THIS YEARS LENNOX LOOKS TO BE A HAPPY ONE

15:00 Goodwood

Last year's winner Space Blues should appreciate the step back up in trip following a disappointing run over six furlongs at Meydan in March, however given that run and the softer than ideal conditions I feel he is worth taking on at the price. Charlie Appleby also runs Creative Force who won the Jersey Stakes over this trip on soft ground at Royal Ascot in June and will also appreciate the step back up in trip based on his July Cup fifth last time out so with conditions more in his favour would be my preference of the two.

Duke Of Hazard has a great record at the course but has done most of his winning over a mile, while Escobar hasn't won in almost two years and looks up against it in this company. Kinross finally confirmed his early promise with a convincing victory in the Group 3 John Of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock in May but will need to take another step forwards and hasn't looked the most consistent, while Safe Voyage is a true seven furlong specialist and will appreciate the ground more than a fair few of his rivals, although could be up against it at eight years old given there has only been one winner this century aged over five (Breton Rock who won the 2017 renewal aged seven).

Given the above, I am happy to take an each way price on Happy Power who won over course and distance in a Group 3 last August (beating the re-opposing Toro Strike and Escobar) then followed up with a Group 2 victory in soft ground at Newmarket in October. Having been tested in Group 1 races and over differing trips so far this season, he will appreciate the return to Group 2 company over his optimum trip of seven furlongs given he has made the frame in seven from ten over this trip.

HAPPY POWER (E/W)

written by Dean Kilbryde