Damika ready to dazzle
Damika was unlucky not to open his seasonal account when runner-up last time out, and is strongly fancied to go make amends in the 2.10 at Goodwood.
Richard Whittaker’s eight-year-old has been a terrific servant over the years and showed that he was ready to go strike when an unlucky in-running second last time out at Sandown.
He was badly hampered at a crucial stage by a weakening rival that day, but ran on strongly to be beaten just a length at the line by Ajjaad.
There is no doubt in my mind that the interference cost him the race, and although the handicapper has reacted by putting him back up 3lb to a mark of 90 he is still well treated on his old form.
His last win came off a mark of 94 last August in the ultra competitive Great St Wilfred at Ripon where he beat Tajneed by a neck.
That is very strong form and gives him an outstanding chance from a handicapping perspective.
Another plus is that the trip and ground are ideal, and he is definitely the one they all have to beat.
Recommended bet: 4pts win Damika (3/1 bet365, Boylesports, Hills – BOG)
Witchry looks spellbinding at 4/1
Witchry has been in good form all season and looks a rock solid bet at 4/1 in the 5.05 at Goodwood.
Tony Newcombe’s gelding won at Lingfield last month, and showed he was still in good form when a solid sixth in the greys race at Newmarket and an excellent close up fourth to Mount Hollow last time out at Leicester from a poor draw.
His current mark of 65 is only 3lb higher than her last victory, and another plus is that he acts on any going and has proven form with cut in the ground.
He also has the services of the useful David Kenny in the saddle, and his 5lb claim makes him look well treated enough to take care of some out of form rivals who have quite frankly got it all to prove.
The nine-year-old is also best when coming off a strong pace, and looks sure to get that with plenty of confirmed front runners in the line-up.
He is the only runner who comes into this in any sort of form, and the 4/1 on offer looks a steal.
Recommended bet: 3pts win Witchry (4/1 bet365 – BOG, Sky Bet, Stan James)
