Signs look good for Naggers as punters seek Goodwood clues

John Smith’s Scottish Stewards’ Cup | 6f | 3yo+ | RUK

The could be a few clues on offer for Goodwood's Stewards' Cup at Hamilton, which stages its typically wide-open Scottish version on Friday evening.

Winners of this race have usually struggled when attempting to follow up at the Glorious meeting and last season's victor Orion’s Bow is the only one in recent years to do well there, finishing runner-up behind Dancing Star.

Hoof It, who was second in this event last year, returns on a 5lb higher mark at the ripe old age of ten. He ended last season in terrific form, with his placed efforts behind Brando and Intisaab particularly eyecatching.

Glorious Goodwood entries

Ten of the 15-strong field hold entries in the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood with Naggers most prominent in the market at a top-priced 18-1. Hoof It, Muntadab and Al Qahwa feature at 33-1, with War Department and Red Pike 66-1.

High and mighty

Generally a high draw has been beneficial in previous runnings. The last four winners have been berthed in stall 11 or higher.

Three magic number for Johnston

Only two three-year-olds have won this race since 2001. Both were trained by Mark Johnston, and the Middleham trainer is represented now by Town Charter.

Stamina necessary

Hamilton has a notoriously stiff uphill finish and all winners in the last ten runnings, barring Poyle Vinnie in 2015, had raced over at least 7f beforehand.

What they say

Roger Fell, trainer of Muntadab
As long as there's some cut in the ground he should go well. He didn't enjoy the experience at Ascot and the blinkers didn't have the desired effect, plus the ground was just far too quick.

Paul Midgley, trainer of Naggers
He's in very good form and has won at Hamilton before. I think he's got a good draw and the rain that's fallen is more than welcome as it was just too quick at the Curragh last time with no pace in the race.

Bryan Smart, trainer of Red Pike and King Robert
I wouldn’t know how to split them as they're both going very well. King Robert ran brilliantly giving plenty of weight away last time and both are getting better as the season goes on.

Jim Goldie, trainer of Jack Dexter
He holds a good chance and there's been a bit of rain around which only helps. We'll head up the middle holding him up and hope a gap opens.