"GLORIOUS" GOODWOOD FESTIVAL 2020 [TUES 28th JULY - SAT 1st AUG] -- DAY THREE

THURSDAY Day Three
Wednesday was another successful day for Jim Crowley who claimed the Sussex Stakes with MOHAATHER following his excellent exploits for the owner at Royal Ascot. Only found some places yesterday but have still enjoying all the racing here and at Galway.

We are only looking at the major races each day not the entire card so focused on the main Group Races or major handicaps. So lets look at Day Three which is of course Ladies Day where the feature race will be the Group 1 Nassau Stakes worth £300,000 this year, prize money having been reduced throughout the return to racing;

Going -- Good, Good to soft in places.
Weather -- Generally sunny, bit breezy and high 24C

2:15 6f Qatar Richmond Stakes (Group 2).
Just the seven runners for our first Group contest today, beginning with Admiral Nelson failed to spark in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot for Aiden O'Brien but runners from these connections shouldn't be ignored and this smaller field should make it easier. Gussy Mac comes here seeking a hat trick of wins but this is another big step up in class while support for QAADER (Mark Johnston) should be noted, was runner up in the same Coventry race that Admiral Nelson ran in and then went on to be 4th in the July Stakes at Newmarket (Group 2) so should not be too far away. YAZAMAN was runner up to the Queen's horse in that contest and it's those two I'll take against the field. 
Selections: QAADER  /  YAZAMAN.

No silly hats this year ... 

2:45 1m 3f 218y Qatar Gordon Stakes (Group 3).
A good quality event for the field of just six three year olds here, only £42k for the for the winner this year sadly, ENGLISH KING [Ed Walker] was close to favouritism for the Derby at Epsom but only managed to reach 5th there this is a marked stepped down in class and should be able to make his presence felt with Frankie Dettori on board once more. Mogul has not really fired as a 3yo for Aiden O'Brien and is passed over again in this small field instead we look at KHALIFA SAT who was a massive price runner up in the Epsom classic and we will see if he's able to confirm that form.
Selection: ENGLISH KING.

DEIRDRE WINNER OF LAST YEARS NASSAU FOR JAPAN

3:35 1m 2f Nassau Stakes (Group 1).
Also labelled as the Fillies Group 1 today this has attracted nine runners for ladies day and has a win pot of over £140k on offer. Last years winner DEIRDRE reappears to defend her crown and despite being beaten in the Eclipse it wouldn't be a big surprise if she was successful again as there's nothing in the field of the same class as Sandown winner Ghaiyyath or Enable here. NAZEEF is a filly on the up and continues to improve winning listed events, a Group 2 at Ascot and then a Group 1 (Falmouth Stakes) at Newmarket the 4yo ran on well to score there and won't mind the trip nor the uphill finish. As Jim Crowley is retained to ride for Nazeef we find Frankie Dettori on Aiden O'Brien's runner Magic Wand was runner up in the valuable Hong Kong Cup and also last years Irish Champion Stakes might have to play second again here but clearly a well travelled mare and will continue to earn big money.
Selections:  DEIDRE  /  NAZEEF. 

That's all for Thursday, results will be updated during the afternoon, and we had a very successful day today with two winners and profit on the day, and we will soon have an update for Friday which will feature the £300,000 Qatar King George Stakes (Group 2) where Battaash will be looking to win for the fourth time. Add in three further top quality races and Friday of the Qatar Goodwood Festival has to be one of the most enthralling day's racing in the entire calendar.