Wednesday 6 May 2009

2:30 Goodwood (7th May)

A small turnout for a stakes race worth almost £9,000.

It will be a surprise if Star Rover competes here after winning the Lily Agnes at Chester yesterday.

Grand Zafeen gave the impression that she needed the run on debut and improvement can be expected. The form of the Pontefract race looks pretty limited and although the third placed has come out and won since (it definitely improved on that first effort) it wasn't the most sparkling performance. However, Grand Zafeen is an attractive filly and I can see her progressing with racing and if Star Rover is a non-runner, this race is poor by stakes race standards.

Desert Auction is a two-year-old of limited ability and in truth found a poor event when winning at Folkestone. A lovingly-looking colt, Hannon will be making the most of this sparse field and the chance of another win.

It's a pity this race has not been better represented.

A watching race.

Race review: 'Disappointing to see Star Rover turn out for this event after winning the Lily Agnes yesterday and probably accounted for his narrow loss. In truth, I don't think this was the greatest of stakes races and it would be unwise to consider that Desert Auction has improved a good deal although credit must be given for his triumph.'