19th-Sept-2020

You have to forgive Nahaarr his last run in the Stewards’ Cup, but you easily can, on fast ground at Goodwood.  Not every horse handles that, and it was his first attempt at it, so you can allow him that.

As a bonus, the handicapper dropped him by 2lb for that run, which takes him down to a mark of 99, just 5lb higher than the mark off which he won at Newbury in July.  He was impressive that day, he powered clear on the near side, showing a fine turn of foot to come over two lengths clear of Watan, who finished third in a listed race at York on Sunday.

Ideally, he would be drawn a little lower than 13, but there is plenty of pace around him, Major Jumbo and Staxton and Air Raid, so he should get a good tow into the race  He can be a little keen-going, so having good pace horses around him is a positive.

As well as that, he is only four and he has raced just nine times in his life, so he has lots of scope for progression as a sprinter.

Another Batt would be a danger if he could leave his disappointing run at Leopardstown last time behind him, which he should be able to do, given that he raced prominently that day over seven furlongs in a race in which the protagonists came from the rear.  Barbill was also on my shortlist, he had no luck in the Portland Handicap, he got squeezed out of it early and he finished off his race well, and the step up to six furlongs should suit him.  However, he may prefer the ground to be softer than it is going to be today, and he seems to be at his best at Newbury, so hopefully we will get him again on easier ground before the end of the season.

I think that there is a chance that both Mr Lupton and Stone Of Destiny were flattered by their latest respective wins, and I am happy that we have the value of the race on our side.

NAHAARR WON (ADV 8/1, SP 7/2)