Judge’s Five For Goodwood
Regular readers will know that I attend Glorious Goodwood every year and this week’s meeting promises to be a cracker with Frankel returning to defend his Sussex Stakes crown in what should be a stroll on the downs for the invincible colt.
Here are five horses I will be looking out for at the Sussex track and don’t worry I haven’t taken the easy option and nominated Frankel as one of them.
Estimate (Sir Michael Stoute)
Very impressive winner at Royal Ascot on only her third career start, she holds an entry in the Group 3 Lillie Langtry Stakes on Thursday.
Michelangelo (John Gosden)
Firmly on the St.Leger trail, this colt has made a great start to his career winning his last two starts and he looks sure to improve further for a step up in distance when he tackles the Gordon Stakes on Tuesday. Crucially he also boasts solid track form, gained when winning a Listed race in May.
Cape Express (Nicky Henderson)
Entered in the 2m5f Goodwood Stakes on Wednesday which is run over the longest trip of any flat race on the calendar. Henderson boasts a decent record in this race and the booking of Neil Callan catches the eye for this 7 year old who has been winning hurdle races comfortably of late.
Saddler’s Rock (John Oxx)
Runs in Thursday’s feature race the Goodwood Cup where he will renew rivalry with Ascot Gold Cup hero Colour Vision. Not a lot went right that day for Saddler’s Rock who raced keenly throughout and did very well to finish a gallant third. Before the Ascot showpiece Oxx had stated that Saddler’s Rock would have ideally had one more prep race and I am confident that he will be cherry ripe this time and prevail in what looks like being a cracking renewal.
Rule Book (Richard Hannon)
Entered in the UBS Stakes Handicap on Wednesday he looks an ideal improving type for this competitive heat. Knuckled down well to win the Ashbrittle Cup at Salisbury, which incidentally has been a good guide to Wednesday’s race in past seasons, where he got the better of a very promising Stoute inmate. I have had Rule Book in mind for Goodwood for quite some time and, racing off a mark of 83, I can see him running a huge race.
