Nap of the Day: The Doyler eyes Goodwood prize for Wathnan

 | Monday 28th July 2025, 17:25pm

Monday 28th July 2025, 17:25pm

Nap of the day with alan firkins 2

My best bet for Tuesday, looking to follow up Saturday's 6/4 King George success, runs at Goodwood in the 16:20 - a very warm 6f maiden with a big field representing some tasty yards.

However - I think we're on the right one here. A horse who after only two runs hasn't begun to reveal the ceiling of his likely level of ability. Top trainer, jockey, ambitious owner. Bring it on.

16:20 Goodwood

Horse Racing Odds

Nap Of The Day - Tuesday, July 29

16:20 Goodwood - Naval Light @ 11/8

16:20 Goodwood - Naval Light @ 11/8

Wathnan Racing, a vehicle for the Emir Of Qatar, is a relatively new ownership entity; but in a few short seasons it has proven adept at lifting some of the sport's biggest prizes, especially at showcase festivals like this. Royal Ascot has been a particularly happy hunting ground, via horses such as Haatem, Courage Mon Ami and French Master.

We have today a two-year-old Havana Grey colt full of promise after just two runs so far, and given he's in the care of northern powerhouse Karl Burke the sky really is the limit for this one.

The trip today is 6f, and his two spins have both been at 5f - a narrow defeat at Beverley to one that's gone close subsequently in the Windsor Castle, and then a fine effort in the Norfolk, beaten 5.75l, behind Charles Darwin, one of Ascot week's most impressive scorers for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore.

Havana Grey is a tremendous speed influence, as is Dandy Man on the dam's side, but two tardy starts have left Naval Light with too much to do at the business end on both occasions, over the minimum. However, the way he ran on suggests very much that 6f will be his trip at this point, and this is a fast sprint course.

Drawn in the 10 box should enable jockey James Doyle to pick and choose his path, but so often the advantage is with those drawn fairly high, or who migrate, near to the stands' rail. What he doesn't need is another sluggish getaway, but I'm sure the Burke team at Spigot Lodge will have been working on that assiduously, and he's got that priceless extra furlong to get organised.

I'm of the opinion that this fella could just be different gravy, given a decent break. He's hinted at much more - now's the time to show it. The price is on the skinny side and we can hope for a little drift perhaps, but market forces will dictate in that area.

It will be a maiden to look back on and one that I'm sure will produce plenty of winners, going forward. My belief is that this colt is much better than he's been allowed, though circumstance, to show so far. Won't be long until we get to find out.

16:20 Goodwood - Winner Naval Light

Odds correct at time of publishing.

Nap Of The Day from Betfred Insights.

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