"GLORIOUS" GOODWOOD FESTIVAL 2017 [TUES 1st AUG - SAT 5th AUG] -- DAY ONE

TUESDAY

Though it's now sponsored by Qatar it may not be officially called 'Glorious Goodwood' now, it's still one of the places to visit this summer and while I am focused on Galway this week there are plenty of good races here in Sussex.

Since I am busy covering the meeting over in Ireland at Galway I shall only be looking at the major races here each day not the whole card, we shall look at all the Group Races and Heritage Handicaps. The meeting runs to Saturday and we'll keep running totals of profit / loss throughout the week. 

So let us have a good look at day one;

Going -- Good.
Weather -- Generally sunny, bit breezy and high 18C


2:25 Qatar Vintage Stakes 7f (Group 2) 
11 runners declared for this Group 2 stakes, a strong field of 2yo's chasing the first prize of over £110k and all of whom have had a win of some description here. 

Mildenberger has won twice and been well supported each time and must be respected, as will the Aiden O'Brien trained Seahenge a winner at Naas over 6f. We will take a punt on ZAMAN for Godolphin, winner at York and had a run at Royal Ascot will find this opposition and size of field more to his liking.

Selection -- ZAMAN [2nd 8/1]. 


3:00 Qatar Lennox Stakes 7f (Group 2)
Another competitive Group 2 event, this time open to older horses but again over 7f. 15 declared and sure to be run at a decent pace throughout, Home of the Brave comes here seeking a hat trick of wins this season, was deemed good enough to try his luck in the Breeders cup last year and should be thereabouts. 

The likes of Limato and Spirit of Valor will be of interest in the market but I'll try something at a decent price and ACLAIM at 20/1 has form on soft going last year, could be a bit of value.

Selections -- HOME OF THE BRAVE [2nd 4/1] and ACLAIM [6th 9/1]. 

3:35 GOODWOOD CUP 2m (Group 1)
And a change this year as we have the Group 1 Goodwood Cup race for stayers that usually was run later in the week on Ladies Day. Caught me out a little I admit. 16 stayers declared and headed by the Ascot Gold Cup hero BIG ORANGE who will be a warm order to repeat his win and take another huge Cup prize home. Does not have rival Order of St George this time but will be chased home by another A O'Brien selection in US Army Ranger. Enjoy

That's all for Tuesday, we'll have a pair of Group races tomorrow including the Group 1 Sussex Stakes to tackle on Wednesday.