On day 1 of Glorious Goodwood my bet of the day Iffraaj won the big race in style and the result was never in doubt once he hit the front.
We also had a winner in the last race at Beverley courtesy of Halla San who was also stepping up in trip. He just collared the front running Red River Rebel on the line under a strong ride from Tony Hamilton.
The Group 1 Sussex Stakes is the highlight of the Goodwood card tomorrow at 3.15. Old favourite Soviet Song will be trying to improve on her second last season while there are no fewer than 4 from our list to follow.
Johnny Murtagh renews his partnership with Soviet Song having won on her 5 times. One of those wins came in this race in 2004. Soviet Song clearly acts on this unusual track and should go well, particularly if the ground does not get too soft. On fast ground I would fancy the Elite Racing Club mare.
Court Masterpiece has won 6 times in his career and 3 of those wins have come at Goodwood. In fact he has never won over this trip anywhere other than Goodwood. He was a bit unlucky at Ascot last time when not getting a clear run. With his liking for the track he is a major player here. Echo of Light comes from the in form Godolphin stable and that in itself is a strong positive. He is lightly raced and may well be still improving. He won the Summer Mile at Lingfield last time out but that bare form would not be enough here.
I am not sure about Rob Roy at this level while Aussie Rules’ form is a bit short of the major players. Should be a good race. I expect Soviet Song to just get the better of Court Masterpiece.
Our two list runners in the last race on the card at 5.35 have distinct chances. Minority Report had some good horses like Uhoogagoo, Flipando and Hartshed behind him when he won the Thirsk Hunt Cup in May but was disappointing when down the field in the Royal Hunt Cup despite having a good draw. He is normally a consistent sort and I can see him bouncing back here. Trafalgar Bay has already won for us this season over 6 furlongs. He tackles an extra furlong here but won over the trip as a 2 year old so stamina should not be a problem. I would give Minority Report the edge though.
I would not want the job of calling home the 5.00 with Miss Phuket in the line up!
Keep smiling.
ahorse 