Showing form

Another winner for the string and my betting form is still very solid. Prince Ary won easily and posted the best time of the night - he finished tired but he appeared to stay the slightly longer distance. Hernando Royal was a well backed and easy winner.

The bet that got away was Potentiale in the last at Beverley, who I had a look at before deciding to pass. Trained and owned by John Hills (presumably he is looking to sell the horse) who is running into a bit of form, this 55 rated outsider was travelling a long way to run in a 0-55 over what looked to be the right distance. Now with hindsight it feels like it was an obvious bet.

I saw John at Ascot last week and stopped off for a quick chat - he was looking very well. At the time he hadn't had any winners on the turf but his season seems to have taken off since, and I'm watching his entries. He has three going at Goodwood today. I Predict a Riot I'll pass on as I'd be taking a view on Manbar. Murrumbidgee looks sure to go well and I think is worth a small bet. The standout for me is Diamond Diva in the 4.20, who looks worthy of more serious consideration.

Apparently a late developing 2yo (came out in September) DD was highly tried and performed well in her first two races before picking up an easy maiden. She ran a bit green but should be less so now - John treats his better 2yos more tenderly than some and I imagine DD has room to progress from her current mark. She looks like the class horse in this field - most of the oppo look average by comparison - and I rate her a strong bet.

Spirit of Sharjah impressed me when he saw off Major Eazy at Newmarket, and he comes out in the 3.10 at Goodwood. I don't see anything else of his apparent quality in this race and I would expect him to win this comfortably, although the ground is a possible concern.

The old pro Goodbye Mr Bond might be worth a look in the last at Ayr this evening.