HANNON ON THE HUNT FOR VINTAGE PERFORMANCE

14:25 Goodwood

Angel Bleu wasn’t far beaten in the Coventry, when denied a clear run and probably wasn’t in the right ‘group’. He stepped up to 7 furlongs for the Pat Eddery Stakes last Saturday and definitely stayed it, when finishing 2nd to New Science. He’s still rather coltish and that will be a problem until he matures a bit. Moreover, he’s ran quite a few times this year and there’s a possibility this could come too soon for him.

Berkshire Shadow was an eye-catching winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, when flying up the stand-side rail to claim victory. He defeated fellow competitor Eldrickjones that day, which stands him in good stead for this race. However, he has never ran on ground softer than good, which means the soft ground today is a big question mark. He has the class to claim victory once again but a 3 lbs penalty, plus a step up in trip, could thwart that.

Richard Hannon has a very good record in this race and his July Stakes victor, Lusail, might well add to his tally. He’s won over 7 furlongs and seems to race better over this distance. The ground shouldn’t be a problem. He’s matured well and most importantly, he’s already tasted success in this company. On the ratings, he’s the best in the race and he ticks more boxes than any of his other competitors.

LUSAIL (WIN)

written by Kieran McHugh