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

FRIDAY
Thursday results were again a bit frustrating, plenty of places non runners and short priced winners. I blame the weather....

While we are busy at Galway this week we only looking at the major races each day not the entire card so focused on the main Group Races or major handicaps through to Saturday which will feature the Stewards Cup Handicap.

Going -- Soft.
Weather -- Generally sunny, some clouds and could be a little bit breezy with a max high 18C

1:50 Betfred Glorious Stakes 1m 4f (Group 3) 
Nice field of 8 declared for this first Group 3 of the afternoon and it's POET'S WORD [WON 7/4] that first catches the eye for Sir Michael Stoute as a course winner at this meeting twelve months ago and can continue his progression. 

At a large price you might want to consider a place bet on MAJEED too, his runner up effort at the Royal Meeting was good and deserves a chance in this company if all 8 stand their ground.

2:25 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes 1m (Group 3) 
Nice field of 11 three year olds for our second Group 3 of the afternoon, and we start with the Andrew Balding trained BEAT THE BANK [WON 7/4] who has 3 wins from 4 career starts and that only defeat was finishing midfield in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot and put that behind him with a win at HQ next time out. 

At a decent looking 16/1 LA RAV [Non Runner] could be interesting for Luca Cumani who must think it's worth his while stepping this into G3 company after a handicap win last time.

Where did you get that hat ... 

3:10 Betfred Mile 1m (Heritage Handicap)

Another mile event now but has 22 runners so will not be straightforward. So will pick a pair against the field and probably going to have one from each side of the draw as we don't know how they will cope with this size field on the soft going. 

ARCANADA [Non Runner] is drawn 21 and could snatch a rail position, reasonably priced too and looks competitive. 

EL VIP [Non Runner] has been on my 10 to follow list and has the 12 draw so has options where to sit, Frankie on board is a plus, and could be another winner for Luca Cumani.

3:35 King George Stakes 5f (Group 2)Our last race for today is just as difficult as the big mile handicap above, 12 declared and over 5f plenty of luck is needed, BATTASH [WON 9/2] looks the one to beat though. It will be interesting to see support for PRICELESS too though, who might be able to bounce back from a disappointing run last time out. 

That's all for Friday. Great day, winners in all races and non runners elsewhere. Now onto Saturday 

Saturday will therefore be updated soon and the conclusion of this years meeting will feature a great card including the Group 1 Nassau Stakes and also the Stewards Cup handicap.