Glorious Goodwood – Day 2 – Wednesday 27th July
Glorious Goodwood – Day 2 and the big race is the Group 1 Sussex Stakes which has attracted a quality field. The race is well supported with 2 other group races. However, from a punting perspective, it’s a day to get none too involved. A preview of the day’s racing follows.
2.00: Class 2 Handicap
A big field of 20 to start the day in this marathon handicap. My concern with these types of races are whether you side with a proven stayer on the flat that has shown recent form or whether you believe a jumps horse will benefit from a change of scenery. If pushed, I’d side with Diamond Joel but there’s nothing I feel strongly enough about to get involved.
2.35: Group 3 Gordon Stakes
This is not a bad Group 3 race at all with some dropping in class and some stepping up from handicaps. Ulysses comes here after disappointing in the Derby after being well fancied and similar comments apply to Shogun. Qatari Hunter is on a 5 timer but steps up from handicap company whilst Platitude and Harrison are closely matched on their run at Newmarket.
However, the one I like is the disappointing favourite from that Newmarket race, Prize Money. A change of tactics which saw him held up did not work that day and I’m prepared to give him another chance on the back of previous form where he finished runner up 3 times after winning his maiden. He’s the joint highest rated horse in the field and has finished behind Group 1 Eclipse winner Hawkbill in one of those runs. I expect him to be ridden more prominently today and provided the ground isn’t too quick (there’s a bit of rain around), he should go very close at rewarding each way odds.
Back Prize Money (e/w) for a 1.5/10 stake at 9.00 Bet365 (¼ odds 1-3 BOG)
3.10: Group 1 Sussex Stakes
A cracking Group 1 contest here sees 4 top class 3 year olds and I expect these to be the ones to battle out the finish. There’s different form lines that suggest any of The Gurkha, Galileo Gold, Awtaad or Ribchester could land the spoils. If pressed, I’d side with The Gurkha as his yard are talking up his chances and Aiden O’Brien has a good record here with fancied 3 year olds. I’m less keen on his price, 2/1 being a bit short in such a field. Of the older brigade, I can only give a shout to Lightning Spear but I fully expect the 3 year olds to finish 1-2-3.
3.45: Group 3 Molecomb Stakes
It’s a risk getting involved in 5 furlong races here at Goodwood, especially as there are so many unlucky horses with a big percentage of the field usually denied a clear run. Big Time Baby and Yalta are the 2 I’d side with but, with so many other races to go at over the week, I’ll sit this one out.
4.20: 2 year old Maiden
20 runners, 6 furlongs and all of them very inexperienced 2 year olds. A guessing game for the brave amongst you. Good luck!
4.55: Class 2 Handicap
Despite just the 10 runners, a tough puzzle with the 3 year olds receiving 10lbs off their elders. That said, 2 of 4 older horses are well fancied and it’s a conundrum that isn’t worth playing in, given the prices on offer. The pick of the field would be Sagaciously and Shaan.
5.25: Class 3 Handicap
Another tricky 20 runner handicap to end the day. On a quiet day, I’m again sitting back and keeping my powder dry. For those that must get involved, Rex Imperator is the tentative selection.
