Wentworth: Goodwood win just reward for a string of eyecatching efforts

  PICTURE: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)  

WENTWORTH, who has been a magnet for punters in big-field handicaps this season, graduates into Listed company, but the step up in class is unlikely to deter his many supporters.

The son of Acclamation finally gained reward for a string of eyecatching efforts in defeat when landing the valuable Betfred Mile at Glorious Goodwood last month with a fluent three-quarters of a length dismissal of Cape Peron.

Previously fourth in Royal Ascot’s Britannia Handicap and third in Sandown’s Coral Challenge on Eclipse day, Wentworth now boasts an official rating of 106 and most will expect him to make a smooth transition to this higher grade.

Richard Hannon jnr said: “Wentworth is in good form and seems likely to get his ground at Sandown. He wants a nice bit of ease and that’s how it is looking at the moment.”

Wentworth’s six rivals are headed by the David O’Meara-trained Penitent, who takes a drop in class having contested Group races on each of his last 12 starts.

The ground was eased this morning, with clerk of the course Andrew Cooper tweeting: “12mm in total y’day @Sandownpark and ground very soft – officially heavy, soft places round, and soft, heavy places sprint. Dry today – phew.”

Listowel host its Kerry National card with the big race – due off at 5.10 – supported by the Listed Listowel Stakes, while Yarmouth also stages a Listed race in the form of the John Musker Fillies’ Stakes.

Going report

Beverley: Good
Sandown: Sprint course – soft, heavy in places; round course – heavy, soft in places
Yarmouth: Good to soft, good in places in the back straight
Listowel: Flat course – Heavy; Jumps course – Soft
Kempton: Standard

Key stats

John Gosden has a 31 per cent strike-rate (5-16) with juvenile debutants at Sandown since the start of 2009. Zephyr makes his debut for the champion trainer in the mile maiden (2.50).

Sir Michael Stoute is 7-12 in maidens at Beverley since 2008 and that improves to 3-3 in maidens for juveniles. He runs Adore in the 2.30

Pointers courtesy of Raceform Interactive

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