Goodwood Cup Preview

3 minute read

The Group 2 Goodwood Cup is one of the most popular spectacles of the flat season. Read our runner-by-runner guide...

Blue Bajan has come right back to best for new yard this year, following second in Yorkshire Cup with victory in Henry II. Only tenth behind several of these in Ascot Gold Cup last time, however.

Aaim To Prosper ended 2010 on a high with win in the Cesarewitch. Even better this year, beaten narrowly by Chiberta King in listed race at Sandown last time. That probably more his level than this.

Allied Powers is a tough sort who was a dual Group winner at 1½m in France last year. Largely creditable efforts in defeat this term, but not guaranteed to stay this far.

Bergo is a multiple winner over hurdles/fences, also successful in 2010 Queen Alexandra. Ran a blinder in 2m Group 3 at Meydan (in front of Opinion Poll) when last seen in March. One to consider.

Chilberta King is a front runner who was successful in 1¾m handicap here prior to taking step up to listed level in his stride at Sandown (2m) earlier this month. More needed to land hat-trick.

Electrolyser for a long time has shaped as if worth a try in headgear, which finally happens here, and second in this race 12 months ago. Better effort this year when close up behind Chiberta King at Sandown.

Fox Hunt is a hugely progressive gelding, winning competitive 1½m handicaps at Epsom and Royal Ascot before pushing Tactician all the way at York (1¾m) last time. Thriving, and well worth a try in this company.

Geordieland won couple of Group 2s since he was second in this in 2006, but lightly raced in recent years and was pulled up on his first run for 21 months in Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

Lost In The Moment won 3 times for Jeremy Noseda in 2010 and further progress since joining current yard, placed in hot 1¼m handicaps last 2 starts. Taking marked step up in trip here.

Manighar is yet to win in Britain but retains every bit of his ability judged on fourth in testing conditions in Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Gone well here before, and strong claims dropped back to 2m.

Montaff has been temperamental in past but hard to knock this season, winning 2m Ripon handicap in April and second in Henry II and Northumberland Plate last 2 starts, both those races over this trip as well.

Opinion Poll is a likeable stayer who has continued improvement this year for new trainer, staying on well into second in Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Leading claims even if this won't provide quite the same test.

Overturn is a high-class hurdler who made all in Chester Cup on return to Flat in May. Better than result in Northumberland Plate last month, and could have still more to offer in this sphere.

Red Cadeaux is a tough gelding who is finally delivering all he's promised, winning 1½m listed handicap at Hamilton and Group 3 at the Curragh on 2 of last 3 starts. Stays this far and should give his running.

Swingkeel is an out-and-out stayer who won over hurdles for Nigel Twiston-Davies in March. Back to winning ways on the level when relishing extreme test in Queen Alexandra last month, but this a much different task.

Tastahil is a smart performer who won Jockey Club Cup at Newmarket on final 2010 start, and as good as ever when runner-up in Chester Cup on return. Shaped as if amiss in Gold Cup at Royal Ascot since.

Timeform 1-2-3

2. Manighar

Timeform's View: Fox Hunt bids to give Mark Johnston a sixth success in this race and looks the pick of those trying their arm in a Cup race for the first time, but Opinion Poll will take some stopping if able to repeat his run in the Gold Cup. Manighar is unlikely to be far away, either.