Glorious Goodwood (14.00): Mount Logan can gain deserved success
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Mount Logan has been knocking on the door of late, and can gain a deserved big handicap success in the 1m 2f contest that opens proceedings on a cracking seven-race card that kicks off Glorious Goodwood (14.00).
The Luca Cumani trained colt showed progressive form throughout last season when winning twice, and in the last of those successes looked one to keep onside when scoring easily by 2 1/4 lengths at Doncaster off a mark of 96.
After shaping as if badly needing the run on his seasonal reappearance when a tenderly handled eighth at Epsom, the four-year-old duly put in a much improved effort at Royal Ascot when an excellent fourth of 13 to the progressive Mahsoob in the Wolferton Handicap.
Mount Logan was well-backed for the 1m 2f contest and, after being held-up going well in mid-division, was denied a clear run when trying to make a move a furlong from home.
Jockey Andrea Atzeni was forced to switch at a crucial stage and, when Mount Logan did see daylight, he flew home to be beaten just a length.
The son of New Approach was gaining hand over fist all the way to the line, and it was an effort which suggested he would have gone close to landing the spoils granted a clear passage.
Mount Logan backed that up with a very good third of 17 to Master Carpenter in the John Smith’s Cup earlier this month, staying on strongly in the hands of 3lb claimer Kevin Stott to be beaten 1 3/4 lengths.
That is solid form and, with Adam Kirby taking over in the saddle, Mount Logan can get back to winning ways of what looks a workable mark of 102.
Sennockian Star finished behind Mount Logan when eighth in the John Smith’s Cup, but represents a handler who does particularly well at the meeting and rates the biggest danger.
The Mark Johnston trained gelding is a tough sort who has already run 10 times this year, winning on two occasions.
Sennockian Star also has course and distance winning form to his name having triumphed in this contest 12 months ago off a mark of 101, and is now able to race off 1lb lower.
That gives the five-year-old every chance from a handicapping perspective, and Sennockain Star looks sure to make a bold bid to retain his crown.
Coral’s top tip: Mount Logan is one for punters to get on board with.
