Just when I think I am in for a quiet week somebody decides it’s time for Glorious Goodwood while my loyal readers have politely reminded me, I usually cover these bigger meetings as well as those that are “just” on a weekend. Therefore no time for racing politics (I will try to remember to put my views forward for the defence of cash betting some other time), and on to the main races over the first two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) .
Goodwood Tuesday.
Veuve Cliquot Vintage Stakes 2.15pm
There may be a superstar hiding in here somewhere, but I am yet to be totally convinced on what we have seen so far. Aidan O’Brien won this in 2014 with Highland Reel and again in 2016 with War Decree, and he is responsible for the short priced favourite here in Battleground who took the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot last month by two and a half lengths, though he looked more stamina than speed to these old eyes. The first foal of the excellent Found and a son of War Front, he may well have even more to offer and in this field could well prove hard to beat. Anyone as old as me may well remember Major Hern’s Gorytus back in the 80’s and I am hoping for a big (placed) run from his namesake who represents Richard Fahey today after taking his only start in a York novice, and he looks overpriced at 16/1 or so to me.
Qatar Lennox Stakes 2.45pm
Sir Dancelot is back as a six-year-old looking to land this prestigious prize for the third year in a row and as conditions, track, and trip clearly suit he can hardly be ignored. He isn’t the oldest here either but hasn’t been at his best this season and I prefer the chances of both Space Blues (who has won his last two at Haydock and Longchamp) and the risker option in Pierre Lapin. Roger Varian’s three-year-old gets seven pounds or more from all his elders here which is clearly a bonus, and looked a horse to follow as a juvenile with wins at Haydock and then at Newbury in the Mill Reef Stakes before a shocking return when pulling too hard and coming home last in the Commonwealth Cup. I refuse to believe that is as good as he can be and with an added furlong here plus the drop in class, he could go well at a price and sneak in to the frame at the very least.
Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup 3.15pm
Stradivarius is long odds on to win this contest for the fourth consecutive season and rightly so after taking his third Gold Cup by ten lengths last month. He is hard to oppose on form but hard to back at the prices as well with unexposed three-year-old Santiago a massive danger on paper getting fifteen pounds from his senior. I would never dare to suggest he could beat the people’s Champion but then again I wouldn’t fall over in shock if he did at these weights and all I can sensibly do is sit back and roar on the winner, whichever horse that may be.
Goodwood Wednesday.
Markel Insurance Molecomb Stakes 2.45pm
One of the more interesting races for me with the standard expected battle between the better from and those with any amount of room for improvement. Sardinia Sunset is certainly an option with her fillies’ allowance after taking the Listed Marygate Stakes at York earlier in the month, but she looks anything but bullet proof and needs to improve again here. Significantly can be considered unlucky to remain a maiden after three second places so far, beaten a neck, a short head, and most recently half a length when mugged close home at Sandown, and he won’t be far away, but I will be on Steel Bull each way today. Michael O’Callaghan sends the son of Clodovil over the Irish Sea for this contest after a very eye catching win in a Naas maiden a week ago. The quick return to the track has to be a concern of sorts but he quickened up impressively once the penny dropped to win going away and should be even better with that experience under his belt. He will need to improve but could be the dark horse here and will carry the Trivass cash accordingly.
Qatar Sussex Stakes 3.15pm
This may not be the best Sussex Stakes of all time, but it is still a Group One and still sees the English and Irish 2000 Guineas winners (Kameko and Siskin) in opposition which is what we all wanted to see. Add in Queen Anne Stakes winner Circus Maximus and French 2000 Guineas third from 2019 (San Donato) and we can all see it is a very decent field. Siskin tops the market and remains unbeaten after five starts and has to be a major player but I feel the English form may well be that little bit stronger, and have come down on the side of Kameko, who failed to see it out in strange Epsom Derby and should be far happier back at the mile. Mohaather impressed at Ascot in the Summer Mile earlier this month but has to find more in this exalted company, while the tactics for the O’Brien three may yet have an influence on the outcome for a race where four of the seven runners come here for their Irish bases.
Sean’s Suggestions:
Pierre Lapin each way 2.15pm Goodwood Tuesday
Steel Bull each way 2.45pm Goodwood Wednesday
Kameko 3.15pm Goodwood Wednesday
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