The final day of Glorious Goodwood is an annual highlight for large-field handicap lovers, with the 28-runner, six furlong Qatar Stewards’ Cup the highlight. It’s a minefield to navigate and sometimes it pays to keep it simple and back the class horses at big prices.
Tropics, after being pipped at the line by superstar sprinter Muhaarar in the Group One July cup, is thrown straight into handicap company for the first time in 15 starts. He’s progressed out of all recognition since then, agonisingly falling short of Group One joy on multiple occasions, and arrives in top form today as the undoubted class horse.
His preference for fast ground is probably a key factor behind his participation, with the next 6f Group One the Haydock Sprint Cup in September – a race often run on softer ground. The increased prize money also helps – it’s more than doubled since last year – yet his trainer must believe he can be competitive under the burden of top-weight.
He’s not been penalised on official ratings since his fine run in the July Cup and has actually dropped 2lbs since the start of the season. Muhaarar is rated 8lbs higher despite their photo finish at Newmarket, which is a weak line of thought but what I’m trying to say is if he runs to that standard again he’ll certainly run into the money. The 15/1 and five places offered by WillHill looks good value for an each way bet.
1Pts EW Tropics @15/1, Qatar Stewards’ Cup
Leave a comment