William Haggas, currently experiencing a hot streak, is anticipated to see a Japanese jockey take the lead in a Goodwood handicap race in Britain.
Glorious Goodwood: Stewards' Cup Favourites and Contenders
The much-anticipated Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood is fast approaching, and the betting odds are starting to take shape. Here's a look at the current favourites and contenders for this exciting 7-furlong handicap race.
John and Thady Gosden's Mudbir is next in the betting with William Hill at 9-2. The horse has been in good form this season, and a strong showing at Goodwood could see him challenge for the top spot.
Hammer The Hammer, trained by William Haggas, is the clear 9-2 favourite for the Stewards' Cup. The horse arguably would have won at Ascot last time with an additional furlong and has been very popular with punters.
Another strong contender for the race is Elmonjed, who has an excellent strike rate of 5 wins from 11 runs and recently won at York. Despite carrying a penalty for that victory, Elmonjed is still the outright favourite based on form and recent win.
Strike Red, trained by Richard Fahey, is another notable challenger. The horse performed well on softer ground at York and is expected to improve on his last year's sixth-place finish in this race. He is currently priced at 16/1 and is favoured by some tipsters due to his preference for softer conditions.
Master Builder is also highlighted as a contender with proven ability on very soft ground over this trip. However, there are some reservations about his finishing speed. Despite this, his trainer has confidence in him, and he could be a value each-way bet.
In the 2.30 race, Oxford Comma is a non-runner, while in the 3.45 race, Wolf Of Badenoch, Spirit Of Farhh, and The Fingal Raven are non-runners. In the 4.20 race, Captain Fox and Corinth are also non-runners.
Headmaster, ridden by Mirai Iwata, makes his debut from an opening mark of 88 in the 3.45 race. The horse is backed into 4--1 favouritism for the race with William Hill.
In the 3.05 race, Toca Madera is a non-runner. In the 4.55 race, Blue For You and Silent Film are non-runners.
Last year's Coral Stewards' Cup winner, Get It, has been well supported to repeat the feat despite running off a 6lb higher rating. The horse beat subsequent winner Kodi Lion at Ascot in May and followed up at the same track to land the Wokingham.
The ground for the final day of Glorious Goodwood has been changed to good to soft, good in places. Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze are expected this afternoon, and there has been no rain on Saturday morning. Three going changes occurred on Friday, with the ground description being altered to good to soft, soft in places after race three, and then to good to soft all over after race six.
Ed Arkell, the clerk of the course, admitted he mistakenly called the ground heavy on Thursday after 28.6mm of rain in less than an hour. The ground conditions appear to be a key factor influencing the assessments of the horses for the Stewards' Cup.
In conclusion, the Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood promises to be an exciting race, with Elmonjed as the outright favourite, Strike Red as a notable challenger, and Master Builder as a potential place-getter. The race conditions, especially the ground softness, appear to be a key factor influencing these assessments.
In the context of the Glorious Goodwood racecards, Elmonjed and Strike Red are significant contenders for the Stewards' Cup, with Elmonjed as the current outright favourite and Strike Red favored by some tipsters due to his preference for softer conditions. Meanwhile, Master Builder is also viewed as a potential place-getter, with his ability on very soft ground over this trip.
