@TheTippingTim’s weekend bets

A lot of judges say that York is a funny punting track that throws up odd results, but I haven’t had a winner there all week so I can’t see how it is different from any other racecourse.  With my ante post portfolio in tatters after J Wonder’s abject display on Wednesday, I need my luck to change this weekend so that I can build up ammunition for a renewed assault on the 2014 Classics.

I’m going to desert York and head to Britain’s most ridiculous sporting venue for the nap tomorrow.  The seven-furlong handicap at Goodwood (2.55) is an interesting punting heat because most of the good horses have rubbish draws.  Therefore I am going to bet the least boring horse drawn low and, ruling out likely jolly Magic City on the grounds of his skinny price, that honour goes to local lass Amanda Perrett’s Head Of Steam.  This strong-travelling six-year-old has caught the eye on both of his previous starts and, with classy young claimer Ryan Tate taking off a handy five pounds, he looks primed to out-run big odds from box four.

The next best this week is Eshtiaal in the 3.20 Newmarket.  Brian Meehan’s progressive three-year-old blew out in a hot race at Royal Ascot, but he’d previously won a red-hot Yarmouth handicap and he deserves another chance to back that up.  He had Debdebdeb and Salutation trailing in his wake at the seaside track and, given what those two have done since, an extra nine pounds on his back won’t stop him if he’s back in that form.

For the Trixie I will side with old favourite Thistle Bird in the Goodwood Celebration Mile (3.30).  She was chinned in this last season by the wonderful Premio Loco but, with Chris Wall’s gallant old-timer reaching his twilight years, I fancy Roger Charlton’s tough mare to turn the tables this time around.

Good luck with all your bets this weekend!

Follow @TheTippingTim on Twitter!