Current Gambles

After a bad patch Michael Stoute’s horses are starting to hit form again, in the past 7 over half his runners have finished in the first 2. His runner in the opener at Goodwood today, London Stripe, has been well backed.
London Stripe improved plenty for his debut as a 2yo to win a 7F Yarmouth maiden, staying on really well at the finish to win by a half length from Mass Rally, who won his next two outings and is now rated 94. It was no surprise to see him upped in trip on his seasonal debut when he landed a 1M 2F Newmarket handicap off 83.
He was raised 5lbs for that win and ran by far his best race to date last time when runner-up in the 1M 4F King George V Stakes (handicap) off 88. He was ridden to challenge 2F out but got headed entering the final furlong and was only beaten 3/4L by Dandino, who was beaten a head in the group 3 Gordon Stakes early this week. The 3rd, Caucus, was 3rd in the group 3 Bahrain Trophy next time out while the 4th, Bay Willow, has gained 2 wins and a second from 3 subsequent starts, the latest win coming off a 13lbs higher mark. The 6th won next time out off the same mark and the 7th was placed in a big handicap here yesterday off 2lbs lower.
Considering how well the form of London Stripe’s 2nd last time out has worked out, a 7lb rise in the weights does not look overly harsh. The 1M 2F on fast ground will suit and with Ryan Moore on board you can expect him to go very close today.