Darkness to shine at Goodwood

By Anita Chambers

Darkness did not enjoy much luck in running last time out and can gain compensation in the William Hill Most Top Price Runners Handicap at Goodwood.

Lining up over a mile on Newmarket’s July course, the David O’Meara-trained Darkness was beaten just under four lengths by Waiting All Night, with his run severely hampered at a crucial point of the race.

He had previously run well in two incredibly competitive events, the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket, in which he slightly lost his footing, and the Golden Mile at Goodwood.

Darkness has won over that trip, but the suspicion is that seven furlongs is his optimal distance and dropped 1lb by the handicapper following his recent misfortune he can return to winning ways.

In contrast, Sergeant Wilko is on a roll with a third successive victory in his sights in the William Hill First Race Special Today Handicap.

He has won three of his four starts so far this term, with his only defeat coming when dropped back to five furlongs at Thirsk in April.

Unstoppable at six furlongs, his mark has risen from 78 at the start of the campaign to 91, but his length victory at Newmarket last month off 4lb lower was cosy enough and any cut in the Goodwood going would be to his advantage.

Skibo can thrive for the move up to a mile in the British Stallion Studs EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes.

From the family of Kinross, Skibo was a well-beaten third on debut over seven furlongs at Newmarket, but there was plenty to like about the way he stayed on and he clearly has some ability.

Calumet has been given a starting mark of 91 for the Get Raceday Ready Handicap at Yarmouth.

Beaten into second in two Kempton maidens in January and February by short-priced Godolphin runners who were subsequently tried in decent company, Marco Botti’s charge showed some promise in defeat.

Given a bit of time before returning to action last month, Calumet duly made short work of his Windsor rivals when powering home by nine lengths over an increased 10-furlong trip.

As a half-brother to stable star Giavellotto, Calumet might stay a bit further yet but this looks an ideal handicap introduction for what is a fair colt.

Neoma hit the bar on debut and the experience should stand her in good stead for the Brian Pykett 88th Birthday Celebration EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies Stakes at Beverley.

She tried to make all over seven furlongs at Kempton but was reeled in by Likely Perspective and beaten a length.

Charlie Johnston’s charge is bred to stay middle distances, so the testing finish on the Westwood could be an advantage for her.

Top tips for today’s UK meetings

TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings today. Here are the tips.

BEVERLEY: 2.05 Scoops Ahoy, 2.40 Stay In The Game, 3.15 Neoma, 3.50 J Street, 4.25 Monsieur Melee, 5.00 Winterfair.

GOODWOOD: 1.50 Eavestone, 2.25 Signcastle City, 3.00 Sergeant Wilko, 3.35 DARKNESS (NAP), 4.10 Clever Relation, 4.45 Skibo, 5.20 Duke Of Verona.

NAAS: 1.22 Celtic Motif, 1.57 Jaliyah, 2.32 Elvetham, 3.07 Firebird, 3.42 Ginormous, 4.17 Red Trail, 4.52 Best Law, 5.27 Thor’s Hammer.

YARMOUTH: 2.15 City Escape, 2.50 Portnoy, 3.25 Love Your Work, 4.00 Calumet, 4.35 Shibuya Storm, 5.10 Gultari.

For fields, race betting and more information go to www.tab4Racing.com