I’M hoping Coltrane will once again be a right ‘cracker’ as Glorious Goodwood gets under way today on ITV.
Ground conditions are likely to be on the easy side, and the weather forecast is hardly glorious for the week ahead, but Goodwood is special and this afternoon’s Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup promises to be a belter.
There are new kids on the staying block these days, with last season’s star Kyprios and the legendary Stradivarius having been retired.
There’s no doubt the biggest revelation has been the Ascot Gold Cup hero Courage Mon Ami, who is out again as he faces Coltrane, the horse he beat in June by less than a length in order to claim his crown.
Emily Dickinson and Eldar Eldarov are also back for more. I’m sure the latter is better than his Ascot effort suggests.
But I’m taking COLTRANE to reverse form with his old rival.
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Andrew Balding’s star stayer was fourth in this event last year and that course form might be crucial against the inexperienced John & Thady Gosden runner.
I expect Oisin Murphy to be a little more patient and also believe this slightly shorter trip will be in Coltrane’s favour.
Let’s hope this column remains in great form after NAP Baradar landed at 16-1 – as well as Hukum at 11-2 in the King George. Boom.
ITV coverage gets under way a little latter than usual Tuesday with the 2.50pm, the Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap over a mile and a quarter.
I like the look of the consistent HAUNTED DREAM, who was in front of that rival in the John Smith’s Cup having been up with the pace throughout the event.
Ed Dunlop’s contender had been a decent second prior to that performance at Sandown and while he’s not in any way well handicapped now from stall one he should have an each-way chance.
Up in class next for the Group 2 Nicholson Gin Vintage Stakes for youngsters over seven furlongs. Haatem brings key form lines with River Tiber and City of Troy as the Coventry fifth and Superlative runner-up and he clearly has solid claims.
But I will chance the lightly raced IBERIAN for Charlie Hills and William Buick. The son of Lope de Vega looked very useful on debut at Newbury when hacking up and while the form of that race is not strong he looked very useful.
Another Group 2 is on the telly in the World Pool Lennox Stakes over seven furlongs. It’s hard to oppose KINROSS who has everything in his favour for Frankie Dettori and Ralph Beckett.
The July Cup third is a multiple Group 1 hero and this trip is without doubt the one that suits him best. His victory in last season’s Prix de la Foret was convincing and here he has been handed stall one which is ideal for a horse. Good luck!
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