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PADDOCKS PATENT (WEDNESDAY)

14:00 Goodwood The opening Maiden on this card is one, which will be watched with interest for a number of reasons. The unraced Monarchs Glen has been priced up as favourite early doors and that is down to the fact he is a son of Frankel. The superstar sire has a near 46% win rate and a place rate of nearly 62%, so you can see why the bookies run for cover when they see a Frankel runner. He is also the half-brother to three other winners, so is bred to be smart. On form the one that sets the standard is Goldolphin runner Celestial Spheres. Four runs and three second places, which may be the reason that Charlie Appleby has reached for the cheekpieces. Two starts ago he was second behind Khalidi, an improving sort who won the Nursery at Doncaster on St Leger day, and eight days ago went close in a Handicap. He has gone up 3lb for the latest effort but back in a Maiden with cheekpieces cannot be ignored. Dick Tracy was second on debut at York when staying on towards the finish. He beat First Up, who runs later on at Kempton, and the step up in trip could suit this son of Lawman. Richard Hannon is having a few winners of late, so now could be the time to catch his runners. One other to consider is Sir Nigel Gresley, who was staying on taking a well held third at Sandown. Upped two furlongs in trip for Alan King he is worth keeping an eye on after showing promise on debut. Celestial Spheres (E/W if 9/2+)

15:45 Goodwood The Crimbourne Stud Foundation Stakes is a Listed race over nine furlongs and it has attracted a typically small field. Roger Varian’s stable have been in rampant form after a quiet spell and his charge Mount Logan can continue his excellent form at this Sussex track. The five year old has won three from four runs around here – the only disappointment came on quick ground, so the conditions are another positive for this race. He was a comfortable winner at Doncaster in a Handicap and has already won in this company before. He ticks plenty of boxes in this contest and is likely to justify favouritism. Jetsetter Sky Hunter is the obvious threat after he returned to the track in the Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton 18-days ago. He’s won group races in Meydan and on these shores, so does have some class. He handles all types of ground after winning the Group3 St Simon Stakes on soft ground, so now with fitness on his side is likely to run our selection close. With Very Dashing absent from the line up then there looks to be a lack of pace, which could make this a slowly ran race. That could potentially suit Tullius, who we know relishes dig in the ground and a slow race may not stretch his stamina. He has won Group races but against younger rivals looks vulnerable. Mount Logan (WIN)

20:10 Kempton The London Middle Distance Series Qualifier looks quite an interesting race over eleven furlongs. Sam Missile won here over a furlong further nine days ago and was close to being reeled in by Stratum but got the job done. He has to carry a penalty for that success and despite the shrewdness of James Fanshawe I think that could catch out this son of Smart Strike. He looks like he is a horse that requires a trip, so this is the minimum distance he may be tried at. Red Rannagh moved from Ireland to David Simcock but he is becoming a frustrating type. He showed ability as a two year old and has hinted there is something there but his tardiness from the stalls puts him in trouble in the opening furlong giving him too much to do. This will be the furthest he has ran over giving him a chance to make up ground if blowing the start but with what we know you have to factor that in to the equation. With Flymetothestars and Mengli Khan having their first runs since February and May respectively then a chance is being taken on the outsider of the field. David Loughnane has made a bit of an impact since moving into David O’Meara’s old yard and the trainer had two winners at Beverley yesterday priced 33/1 and 10/1. Illustrissime has had four runs all in France and won a Claiming race when last seen. However it is the Conditions race when second to Ghaaly that caught the eye. The winner from that race has since won a Listed race plus on the day this three year old finished ahead of a runner who had previously placed in Group 3 company. He is a US bred and has already shown his liking for the artificial surfaces in France, so with question marks over the leading protagonists could hit the frame at a price.  Illustrissime (E/W)

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