1.50 Goodwood – Arabic Legend (Each Way)
I didn’t really have a strong opinion on this race, but Arabic Legend could be worth an each-way poke stepping back up in trip. He was campaigned at a high level earlier in the season, but just got found out in that sort of company. Since he’s gone into handicaps, he’s shaped with promise, and his second at the Curragh two starts ago was a good run. Last time he ran over 1m at Newmarket, which was probably a bit too sharp, so I think stepping back up to 1m2f is a positive. I think he can be competitive at a double-figure price.
2.25 Goodwood – Black Forza (Each Way)
Michael O’Callaghan is no stranger to success with his juvenile horses after he saddled the winner in the Molecomb Stakes in 2020, so Black Forza has to be respected. The last time we saw him, he won comfortably at Fairyhouse and asserted himself very well in the closing stages to pull away from his rivals. I don’t think this is a particularly strong race, and I think the Irish raider might be the one to land the spoils.
3.00 Goodwood – Jan Brueghel (Win)
This is not a deep race, but Jan Brueghel is a horse who could still be on an upward curve. He’s 2/2 so far in his career, and the last time we saw him, he won a Group 3 at the Curragh. Connections have said his main target will be the St. Leger, and it looks like they’ve ringed this race for him as a prep. The rest of the opposition looks exposed, and I think the son of Galileo should take the beating.
3.35 Goodwood – Elmalka (Each Way)
I think this is an open renewal of the Nassau Stakes, as quite a few of these have plenty to prove. The one I’m coming down on the side of is Elmalka for Roger Varian. She was a good winner of the 1,000 Guineas and she shaped ok in the Coronation Stakes when she finished fourth, making late headway. I think stepping up in trip could be key, as there are several horses in her pedigree who achieved it, including her half-brother Bentbatl. She’ll also get the three-year-old allowance, which should help, and I can see the race being run to suit. Roger Varian won this race last year, and I think he can win it again in 2024.
4.10 Goodwood – El Burhan (Win)
There are so many horses in here making their nursery debut, but El Burhan won with a bit of class at Beverley last time out when pulling clear from his rivals. He is making his nursery debut off a mark of 90, which looks high, but it wouldn’t have been surprising if connections had stepped him up into a Listed or Group race. With a good draw in Stall 4, I think he could be a good thing.
4.45 Goodwood – Shagraan (Each Way)
Shagraan has run well on all his starts this season but just hasn’t been able to get his head in front. The last time we saw him, he finished fourth at Windsor over 6f, which probably stretched his stamina. However, this race is over 5f, which should be more suitable, and the quick ground will also favour him. Mick Appleby has his string in fine order, and maybe this could be time for the three-year-old gelding.
5.20 Goodwood – Stellenbosch (Each Way)
This is probably the hardest race on the card, as there are so many horses making their racecourse debut. My selection in the race though is going to be Stellenbosch for Richard Hannon. She has shaped with encouragement on both her career starts, and she ran well last time out at Newmarket to finish third. She’s got a good draw in Stall 3, and I think she can build on her experience and go close here.
5.55 Goodwood – Bill’s Boar (Each Way)
He’s been running well in some decent handicaps this season, and his latest effort has been franked at York. The three-year-old gelding has shown he can handle quick ground and a mile, so the distance and conditions shouldn’t be a problem. Adrian Keatley’s horses have been in excellent form, and I think Bill’s Boar can be rewarded for his consistency.