint in America but back with his original Trainer there was encouragement in the second of his races since his return. He only gave way in the final half furlong up the hill at Newmarket in ground softer than ideal and that was infinitely better than his effort on his reappearance at Haydock. He was a useful Juvenile and his current mark of 88 could underestimate him if that ability still remains. The return to faster ground will suit this C/D winner and the yard have a good strike rate at this track. There doesn't seem likely to be any hanging about in this race and that will suit Vhujon who travels well and quickens when the gallop is generous. He has been promising to put his head back in front on a few occasions since his last win in May. he needs to put a disappointment last time out behind him but he has won after a poor performance in the past.

3.25 - Newmarket:
Strike The Deal - 2 pts win. Available at 11/2 (Coral and William Hill)
Fat Boy - 0.5 pts e/w. Available at 22/1 (Totesport)
Several of these have questions to answer at this current time and some are stepping up in class. Strike The Deal is mainly consistent and runs to within five pounds of his mark each time he runs. He should more often than he does but this race afford him his best opportunity in a while under conditions which suit. He has only been out of contention on one of his previous four runs on this track and that came in the 2000 guinneas over a mile. Fat Boy has been well below par in his two races this season but they have been over five furlongs and both his wins have come over today's trip. His performance in a Group One and a Group Three in his last two races of 2008 weren't that bad in the context of this race and the first time tongue tie could bring about a form revival today. He is a big price if the ability of 16 months ago remains.

3.35 - Beverley - Group Therapy - 1 pt e/w. Available at 11/1 (Betfred and Skybet)
The very progressive Noble Storm could be difficult to beat from the plum draw but at a much bigger price Group Therapy could go well. He doesn't have the best of draws in stall eight but he has shown himself to be a progressive performer this season and he impressed when winning at Ascot last time out. He is at his best on good ground or faster and looks the type who could carry on improving the stiffer his tasks get. Stable are in very good form and he won't lack assistance from a strong jockey.

4.55 - Goodwood - Compton Blue - 1 pt e/w. Available at 10/1 (General)

5.30 - Goodwood - Guilin - 1 pt e/w. Available at 18/1 (Sportingbet)

6.50 - Redcar - Veiled Applause - 1 pt e/w. Available at 12/1 (General)
Caught the eye over a mile at Pontefract last time out and has the look of a horse who has been laid out for this by his stable. He stays further so the likely decent pace will help and his handicap mark has fallen five/six pounds below that from which he was performing well in better races at the start of the season. He is partnered by a very good five pound claimer and his yard are in form. If Veiled Applause can lay up with the pace he could be finishing well if his stamina is brought into play.