3:50 Goodwood Tips

You’ve got to take Silver Knott seriously in the feature at Goodwood this afternoon but I think LIBERTY LANE will take all the beating at 2/1. SK has a 7lb penalty to overcome today after a success in the UAE earlier on in the year and I think that’ll make this task too tough for the gelding, meanwhile Expolanet has to overcome Sea The Stars’ 8% SR (A/E 0.36) over 10f at Goodwood. I struggled to make a case for the remainder so SK could just win by default as well as on merit; the son of Teofilo will be aided by a touch of moisture in the going and is dropping back into listed company after a fair 3.5l 3rd of 6 in the Huxley Stakes at Chester. C Lee brings a brilliant 48% SR (A/E 1.32) on favourites going right handed, owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum a 52% SR (A/E 1.38) with favs in 4yo+ races and K Burke does well with the latter's runners when he bred them (38% SR, A/E 1.29 when fancied).

Silver Knott returns to Goodwood today after a solid second in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket earlier this month. He’s a proven performer at this level, with a Group 2 win in Dubai back in March. Despite carrying a 7lb penalty, his class and experience make him a strong contender in this Listed race.

Beaten by a smart horse to take 2nd back at Kempton towards the later part of April, despite returning from a break of nearly two years. Two more horses lead the market here, but it should improve further for the run and retains the top jockey for this.

MEYDAAN with thye benefit of a reappearance sharpener behind him can get involved. It has to be at least potentially significant that he returns to a track where he is a proven winner which counts for plenty at this venue and now possibly about to peak he appeals.

Reading through the racing press, you would think that Liberty Lane had this race all sewn up. My own opinion is that it is a very open-looking race with several runners having serious claims. My choice, Cash, should benefit from a tough seasonal opener at Sandown a month ago (6/8) and progress from that today in a slightly easier-looking race. He has a good draw, and the extra trip today ought to be of benefit.

The selections career has been spent in Qatar. Has tackled 1m and 1m 4f with little joy but has won over 1m 2f and fairly consistent when racing over that distance. Unknown quantity but could surprise.

Has been inconsistent since last win at York last August, but it helps he has experience over C&D. Hoping the use of cheekpieces again and also drop down in class does the trick.