Goodwin

Goodwin only got home by a half a length in the end in the two-mile novices’ hurdle that opened proceedings at Newbury on Saturday, but he probably had more in hand than that.

Quickly into a nice racing rhythm in front, his jumping was good throughout in a race in which not many really got into it from the rear. Favourite Cannock Chase challenged towards the near side from the third last flight, but it always looked like Freddie Gordon was holding onto a little bit on the leader. Challenged by Lario on the run to the final flight, a slight mistake there gave his chasers a chance, but Goodwin picked up nicely on the run-in when his rider asked him to and, while his two chasers closed, it never really looked like they were getting to him. It always looked like Goodwin was just doing as much as he needed to do.

Winner of a bumper at Fontwell last season and winner of a novices’ hurdle at Plumpton in January, Chris Gordon’s horse ran well in defeat at Kempton on his previous run. He was a bit out to his left at his obstacles on that occasion, and it may be that he will be best served by continuing to go left-handed, but he is a progressive individual who goes well on good and good to soft ground. This was his first run since January, and it was just his fourth run over hurdles, and he will be of interest wherever he goes next.
Newbury, 23^rd March 2024