Peter Chapple-Hyam: Trainer of Direct Times
Views from connections ahead of Saturday’s Qatar Stewards’ Sprint as Peter Chapple-Hyam prepares to let the progressive Direct Times bid for big-race glory at Goodwood.
A lack of experience is the only concern for Peter Chapple-Hyam as he prepares to let the progressive Direct Times bid for big-race glory in Saturday’s Qatar Stewards’ Sprint at Goodwood.
The four-year-old has made just five competitive starts in his short career to date, but has no little ability judged on his three victories, most recently impressing at Newmarket.
Chapple-Hyam has already come close to a Glorious Goodwood winner this week, with stable star Arod pushing Solow all the way in Wednesday’s Sussex Stakes, and the St Gatien handler feels Direct Times is capable of making his presence felt in the hands of top apprentice Tom Marquand.
“He’s in good form and won’t mind the ground and I’m hopeful he’ll run a big race,” said Chapple-Hyam.
“He is a bit of a novice going in against all those seasoned handicappers, which is never easy, so we’ll just have to see what happens.
“Tom is a good kid and having him on board can only help.”
Marquand steered Slip Siding Away to his recent victory at Windsor and his unavailability has forced trainer Peter Hedger into a change of rider.
The eight-year-old is part-owned by Channel 4 commentator Simon Holt.
Hedger said: “I’m glad we’ve got in as he loves Goodwood and seems in very good form.
“I wish there were a few more of the fancied horses on our side, that would be my concern, but there’s nothing we can do about that.
“He finished fourth in this race last year and if he can do the same again I’ll be delighted. If he does any better than that, I’m not sure what I’m going to do with Simon Holt!
“Tom was always going to ride Peter Chapple-Hyam’s horse and Callum (Shepherd) did ride our horse once before at Newmarket, so he knows him a little bit. I think he’s a horse that’s good for knowing.
“Callum claims 7lb, which counteracts his 6lb penalty for winning at Windsor, so we’ll see what happens.
“Hopefully he’ll run well, but it is a bit of a lottery.”
The Stuart Williams-trained Holley Shiftwell has filled the runner-up spot on each of her two starts this season in Listed events at Bath and Ayr respectively.
Williams said: “She’s been running in Listed races this year and has been placed a couple of times.
“She’s coming back into handicap company on Saturday and I’ve booked our apprentice Aaron Jones to ride her. He takes 5lb off her back and knows her well.
“It’s a very competitive race, as you would expect, but I’m hopeful of a good run.
“I don’t worry about the draw too much. I always find the quickest way to go is in a straight line, rather than worrying about switching one way or the other.”
Dean Ivory, who has three runners in the Stewards’ Cup itself, headed by star sprinter Tropics, is also represented in the consolation race by Links Drive Lady.
Ivory has gone to the trouble of booking leading French jockey Olivier Peslier for the ride.
He said: “She’s in good form and likes Goodwood. She’s won there a couple of times.
“She is ground dependent, so hopefully they get some rain and we’ll see what she can do.
“I think the French jockeys are quite good at taking a horse into a race quietly and that’s what she needs.”
Other contenders in a wide-open contest include Charles Molson, Major Jack, Fast Track and Golden Steps.