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Goodwood Day 2

Having found it difficult to find anything of value against the favourites today, tomorrow's card at Goodwood has a different look to it. In the 2 and 1/2 mile handicap, I think the Ascot Stakes form could come to the fore in the shape of Coeur De Lion and Smart Champion. While Coeur De Lion did us a favour on that occasion, I am coming down on the side of Smart Champion this time. He was unlucky not to win at Ascot, he certainly would have gone very close with a bit of luck in running and everything that could go wrong did go wrong last time at Newcastle. He did remarkably well in the circumstances to finish 9th as he could have been forgiven for trailing home last given the way the race fell for him. The long straight at Goodwood should suit, provided he doesn't get too far behind and hopefully they will get racing early. Stamina is not an issue given the Ascot race was his first try at a marathon trip. 

At Galway tomorrow, the feature is the Galway Plate and I'm sticking with Gordon Elliott, not surprisingly. Elliott is the first port of call in these races and he has won three of the last four renewals. Galvin was the only horse to give Imperial Aura a race at Cheltenham, finishing nine lengths clear of the third. He has gone up 6lb but I would be very surprised if he doesn't prove to be better than 148 in time. He hasn't much experience but hopefully his jumping will hold up and provided the ground doesn't get too testing, he must go close. 

1pt win Smart Champion (11/1 Paddy Power, Betfair 9/1 General) Goodwood 1.45

1pt win Galvin (9/2 General) Galway 6.45

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