4.20pm Goodwood Tips & Betting Preview 15/10/2017

A competitive handicap for a prize of £16,173. Read on for expert analysis and betting tips.

IN SUMMARY: Big things were expected from TARTINI as displayed by his presence in a Derby Trial and he can begin to live up to his potential here at the expense of Machine Learner.

1 AUSSIE REIGNS – Has his first start for a new yard after being well beaten by Order Of St George in the Irish St Leger Trial last time out, showed some smart hurdling form for Willie Mullins this season though and is in much calmer waters here.

2 MACHINE LEARNER – Had the look of a well handicapped horse and confirmed that when beaten just a head in a big field Leopardstown handicap last time out, that race generally works out well and this is much easier so he is of obvious interest.

3 TARTINI – Was sent off just 4/1 against the likes of Cracksman and Permian in the Derby Trial at Epsom and was beaten just over five lengths, since then he has been a bit disappointing but he was clearly well regarded and could be a bit better than a mark in the mid 90s.

4 PLUTOCRACY – Has been beaten a fair way in each of his last three starts and with his handicap mark remaining the same he isn’t the most obvious to recommend, soft ground has not really seen him be at his best in the past either and he can be passed over.

5 SHABBAH – Has very much struggled since racking up a hat-trick all the way back in 2016 and he is eight pounds higher than his last winning mark, his recent runs don’t really inspire much confidence and others look to have stronger claims.

6 JACOB’S CATS – His third of two starts ago over this distance was comprehensively franked when the winner went on to take a Group 3 and he looked like two miles was slightly beyond his optimum distance last time, his form is solid and he stays; should go well.

7 MICHAEL’S MOUNT – Has been in good form as of late winning two of his last four starts and on that basis he should go well in a race like this but he has run poorly on the last two occasions he has run at Goodwood at that is a concern.

8 TEOFONIC – Has run some nice races this season when behind the extremely progressive Defoe and she bumped into another progressive one in Cribbs Causeway when second off a break last time, a repeat of that would see her go close.