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The five-day Qatar Goodwood Festival gets underway this afternoon with eight races. Some overnight rainfall has seen conditions now officially described as good-to-soft with the opening contest kicking off at 1.40.
The Class 2 5f Coral Handicap looks a competitive way to begin the week and it'll be interesting to see if jockeys have any differing opinions on where is the most favoured part of the track, which can so often be the case when there's some ease in the ground. Lord Riddiford bids to land this race for a third successive year and is entitled to respect, but he doesn't exactly arrive in great heart and others appeal more given how short he is in the betting. Epsom Dash winner Navello has to be respected up 3lb in the weights while the in-form Vintage Clarets cannot be ignored following his good third in a competitive Ascot handicap. However, slender preference goes the way of Raasel. Mick Appleby's charge looks to be working his way back into form after a good fourth behind Vintage Clarets and returns to a venue that has brought the best out of him in the past.
Experience can often proven key in the Class 2 6f British EBF 40th Anniversary Maiden (2.15) and Array can put his to good use. Andrew Balding's runner shaped nicely when second on debut at Newbury and the third home has boosted the form by winning a decent maiden at Ascot on Saturday. Richard Hannon goes well at this meeting and newcomer A La Noche could go well at a price while the likes of Union Island and Dorney Lake both require some consideration.
Another tricky handicap to assess in the shape of the Class 2 1m2f Coral Chesterfield Cup (2.50). Millebosc did run on quite nicely in the John Smith's Cup at York and could well take a step forward on his second start since being gelded. That said, he's short enough in the betting for a race like this and was far enough behind some reopposing rivals to suggest the value lies elsewhere. The winner that day, Pride Of America, can remain competitive nudged up in the weights, but it's the third-placed horse Haunted Dream that looks the most solid option. Ed Dunlop's runner deserves a big handicap success following some solid efforts in defeat and should find the slight drop in trip in his favour.
The Group 2 7f Nicholson Gin Vintage Stakes (2.50). It's a juvenile contest that has thrown up some top-class juveniles in the past but it's probably fair to say nothing likened to Pinatubo or Sir Percy lurks here. The Richard Hannon-trained Haatem bumped into the now dual Classic favourite City Of Troy in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket (July) and probably sets the standard back in calmer waters. Chesham Stakes third Golden Mind has proven form over the 7f and commands respect, but it's the once-raced Iberian that gets the nod. Charlie Hills' runner created a nice impression when scoring on debut at Newbury and looks open to plenty of improvement now upped into better company.
Everything looks to have fallen into place for Kinross to record his second success in the Group 2 7f World Pool Lennox Stakes. Seven furlongs with some cut in the ground is just what the 2021 winner and 2022 runner-up desires. Ralph Beckett's contender escapes a penalty for any of his Group 1 victories last season and with an official rating of 119, should prove tough to stop. Audience is clearly highly talented and must be respected albeit his quirks while French Guineas runner-up Isaac Shelby is 2-3 at seven furlongs and looks the pick of the three-year-olds.
The feature Group 1 2m Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (4.35) sees the new staying stars on the block take each other on for the second time this season. It looks as though the Ascot Gold Cup form will come to the fore on the Sussex Downs with Courage Mon Ami aiming to uphold placings over runner-up Coltrane. The former must have every chance of remaining unbeaten and it's tough to tell just how good he may be for a stable that saddled Stradivarius to land this for a staggering four straight years. However, Coltrane kicked for home a fair way out that day and there's reason to believe he can turn the form around. Oisin Murphy has publicly expressed his aim to play Andrew Balding's charge slightly later this time around and the drop back to two miles may well favour him over his Ascot conqueror. Further rain will certainly aid the chances of Ascot fourth and recent Curragh winner Emily Dickinson while stablemate Broome makes each-way appeal.
The Johnston team have an excellent record at this meeting and it could be wise to side with the Middleham-based trainer runners in the two concluding handicaps.
Espressoo is well-drawn to front run in the Class 3 1m Coral Fillies' Handicap (5.05) and could be tough to peg back while similar comments apply to Kitai in the concluding Class 3 6f World Pool British EBF Fillies' Handicap (5.35). The daughter of No Nay Never looks to now be fulfilling the potential she showed as an early juvenile and can complete the hat-trick following wins at Carlisle and Pontefract.
