Godhead continues progression at Chelmsford
Gosden colt makes it three wins from four.
Godhead had no problems with a move into handicap company at Chelmsford to score a third win from four starts. The John Gosden-trained son of Charm Spirit showed a good turn of foot for Robert Havlin and dug in for a 5-1 triumph in the Bartholomew Green Handicap Stakes. A first try on turf could now be on the cards for the Martin Hughes- and Michael Keer-Dineen-owned four-year-old after two previous successes at Kempton. Havlin said: “It was straightforward, he got a nice seat and has good travelling pace. He got a bit tired towards the line so I think he is probably an easy seven (furlong) horse. “I don’t think he is quite quick enough for six, but he has shown a good liking for the synthetic stuff. “We’ll just have to chip away and see if he is as good on the grass. I am sure we will try that option sooner rather than later.” Hugo Palmer’s Collide helped Ryan Moore nab a double at the Essex track with a length-and-a-quarter victory in the Chatham Green Handicap. The Frankel five-year-old travelled well throughout and stayed on to account for Sir Mark Prescott’s Land Of Oz, who ran wide at one of the bends but did his best to repel the 6-4 favourite before giving way. Moore had got off the mark earlier in the afternoon aboard Concessions (5-4) for Richard Hannon in the Pye’s Green Maiden Fillies’ Stakes. David O’Meara’s Campachoochoo (9-2) caught the eye in the Gubbion’s Green Maiden Auction Fillies’ Stakes. Jockey Shane Gray said of the Kodi Bear filly: “It felt like a strong run race. She travelled away in the straight and dug deep when she needed it. She galloped really well and I struggled to pull her up afterwards. “I will leave (Royal Ascot) with the connections. It’s everyone’s dream to go there, but we will see how she is when she is home and how she is progressing.” Harry Bentley was able to give trainer Ralph Beckett a fourth win of the day with victory on Declared Interest (3-1 joint-favourite) in the Cock Green Fillies’ Stakes after a front-running performance. Cry Havoc helped Rae Guest secure his first triumph since the resumption of racing in the Bannister Green Novice Median Auction Stakes. Ridden by Shane Kelly, the 13-8 favourite held on by a neck to prevent a shock victory for 100-1 chance Don’t Tell Claire and make it two wins from three outings. Guest said: “We’ve always liked her. Last year we liked her and this looked like the ideal opportunity, not far to go just down the road. We got a good draw and it worked out well, so very pleased with the first run. “We’ll see what the handicapper does and see what the programme book is because it’s a bit messy at the moment. We’ll see what there is for her. We’d like to get her on the grass because she has only run on the all-weather so far.” Amy Murphy’s Lilypad, ridden by Gabriele Malune, sprung a 25-1 surprise in division one of the Rank’s Green Handicap.Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
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