British Spot Plays: Goodwood for July 31

Wednesday's Group race action at Goodwood, of which we did not partake betting-wise, had just about everything: a dead heat in the Oak Tree (G3), an even-money winner in the Molecomb (G3), and then the flabbergasting score by Qirat in the Sussex (G1) with odds-on favorite Field of Gold a head-scratching fourth. For those who backed Qirat in the World Pool, condolences on getting only $125.70 while the bookies overseas were offering 150-1.

Going back to Tuesday, despite passing up another nice payoff this month on Zavateri, I scraped out a mild profit on the day after Scandinavia gutted out a 4-1 win in the Goodwood Cup (G1) with a 14-pound weight pull from Illinois. That brought my British betting bankroll back up to $452.50.

I'll wager 5% of the bankroll balance to win on the following selections on Thursday, the first being for $23.

Race 2: Richmond (G2), 8:55 a.m. ET

Given the success of Zavateri in the July (G2) and Vintage (G2), it would be foolish to underestimate trainer Eve Johnson Houghton's two-year-olds, especially those purchased for a relative song at auction. Also belonging to that club is #5 Havana Hurricane (5-1). He won't offer a Zavateri-like price here, but he's not projected to be the favorite either.

Havana Hurricane possesses quite a useful closing kick for a young racehorse. He showed as much on debut over this course going five furlongs, and later in the Windsor Castle S. at Royal Ascot. Last time, after being held up in the Super Sprint at Newbury, he found his way through a seam in the field of 19, made the lead approaching the finish, but was denied in the final jumps by the capable filly Anthelia. The step back up to six furlongs for the Richmond is sure to suit this Havana Gold colt.

Race 3: Gordon (G3), 9:30 a.m. ET

In a seemingly modest renewal of this St Leger (G1) prep, it's understandable why King George V H. winner Merchant is all the rage and is trading at around even-money overseas. However, #1 Galveston (6-1) might possess a bit of a tactical advantage over a course that hasn't been unkind to speed this week.

Galveston made his stakes debut at Royal Ascot in the King Edward VII (G2) over this 1 1/2-mile distance, and proceeded to set a very brisk pace. While no match for the two best horses in the field, Amiloc and Zahrann, to finish only three lengths behind Amiloc was a commendable performance, all things considered.

Coolmore paid a pretty penny for this son of Frankel (more than $2.5 million), and while he hasn't yet shown to be of the quality to make it all back, he might be just capable enough to win the Gordon under Ryan Moore.