Royal Ascot, done. July Festival, in the books. It’s time for Glorious Goodwood!

As flat season enters August, hot on the heels of an all-time classic King George VI renewal at Ascot, this week, West Sussex gets its turn in the spotlight.

With five days of action and 37 races on the card, three Group 1 contests are on the slate.

But just where will the money be this week?

Brit Courage – 5/2 Betfred

In the opening day’s main event, the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup takes the spotlight and Courage Mon Ami is the bookies’ favourite.

But only just.

Now unbeaten in four, the 4yo gelding sprung a relative upset to win the Ascot Gold Cup at 15/2, edging Coltrane by just under a length.

The latter was fourth in this contest last year – behind the still absent Kyprios – and the duo lock horns once more over the shorter trip.

WHAT A RACE! @FrankieDettori wins the Gold Cup aboard Courage Mon Ami! pic.twitter.com/dOcUjboc4w

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 22, 2023

Perhaps the only slight caveat this week for the mount of Frankie Dettori lies in this summer’s unpredictable weather.

Ascot’s turf this past weekend had a little more juice in it, but was still close to good to soft and will likely be for the off on Tuesday.

Courage Mon Ami’s two wins since gelding have both been on firmer ground – including at Goodwood in May.

In conclusion, Coltrane and potentially Eldar Eldarov could push, but this contender should have enough courage, my friend.

Perfect Paddington – 8/15 William Hill

Never mind marmalade sandwiches, it’s been caviar on a plate from the magical Paddington.

The 3yo goes for an astonishing seventh win in-a-row in Wednesday’s Sussex Stakes.

Unbeaten since an Ascot debut last September, Aidan O’Brien’s colt has become the toast of Ballymore.

Such is the calibre of the son of Siyouni, Paddington is no one-trick pony; he’s won in all conditions.

His last outing on the softer turf saw victory in the Coolmore at the Curragh at the start of May, and though amongst stronger company looks the overwhelming favourite.

Indeed, perhaps only Inspiral – Frankie’s other main hope this week – could hold a candle.

The only question now is, just when might his winning streak end?

At 2/5, that is unlikely to be this week; Paddington is poised to make it super seven.

GNashing of teeth – 2/1 BoyleSports

Moving on, Nashwa then looks to become the first horse since Midday to defend the Nassau Stakes.

Storming back to victory in last month’s Falmouth Stakes, Hollie Doyle rode the filly’s first win since that last trip to Goodwood 12 months back.

Fending off Richard Hannon’s whopping 40/1 shot Aristia, rain might be a slight concern for John and Thady Gosden.

However, Nashwa still has a decent record in said conditions, with a win in France last summer.

The youngster’s main challenge looks to come from the unbeaten-in-five Blue Rose Cen.

It is worth considering though, having not run since late June, all five wins for the Irish girl have been on French soil.

And, with the bit between her teeth, we’re anticipating another gutsy outing from Nashwa.

Prancing Princess – 11/8 William Hill

As we complete our look at the big names, is this finally the week Highfield Princess re-asserts her authority?

Lining up in the King George Qatar Stakes, the Yorkshire-based French wonder is yet to win this season, but the effort is there.

Putting on a much-improved showing in this year’s Jubilee Stakes, the Princess was nonetheless forced to watch Khaadem romp to a stunning victory.

Before that, runners-up in the Kings Stand and the Clipper Stakes at York have come this season but so far, the pieces have not quite fallen.

That could be about to change at Goodwood.

Having been third in the 2021 Whispering Oak, her last win came on the soft at the Curragh last September.

Over the same 5f trip, Highfield Princess is currently a full 7pts up in the markets over her rivals.

Following on from a decent weekend at Ascot for Jason Hart, this will surely be the return to winning ways for this glorious mare.

Glorious Goodwood Betting Guide and Race Preview

This expanded guide complements our race-by-race preview and highlights market, form and race-day considerations for Glorious Goodwood. It is written for UK readers interested in informed, responsible betting and race analysis.

Key Races, Contenders and Betting Considerations

Below we unpack the major Group 1s, tactical variables, market movement and practical staking thoughts for the five-day festival. The aim is to give bettors clearer context for the horses named earlier without promising outcomes.

Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup: form and pace analysis

The Goodwood Cup often rewards horses with a mix of stamina and a turn of foot, so study recent staying form at Ascot and the Curragh when weighing Courage Mon Ami and Coltrane. Consider each horse’s finishing speed, proven ability on similar trips and how they handle a faster Goodwood tempo compared with the testing Ascot contest.

Sussex Stakes tactical notes and market outlook

Paddington’s class puts him on top of most betting markets, but pace setup and draw can affect how easy his task looks on the day. Keep an eye on early market movement for Inspiral and any late entries that could alter the pace; market confidence often reflects stable form and confirmed ground preference rather than guaranteed performance.

Nassau Stakes: what Nashwa’s challenge means

Nashwa arrives with strong form and a proven ability to travel and finish; she deserves respect if the ground stays on the quicker side. Blue Rose Cen represents an unbeaten profile that must be read with caution because her wins are France-based and the Goodwood undulations present a different test.

King George Qatar Stakes: sprint dynamics

Highfield Princess has the raw pace to feature prominently but will need a clean run given the often-chaotic five-furlong sprints at Goodwood. Pay attention to jockey bookings and trap bias on the day as these sprints can hinge on start and early positioning.

Weather, ground and their effect on entries

Goodwood’s springy turf reacts quickly to rain; a drop in conditions can transform the chances of established favourites and bring mud-liking types into play. Always check the going on race day and adjust selections rather than relying solely on historic odds.

In-running markets and how to follow odds shifts

In-running prices provide a useful barometer for how races are unfolding; watch for swings that reflect early pace collapses or late surges. Traders will shorten prices on horses that find clear running, so consider form lines that suggest a strong finish when using live markets.

Value searching: staking and bankroll considerations

Approach festival betting with a clear staking plan and separate bankroll for the week to avoid impulse decisions after a run of results. Adopt small, proportional stakes for speculative bets and larger, measured stakes for selections with sound, corroborated form.

Practical Tips for Goodwood Race Day and Betting

Arrive at the track or tune in early to observe the course, sight the going and note any scratchings that can alter race dynamics. Use trusted bookmaker comparisons to find the best price and, if you choose to bet, do so responsibly and within your limits.

Watching the market for confirmation and drift patterns

Sharp shortening often confirms confidence from connections or informed market money, while unexplained drifts may point to late negative information. Combine market signals with form, ground and race shape before committing stakes.

Keeping a festival diary for future handicapping

Recording how horses ran relative to expectations, their finishing splits and how they handled Goodwood’s unique contours will improve longer-term handicapping. Notes about ground adaptability and how horses cope with track undulation are particularly valuable.

Choosing between multiple bets on the same horse

When the same horse appears in several markets (win, each-way, forecast), select the market that best matches your risk tolerance and the price on offer. Avoid doubling stakes across multiple bet types that expose your bankroll to correlated losses.

Responsible play and problem gambling resources

Betting should be entertainment for adults 18+ only; set deposit limits and take regular breaks during festival betting. If you feel your gambling is becoming problematic, seek help from UK resources such as GamCare or use bookmaker self-exclusion tools.

You can explore current bookmaker offers and compare prices to find responsible betting options at our free bets page: https://bestofbets.com/free-bets. For players who prefer casino offers, our casino bonus page lists current sign-up bonuses from affiliated sites: https://bestofbets.com/casino-bonus.

Frequently asked questions about Goodwood racing and betting

How should ground conditions affect my Goodwood bets?

Review each horse’s past form on similar going; some stayers improve on softer turf while other types prefer quicker ground. Always cross-check the official going forecast on race morning.

Is Paddington likely to stay favourite in the market?

Paddington’s unbeaten run and versatility make him a strong market favourite, but favourites are not guaranteed winners and should be backed only when value meets your staking plan. Consider alternative strategies like small each-way stakes if the price is short.

Can I use form from Ascot when assessing runners here?

Ascot form is highly relevant but adjust for trip, ground and track differences; Goodwood has more undulation and often a faster surface. Compare sectional times and finishing position rather than headline finishing places alone.

What are sensible staking rules for a five-day festival?

Set a fixed festival bankroll and divide it by the number of planned bets to avoid overspending during emotional highs or lows. Keep stakes proportional to confidence and never chase losses.

How to compare bookmaker offers responsibly at Goodwood?

Look for the best quoted odds, clear terms and fair wagering requirements when comparing offers, and avoid switching for tiny price differences that increase risk. Use comparison tools to find competitive standalone prices and matched offers.

Where can I find free bets and casino bonuses?

We list recommended bookmaker free bets and casino bonuses on our dedicated pages, with clear terms and fairness considerations to help you decide. Remember offers are for adults 18+ and should be used responsibly as entertainment only.

18+ only. If gambling is causing harm, get help from organisations such as GamCare and use responsible gambling tools available from operators.