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13:50 Goodwood
The opening race on day three of the meeting looks to be a tricky affair and, as you would expect of a top class 3yo handicap - many of the leading contenders are unexposed types.
Migdam has won three of his four starts to date and is seemingly getting better with each run. He did very well to win last time for such an inexperienced horse, winning comfortably in the end despite not getting the run of the race. He has been raised 6lb in the weights but that may not stop him with conditions looking ideal for him here.
Warren Point lost his unbeaten start to his career in a three runner affair at Ascot last time out and it is interesting that connections drop him back in trip again here. He looks to be the pick of the three Godolphin runners although it will be interesting to see how Blue Trail gets on now gelded.
Wanees put up a great performance at Ascot last time and though he did give the impression that this extra distance will suit him, he doesn’t exactly scream well handicapped to me today raised a further 2lb.
I am going to side with Migdam, who has done nothing but improve with every run and a repeat of his performance last time out would make him the winner in this contest today.
MIGDAM (WIN)
written by Tom Bates 14:25 Goodwood
The Richmond Stakes is the second race on the card and some really nice types have won this in the past - most notably Mehmas back in 2016. Richard Hannon today sends out Swift Asset, who will need to improve on his known form to get involved today.
Royal Scotsman will be very popular for this contest following his impressive third in the Coventry Stakes. He will likely be too short in price for a race such as this though, and he may not get as strong a pace here today as he has done in his past few races and for these reasons I am looking elsewhere today.
Al Karrar did nothing wrong on his debut and he is preferred to Marshman here of the once-raced winners though the form of that debut win hasn’t exactly been well advertised by the third that day.
I am siding with Chateau for Andrew Balding, who is aiming to win this race for the first time. He seemed to relish the new trip last time out, seeing the race out in great style after finishing fourth in the Windsor Castle. He wouldn’t need much more improvement here and he’s my pick with William Buick aboard.
CHATEAU (WIN) written by Tom Bates 15:00 Goodwood
New London was thought to have a lot of talent when coming into the Chester Vase but ultimately fell short against Derby fifth and Royal Ascot victor, Changingoftheguard. He won when last seen at Newmarket, easily winning a handicap. He could be taken to improve again and is the favourite, at the time of writing, though he does have some questions on form and over this distance. He could be opposed.
Simon and Ed Crisford are enjoying a fine time of things lately and West Wind Blows is their charge for todays race. He improved in his first two starts then ran creditably in the Derby, despite racing wide. He bounced back when absolutely thundering home in the Glasgow Stakes at Hamilton, thumping Nahanni in the process. He still holds entries into top races like the St Leger and the Arc, which suggests connections still have faith in him. Despite his entries, he still has to prove himself over a mile and four furlongs.
Hoo Ya Mal started his three year-old career finishing third to Native Trail in the Craven Stakes, then followed that with a second placed finish in Listed race at Newmarket. He was well beaten by Nations Pride that day, who recently ran second in the Belmont Derby. He then caused a bit of a shock by placing second in the Derby at 150/1, massively reversing the form with Nations Pride. He was arguably lucky that Irish Derby winner Westover was hampered but nevertheless, he still would have finished in the top three. He’s switched hands and stables since and wears a tongue tie for the first time. He has the best form and ticks the majority of the boxes. He’ll take some beating today.
HOO YA MAL (WIN) written by Kieran McHugh 15:35 Goodwood
Lilac Road posted a career best when winning the Middleton Stakes at York, downing Thunder Kiss and Ville De Grace. She’s ran well at Goodwood and William Haggas and Tom Marquand are having a good run of results. She could well be on the up but she would have to post a career best to win today and reverse the form with Dreamloper.
Ed Walker’s Dreamloper has been enjoying a very good season. She won the Dahlia on her seasonal debut then followed that up with a victory in the Group One Prix d’Ispahan. That race had some good form on show, including last seasons Champion Stakes victor, Sealiway. She then went to the Curragh to contest the Pretty Polly Stakes, over a mile and two furlongs. She disappointed in that, finishing down the field. She may well bounce back but there is that question mark over her performance last time out.
It’s hard to go against Nashwa here, given her recent efforts. She won the Fillies’ Trial then went on to finish third in the Oaks, behind Tuesday and Emily Upjohn. She then dropped down to a mile and two furlongs to contest the Prix de Diane, the French equivalent of the Oaks. She only just prevailed that day but she didn’t have a fantastic trip and was quite free. Her form is by far the best in the race and connections are in good form. Moreover, she gains weight off the aforementioned two and her other older rivals, due to being a three year-old. I’d be surprised to see her get beat today.
NASHWA (WIN)
written by Kieran McHugh
16:10 Goodwood
Far Shot is the representative of John and Thady Gosden, with the interesting jockey booking of Tom Marquand to boot. He’s a nicely rated colt and is well bred. He won on his debut at Yarmouth, on soft ground, with a bit in hand but he found the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot a tad too tough. He was unlucky not to bounce back with a victory, when last seen at Ascot, just failing to collar the winner, Blatant. He showed he had no problem stepping up to six furlongs that day but seven furlongs is a question mark. Additionally, he has to shoulder a slight penalty.
True Statesman is one of the Johnson charge for this race, which automatically brings him into play. He’s got bundles of experience, running four times and winning two. Ryan Moore is a good booking and he’s proven over seven furlongs. He deserves to be up at the business end of the field but he had to carry top weight, which is far from ideal. He’s worth taking on.
Seductive Power is very well bred and his trainer, Richard Hannon, has an impeccable record in this race, taking it twice in recent years along with todays jockey, Sean Levey. He’s untried over seven furlongs but scooted home last time out over six, so there shouldn’t be a problem. Moreover, he’s placed second to the potential very smart Isaac Shelby, which gives him a good form boost. As well as this, he only has to carry a featherweight, compared the other two market principles. He ticks a lot of boxes.
SEDUCTIVE POWER (WIN) written by Kieran McHugh
16:45 Goodwood
The sixth and final race shown on ITV this Thursday looks to be one of the most competitive on the entire card.
If the market is anything to go by then Le Beau Garcon shouldn't be far away after attracting a tonne of market support. Now at a less attractive price, in what is such a competitive race, I have to look for each way alternatives.
With a course and distance victory already under their belt Shamlaan is now just a couple of pounds above his last winning mark and with trainer Kevin Philippart De Foy in blistering form (4 wins from his last 11 runners) he's certainly worth an each way punt.
The current rank outsiders of the field Clarence C and Catch Cunningham could do better than their odds might suggest and for punters looking for horses at bigger prices they may be a tentative alternative.
A horse that's previously beaten the current favourite is Sophie's Star who has the added advantage of a healthy 5lb claim thanks to talented young jockey Jonny Peate. A decent double figure price who could spring an upset.
SHAMLAAN (E/W)
SOPHIE'S STAR (E/W) written by Rory Paddock