Thursday 30th July 2020





13:45 Goodwood

I was going to leave Thursday's Goodwood card alone but there is one that has tempted me in for a small bet.  Bright Melody hasn't looked the easiest of rides so far but I think he provides a good each-way alternative to the less exposed market leaders here. The son of Dubai won on debut at Kempton back in January before finishing a creditable third over 1m2f at the same venue when racing returned in June. He missed the kick, didn't have the clearest of runs and was forced wider than the first two home when third that day but stayed on well to close on the leaders late on. The two who finished in front that day have certainly advertised the form well since, Berlin Tango ran a blinder in the Hampton Court at Royal Ascot on his next start finishing third despite carrying a 4lb penalty. Also, the 40/1 second from that Kempton contest went on to win the King Edward VII stakes on his next start in pretty impressive fashion.

Bright Melody was sent off favourite for a race at Royal Ascot himself but was keen early on and had a wide trip round so didn't give himself much of a chance of staying the 1m4f at his first attempt. He took a step back in the right direction when beaten less than a length in a listed contest out in France back over 1m2f last time out despite it being a slightly muddling tactical affair which wouldn't have suited. I think a mark of 98 is certainly workable so I'll take advantage of four places each-way and have a small interest.

Bright Melody 11/1 - 0.5 Points Each-Way (4 places)

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