Thoughts on Karnage at Goodwood today

Karnage runs in the 2.20 at Goodwood this afternoon (Sunday, 5th of June). Timmy Murphy rides in the mile and three furlong handicap. Karnage enjoyed a productive all weather season with a string of consistent efforts. He was disappointing on his last start but came back from the race with a bit of a cold and a couple of other horses were disappointing at the time so its a run best forgiven. We’ve always valued having turn out for the horses to keep them healthy both mentally and physically so we gave him a spell out in our paddocks for three weeks once he had recovered. We’ve been keen to avoid softer ground with him so with the weather we’ve had this spring that is looking a fortuitous decision. He has done enough work in preparation for this race and had a nice blow out under Timmy Murphy earlier in the week.

The race is a tight looking contest even if just down to seven runners.There are different angles into several of the runners. The class dropper Jacobs Cats has kept better company than this for years and whilst he might not be quite the horse he was a season or two ago he could be a tough nut to crack if he is still willing. Choral Festival is a tough consistent performer at this level and will be the benchmark for the race, she looks in good heart with two good placed efforts on her last two starts. Yul Finegold can’t be ignored, he wins races at this level on his better days whilst Solveig’s Song is perhaps finding his way and having put up a career best last time out to win an easier contest than this should not be dismissed.

Karnage winning at Lingfield earlier in the year.