The Stewards’ Cup is one of the biggest betting races of the entire flat season, with 28 sprinters set to line up at Goodwood on Saturday. Sure to be as competitive as ever, Joe Napier tries to uncover the winner among the haystack with his verdict.
Favourites
The profile of Elmonjed has long attracted punters and he belatedly delivered on that promise at York last weekend. He is officially 3lb wrong at the weights here because of a 5lb penalty, but he travelled strongly even if he did not find much off the bridle. He could well prove capable of following up having been contesting strong races all season.
More prolific this term, Hammer The Hammer racked up a hat trick when storming clear at Chester back in May when returned to turf. There has not been a three-year-old winner for six years, but Kevin Ryan’s charge has been a massive improver this term and it would be no surprise if he continued to progress back up to 6f.
The other potential favourite at this stage is the defending champion Get It. The seven-year-old caused an upset at 40/1 in this a year ago, but that is clearly something he excels at, winning at 22/1 and 28/1 at Ascot this season, the latter in the Wokingham, and that form was boosted by the runner-up at Newmarket.
Contenders
Purosangue was a disappointing favourite in this last year, but despite returning off the same mark, might be a legitimate contender this term on soft ground, as he has been a Listed runner-up since. Perhaps more likely to challenge on form are Wokingham fifth Completely Random, though he will need luck in running, and three-time winner this season Circe, who was dominant at Newmarket in June though may have a ground query.
Towards the top of the weights, both Apollo One and Annaf have been capable of high class form, but both look weighted for defeat off marks of 107 this time around. Sneaking in at the bottom is the enigmatic Two Tribes, who won the International Handicap over 7f at Ascot last Saturday, but could contend over a fast run 6f if able to make up late ground.
Outsiders
Catching either Korker or Orazio on a good day is a chancers game, but both have shouts on their best form off ratings that blatantly underestimate their top levels. On the other side, Alzahir’s run of form came to an end last week at York and may now find himself weighted to the hilt.
One who appeals as a horse who could be about to come right is Jakajaro for Robert Cowell. Sixth the last twice over 5f at Ascot and earlier in the week at this meeting, he has been short of room on both occasions, which can always be an issue for a hold-up horse, but he has flashed home in each of those races and the step back up to 6f should prove a plus. Cut in the ground was preferable for the son of Too Darn Hot in Ireland and he has been gradually brought back to form by his new trainer.
Strike Red was not far away in this a year ago and also goes on this kind of surface, while at huge prices, Vadream has often shown a liking for this kind of ground and has been given a chance by the handicapper, as has two-time Stewards’ Cup hero Commanche Falls, who won this on soft four years ago.
Verdict
A chance is given to JAKAJARO, who has been on the premises the last twice over 5f, but his profile suggests he can win off this mark of 96 and the step back up in trip could pay dividends with a bit of luck in running. Last year’s winner Get It is respected while Elmonjed’s profile is also progressive, but the market is tempting regarding some big upsets, with notable potentials being 2021 and 2022 winner Commanche Falls and former Group 3 heroine Vadream.
- Jakajaro
- Commanche Falls
- Vadream
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