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SUSSEX SPARKLER

Dont miss 32Red ambassador Jamie Spencer’s latest column as he talks through his Saturday rides at Goodwood and Windsor

Spencer runs through his rides at Goodwood and Windsor on Saturday and reveals who he can't wait to ride on the Sussex Downs

Jamie Spencer

The multi-award winning online casino are the most prolific sponsor of British Racing. Every week at the you can read Brand Ambassadors Jamie Spencer, Josephine Gordon and Luke Morris’ thoughts on their prominent rides and the hot topics in Flat Racing, as well as get unrivalled access to Jump’s biggest names in Nico de Boinville, Paddy Brennan and Bryan Cooper.

I’M all of a Quiver today.

It’s not the final day of York’s Ebor Meeting that’s got me going but the prospect of riding Quivery (2.10) down at Goodwood.

I’ve won on her twice – at Doncaster and then at Newmarket on easy ground. Hopefully they won’t get any more rain and the ground will dry out.

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I’ve been riding her out at home and I feel she’s progressed again. It’s the next step up for her into this Group 3.

I’d be disappointed if she wasn’t up to this sort of level. She’s a talented filly with a very good turn of foot – still quite raw even though she’s had two runs.

There’s plenty more to come and she’s got loftier targets later in the season.

I ride out at Jeremy Noseda’s whenever they ask me. I go to ride Marc Keller’s horses and they’ve been winning this year, which helps.

She’s the main one for me today and I’m looking forward to riding her again.

I’m also on Ultimate Avenue (2.45). He ran very well when third in a hot Newmarket handicap last time. He’s got a nice draw in stall five and he’s stepping back up to seven furlongs.

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We’ll need a bit of luck around the inside but he’s got the talent to go very close.

The big thing for him is the ground. He wouldn’t want it too soft as he’s a very good mover.

After those two I’m off to Windsor in the evening.

Prime Maurice (5.10) is first time out - I haven’t sat on him and haven’t seen him. Jeremy’s two-year-olds have been running well and they are usually alright first time up.

They generally improve a good bit for a run and progress from run to run. Hopefully he can put up a good show.

 Spencer reached the landmark at Ascot on Saturday
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Spencer reached the landmark at Ascot on SaturdayCredit: PA

I think Second Step (6.10) ran into a Group 1 horse at Goodwood when runner-up to Poet’s Word.

Coming back into a Listed race I’d be disappointed if he didn’t take a big hand. I guess he’ll have a favourite’s chance.

He was third in this race 12 months ago but he’s in better shape now. For whatever reason he was never firing last season. He’s back on track and has been consistent in all four races this season.

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Abiento (7.10) has been running okay and has a squeak in an open handicap.

It was a three-runner race last time and that wouldn’t have suited him. He also had a hood on and I felt that he was a bit disorientated in it. He didn’t get on with it.

Hopefully he can get a good gallop to run at and a bit of rain would be no problem.

Abel Tasman (7.40) put in a nice run first time out at Lingfield. Then there were two not so good efforts but those runs means he’s reasonably well handicapped.

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With his pedigree you wouldn’t expect the step up in trip to be a problem and hopefully he’ll improve.

It’s a low-grade handicap and he should have a chance.

He’s the last of three rides I’ve got for Ed Walker today - he’s a good guy and good trainer. He’s still quite young and he’s got a lot of big owners.

He’s just looking for that top horse to propel him further but I’m sure it will come.

Wesley Ward wanted me to go to York but it just didn’t fit in as I was always going to ride Quivery.

 Cracksman was very impressive
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Cracksman was very impressiveCredit: PA

It’s a very fair track and one of my favourites. It’s been lucky to me over the years.

Even though it’s a long straight you need to be on the premises. It’s rolling track and horses seem to get home well – especially on fast ground. They can kick three out and hold on as you saw with Cracksman.

He’s a beautiful horse. I think as he gets stronger, more mature and understands racing he’s going to be a smart older horse. He’s a proper mile-and-a-half horse – he stays the trip really well.

He was too babyish for the Derby. That’s what cost him – he didn’t know what to do.

Juddmonte International winner Ulysses is another improving horse who was impressive this week.

I think he would have won ever easier if the ground had been faster. He’s a beautiful mover with a great turn of foot.

He’s a jockey’s dream as he travels strongly and quickens. I bet he’s a joy to ride.

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