Saddler's Rock can reverse the form in Goodwood Cup

By Stephen, bettingexpert.com | Edited 07:39 02.08.2012

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John Oxx's Saddler's Rock is confidently expected to land the Group 2 Artemis Goodwood Cup at 3.15 this afternoon.

The 4-y-o has quickly developed into a high-class stayer, readily landing a competitive Doncaster Cup last autumn to cap a consistent campaign at the top level. He was not seen to best effect when third behind Colour Vision in the Ascot Gold Cup last time out, but is now better off at the weights and should appreciate the quickening ground under regular rider Johnny Murtagh.

Saeed bin Suroor's 4-y-o Colour Vision has returned a much-improved performer this year, backing up his impressive Group 3 Sagaro Stakes success (quickened clear readily from the furlong pole under a motionless Dettori), with a terrifically gutsy display to land the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup. The penalty for that win certainly makes life harder, and his come from behind style is perilous at this tricky, undulating venue.

Simenon is better known as a high class hurdler for Irish jumps supremo Willie Mullins, but he has earnt his place in this line-up after two wide margin victories on the flat this season. The 5-y-o won a valuable handicap and the Queen Alexandra Stakes in the space of four days at the Royal meeting, landing hefty cash and merely punched out to draw well clear both times. This drop down to 2m will represent a far greater test of speed and he has to improve again to cope with a much better standard of stayer this time.

Godolphin's "second string" Lost in the Moment is a smart performer in his own right. He impressed when winning at Meydan early last term before posting some good efforts in defeat, notably when runner-up in this contest twelve months ago. He has shaped in both starts this year that a return to 2m will suit and the fast ground has come right for him (laboured in deep ground at Pontefract 39 days ago).

Nehaam seems held by the principals after finishing sixth with no excuses in the Gold Cup, while Times Up hails from the John Dunlop yard that remains completely in the doldrums and he has struggled to repeat the level of form shown in 2011.

Perhaps Askar Tau offers some each-way value for those searching away from the front of the market. He is a quirky, hold-up performer for whom George Baker is an eyecatching booking, and has shaped with promise on occasions since winning the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot last term. Fast ground is ideal and he might be the type to relish a strongly run test at this unique course.

In summary, a top class renewal that lights up day three of the meeting. Saddler's Rock looked unlucky last time and is the clear form pick on these revised terms. At around 5-2 this morning, he is well worth a substancial win investment to assert in the closing stages with his proven turn of foot.

Stephen's Thursday Nap Ahern 2.45 Goodwood

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