1.50 Goodwood – Killysbegs Warrior (Each Way) / Sir Busker (Each Way)
This is a tough opener, but I am going to take a chance on two at big prices. The first of them is Killysbegs Warrior for Charlie Johnson. He’s been disappointing this year, but as a result, he’s fallen to a really good mark and is now 2lb lower than his last win, which came at Newmarket last July. That day he was ridden by Kevin Stott, and he comes in for his first ride of the year on him, which is eye-catching. Furthermore, he’s going to wear first-time cheekpieces, which suggests they will probably ride him forward, which is no bad thing. The ground is probably also going to be riding on the quick side with the warm weather forecast. I can see him bouncing back to form.
The other one I like is Sir Busker for William Knight. He’s been a very admirable horse for connections, and he has run well at Goodwood in the past. Some of his form on the all-weather last winter brings him into this, and he has run well before after breaks as this will be his first run for 123 days. Also, Brandon Wilkie will be able to claim a handy 5lb off his back, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was in the mix.
2.25 Goodwood – Tiger Mask (Each Way)
There is an interesting trend to this race, as the last three winners had plenty of experience having at least three or more runs since 2021. This year there are only two horses that tick the box, but the one I am going to go for is the outsider of the field, Tiger Mask for Karl Burke. He’s had three runs to date, and his best win was his most recent after he won easily at Ascot over 7f. Furthermore, he’s proven at the trip, unlike several of his rivals here.
Also another thing that should be noted is that the son of Havana Grey is entered in a nursery at Glorious Goodwood later in the week, so the fact they are coming suggests they think he is worth a shot in this company. Karl Burke has been the master trainer of the two-year-olds the last couple of seasons, and they should never be underestimated.
3.00 Goodwood – Audience (Each Way)
I think Audience might be able to prove a few people wrong here. The five-year-old has only one way of going, and that is being at the front. His Group 1 Lockinge Stakes win is probably the best piece of form in the race, which none of the others can boast. He does have to carry a 5lb success for that win, but I don’t think that will come into play. Last year he was beaten in this race because the ground was too soft for him, but this year it looks ideal. He might face competition for the lead, but I don’t think that’ll phase him. With a lot of things in his favour, he should be in the frame.
3.35 Goodwood – Kyprios (Win)
I don’t really think this is a betting race, as Kyprios should be too good for all of these. I wanted to take him on in the Ascot Gold Cup, but he proved me wrong. He had his conditions that day, and it looks like he’ll get them again here. The son of Galileo won this race in 2022, and I think he’ll win it again here.
4.10 Goodwood – Jm Jungle (Each Way)
John and Sean Quinn are looking for a four-timer in this race with Lord Riddiford; however, I am going to go for their other runner, Jm Jungle. He has been progressing well this year in some hot sprint handicaps, and he was last seen recording a good fourth-placed effort at the Curragh. Last year he won at Glorious Goodwood, so returning here only has to be positive. The ground should be fine, and he is the preference of stable jockey Jason Hart, who would have been given the choice of either of the stable runners. I think there should be more to come from the son of Bungle Inthejungle.
4.45 Goodwood – Wheels Of Fire (Each Way)
The sponsors Al Shaqab always want to try and have a winner at Glorious Goodwood, so it’s no wonder to see Wheels Of Fire running here. I think of those that have the experience he makes the most appeal, and his debut at Windsor was quite eye-catching. He never got a clear run that day, and he made up a lot of runs inside the final furlong. Richard Hannon’s juveniles often improve for a run, so I’d expect him to build on it in this race.
5.20 Goodwood – Circe (Each Way)
This is a tough race, but Circe looked like she had more up her sleeve when she won at Newbury earlier this month. She always looked in command inside the final furlong and was worth more than the winning margin suggests. The handicapper has raised her 4lb for that win, but I think there is more inside the locker. Furthermore, she has a good draw in Stall 2, and it’s important to be low on the mile course. With Hollie Doyle booked for the ride, I think she’ll go close.
5.55 Goodwood – Executive Decision (Each Way)
A tricky closer to solve, but Executive Decision has done me a few favours over the past year, and I’m going to have to give her another chance. The last time we saw her, she ran well in a better race at Ascot to finish fourth, staying on in the closing stages, which suggested her time could be near. The daughter of Ardad won over this course and distance last year, so she’ll be able to cope with the downhill nature of the track. Moreover, she’s 3lb below her last winning mark, so there is no reason why she can’t be competitive on the form book.