Celebration Mile Preview

A tiny morsel of racing to enjoy after the feast of last week’s Ebor festival. We give you the lowdown on the three big televised races:

3.20 Goodwood – Celebration Mile (Group 2)
With Strong Suit an absentee, Poet’s Voice is a 7/4 favourite to win the race for a second year. Not seen since Meydan in March, he looks vulnerable at the price. At best odds of 17/2 with Boylesports, Premio Loco is a more attractive betting proposition. A regular winner in minor group contests, his record below group one level, ignoring his runs in Dubai, is: 2111186. He was hampered in those last two poor runs, and should bounce back if the going isn’t too testing.

3.30 Newmarket – 6f Listed
Monsieur Chevalier is rated 15lbs higher than his nearest rival, and off level weights in this listed contest he will be a warm favourite. If he reproduces his Royal Ascot form he wins at a canter. If a repetition of any other of his 2011 performances, he loses. Mac’s Power can pick up the pieces if things don’t pan out for the favourite at 7/2 with Stan James.

3.50 Goodood – 7f Handicap
A valuable big field handicap to enjoy at Goodwood. The ground has softened in the last 48 ours with the official going good to soft. The race generally develops around the fair rail and in a big field expect a few hard luck stories. Casual Glimpse is a 9/1 favourite having won over course and distance during the Glorious meeting. In stall one he has the best draw but will need luck in running.

Eton Rifles could be the biggest danger at 9/1 with Bet365. Recently transferred to David Elsworth he is a horse on the comeback trail. A runner up in his last three 7f starts, he enjoys cut in the ground and looks well handicapped.