It’s the midsummer horse racing event of the season. Glorious Goodwood is back, with five days of incredible racing on the Sussex Downs. Today it’s the turn of the stayers in the Goodwood Cup, and a familiar name is back headlining the race. There’s also a familiar name trying to make it three wins in the Lennox Stakes too. Don your Panama’s and let’s go racing.
Say Hello To My Little Friend
1:50 – Chesterfield Cup Handicap – Tony Montana @ 14/1 (William Hill)
With Enfjaar short in the market, I’m tempted to look elsewhere for a bit of value in the first race of the festival. Tony Montana finished third in the form race, the John Smith’s Cup at York. He ran on really well that day, finishing strong down the outside of the field. He’s only up a pound for a good run he can improve on, and he’s still only three pounds higher than his previous winning mark at Windsor this season.
Stay Well didn’t race in the John Smith’s Cup, but has two races filled with form. Wadacre Gomez beat Stay Well at Chelmsford, then reversed the form next time out, before the former notched up another win. His latest run at Chelmsford saw him finish runner up to Enfjaar, and remains on the same mark. His form on turf may not look much from last season, but his performances this season suggest he has done a lot of improving. Interesting at 16/1 (William Hill).
One trainer to follow in this race is Charlie Johnston. He and his father Mark have managed to notch up four of the last 10 winners. He has three runners today, but Killybegs Warrior should have his moment. Off the back of three really disappointing runs, he returns to very competitive mark, two pounds lower than his previous winning mark last year at Newmarket. Knowing how well the Johnston’s target their races, the market may be overlooking this one. 16/1 (William Hill).
Goodwood Greek
2:25 – Vintage Stakes (Group Two) – The Parthenon @ 4/1 (William Hill)
Highland Reel, Pinatubo and Haatem are just some of the recent winners of the race. This year looks very competitive. But I’m siding with the master Aidan O’Brien. The Parthenon finished well first time out, considering he was straight into a Group Three, and managed to back it up with a win at Gowran going away up the hill. Down the hill at Goodwood, he could win by further.
An Outlaw’s Grace presents as an interesting opponent. His last start was in the Prix Robert Papin, where he finished a close fourth. He likes drying ground and may suit an extra furlong, despite being by a sprinter. Richard Hannon can follow up last year’s victory with an interesting horse that may be well worth following at three. 11/2 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports).
Noble Quest
3:00 – Lennox Stakes (Group Two) – Noble Dynasty @ 3/1 (BetVictor, Betfred)
Noble Dynasty has made big strides this season. From cosily winning a handicap, beating today’s second favourite English Oak, to winning his first group race at Newmarket last time out. He has shown incredible talent this season, and comes into the race top rated. Two-time Lennox winner Kinross hasn’t looked himself, and may be lacking the Frankie factor. It may be time for Noble Dynasty to pick up the crown.
Guess Who’s Back?
3:35– Goodwood Cup (GROUP ONE) – Kyprios @ 4/9 (General)
The 2022 Goodwood Cup winner, who trounced Stradivarius and Trueshan in a flying finish is finally back. Kyprios taken his time, but after his win in the Ascot Gold Cup he looks ready for anything. His nemesis Trawlerman doesn’t come here, but will be kept honest by the likes of Sweet William and Coltrane. But this should be a slightly easier test than the Gold Cup and will justify his odds-on price.
The very best of luck!
