BBOTD - Friday 2nd August

[robertob]

18.20 Thirsk: Partner @ 10/1 Bet365 Partner looks not the old force this year and as a result he slipped a long way down the mark. He showed a clear return to form at Ayr recently though. He travelled quite well but got simply stuck in traffic, with no way to get out really. Over 1f out his jockey opted for a switch to the outside when finally bit of space opened up. Partner had to find his stride again but picked up eventually and finished well, but the bird was long flown at this point obviously. His mark dropped another 3lb for this effort and I think he's really dangerously handicapped now. If he's in the right mood and get a clear run he could be hard to beat in this race tomorrow, as well as he is 1/1 over course and distance which is a bonus regarding his chance.

[cpo]

Re: BBOTD - Friday 2nd August 3.05 Goodwood - Fire Ship EW @ 16/1 Bet365 Why is it I am always inclined to try and pick the winner of the most competitive race of the day? The one I do like in this race is Fire Ship who won very nicely on Sunday at Pontefract beating some good horses in the process. He has to carry a 3lb penalty in this race but horses carrying penalties actually have a very good record in this race so that doesn't put me off. He is well drawn in 7, which is very important on this turning track and he likes to race prominently. Neil Callan has ridden this horse twice in the past and won both times on him. I think he has an excellent each way chance in this for a trainer who went close today with Aussie Reigns. The Mark Johnston trio have to be feared given he has taken 3 of the last 4 renewals of this race and I would probably side with Galician out of the 3. Fire Ship however comes into this race on the back of a career best performance and looks set to run a big race with everything in his favour.