July 28 – Goodwood – Dr Rascal – 78
Oliver Cole’s inmate hadn’t produced anything out of the ordinary on the figures prior to arriving at the Sussex venue but in his first dip into pattern company, he found the necessary requirements to land this Group 3. As our figure suggested, the pace was honest from the start and under a daring ride over on the far rail, the son of Sottsass battled on bravely to get the better of his more fancied rivals, Haffner and Al Hudaiba. A genuine sort with an equal amount of ability, he looks to have a bright future. Of the vanquished, the third came across as arguably the most talented but he clearly also has his quirks (tends to run around under pressure) and he will need to iron out those kinks if he is to become the finished article.
July 28 – Goodwood – Scandinavia – 87
As expected, a truly run affair with Trawlerman making it a proper test and everything set up perfectly for the winner to confirm his superiority over his rivals in this division. Reading Aidan O’Brien’s comments afterwards, the Irish St leger looks the next port of call and providing conditions aren’t too testing come Ascot in October, one would imagine his swansong for the season will be in the two-miler on Champion Day.
July 29 – Goodwood – Infraad – 83
Arguably one the strongest handicaps run at the entire festival and it produced a rousing, if not slightly controversial, finish between the two of the best backed horses in the race. William Haggas’ colt picked up the running two out only to be immediately challenged by Hatteen but he impressed with the amount he found for pressure and he rallied to assert his superiority close home. Suited by the good gallop at the trip here, he left the impression he might be even better over further and that view was backed up by his connections who pointed out the Melrose over 1m6f would be his next outing. As for the runner-up, he lost nothing in defeat and he too, can make a big impact in future handicaps.
July 29 – Goodwood – Wild Blossom – 78
A strong pace set by Fast Track over towards the far side and the race set up nicely for the smooth-travelling, Karl Burke-trained filly, who quickened up well to pull nicely clear late on. The daughter of Mehmas had been slightly disappointing in the Queen Mary, like many from her sire at the track, but this more emphasis on speed was more to her liking. The Flying Childers was muted as her next possible target.
July 29 – Goodwood – Bow Echo – 88
The best race of the week resulted in the fastest speed figure we awarded and finally settled the dispute of who is the champion miler of the season. Brilliant in the 2000 Guineas, George Boughey’s inmate was more workmanlike at Royal Ascot but here, he had to show both sides to his character in defeating his old rival ,Gstaad, who once again, ran right up to his best form. Unfortunately, that might be the last time we see him on these shores (unless he is kept in training) as his trainer stated targets such at the Moulin followed by the Breeder’s Cup were in line for the son of Night Of Thunder, but he has been a top class act while he has strutted his stuff and the combination of the horse and Billy Loughnane (nice to see a jockey smiling after a big race win!) has been the story of the season so far.
July 30 – Goodwood – Enceladus – 81
Probably two of the most promising three-year-old colts to run here all week and both the winner and Geryon are worth keeping on side. Joseph O’Brien’s colt had already proven himself on the big stage with his win in the King George handicap at Royal Ascot but he took another big step forward with this victory, rubberstamping himself as a stayer of some repute. Shaping as though he will stay further, the St Leger every much comes into the conversation and he has many similar qualities to Galileo Chrome, who landed the final classic of the season for his trainer several years ago. Regarding the runner-up, Ger Lyon’s inmate left the impression he might have had a larger say in the argument if he had been ridden with a bit more urgency but either way, he proved he stayed the trip well which opens up plenty more options.
July 31 – Goodwood – Shayem – 83
A tactical affair where track position ended up being the key component and the winner was always better placed to strike than several of his main market rivals. Karl Burke’s had a bit to find on form, but the big players unwittingly let him off with at least a five length head start and that sort of advantage was grasped with both hands. As for the rest, Talk Of New York was easily the best horse in the race but a poor ride by William Buick led to his demise and he should be capable of making amends when ridden with more positivity. Saber Strike continues to frustrate, but his closing sectionals of 33.4 were on par with the runner-up, so his run probably was not too bad, and at least the blinkers gave hope that he can start to live up to huge expectations.
July 31 – Goodwood – American Affair – 84
Yet another different name added to the continued saga in these top class sprint races and it was race where track position once again dominated. Jim Goldie’s inmate was ridden more positively than he was Royal Ascot and the end product enabled him to bounce back to his very best. Whether he can back up this effort on his return to the Knavesmire in the Nunthorpe remains to be seen, but at least he will head there with far more confidence that had previously been the case. Of the rest, Time For Sandals produced the best closing splits of 32.1 and she also looks to be returning to her best form heading into the second half of the season.