QATAR "GLORIOUS" GOODWOOD FESTIVAL 2021 [TUES 27th JULY - SAT 31st JULY] -- DAY FOUR

FRIDAY Day Four
Thursday results were mixed for us sadly failing to land a winner but some places and results elsewhere for us however it's a big congratulations to all connected with Lady Bowthorpe [100/30] winning the Nassau Stakes for trainer William Jarvis and jockey Kieran Shoemark landing his first Group 1 contest. It's a shame that this meeting goes ahead at the same time as the Galway festival but we enjoy them both at this stage of the summer.

While we are busy at Galway this week [click here for the Galway pages] 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 - Good to Soft (Good in places).
Weather - We've seen rain most of the week here and it's likely we will see more on Friday below average temps for the time of year with a max high 19C.

2:25 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes
1m (Group 3)  8 runners
The next event has a field of eight three year olds for our opening Group 3 of the afternoon, they are led by the likely short priced favourite Baaeed who is unbeaten in three starts and steps up from listed company into Group class for the first time. Hopefully all eight stand their ground so we can at least have an each way play, The Queen's runner Tactical wasn't disgraced in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot and this smaller field should help, I believe has the opportunity to gain a place.
Selections - Baaeed / Tactical (place). 

 No silly hats this week ... 

2:45 Unibet Golden Mile

1m (Heritage Handicap) 22 runners

Another mile event now but has 22 runners so will not be as 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 the draw on this soften going. The field is led by Qaysar trained by Richard Hannon, rated 105, has form on the soft ground but likely to find one or two better handicapped today. Magical Morning (J Gosden) could be one of those if they handle the soft ground and recent runs tend to be on good going, hasn't been penalised for his last Sandown win so is interesting and drawn in stall 11 gives Frankie Dettori options which side he comes. Support for Rhoscolyn (2nd @13/2) who can race off the same mark here today (2nd on Sunday at Pontefract) has champion jockey Oisin Murphy in the saddle and 16/1 a good win/place option given he will be fine on the soft winning here in May. Shelir is another for the place options from the No1 draw has four runner up places from last six starts, shouldn't be far away and at 20/1 a place bet again too.

Selections - Rhoscolyn (2nd @13/2) / Shelir (to place).

3:35 King George Qatar Stakes

5f (Group 2)  13 runners
Our next race for today is not as difficult as the big mile handicap above, a field of thirteen declared and over 5f plenty of luck is needed, though the one to beat is BATTAASH (pictured below) who has won the last four running's of this contest and will be a short price again today to make it five. Glass Slippers along with Dragon Symbol could be the ones to chase him home but this appears to be a race to watch and enjoy.
Selections - Battash.

4:10 L'Ormarins Queens Plate Glorious Stakes
1m 3f 218y (Group 3)  9 runners
A select field of nine for this Group 3 worth £56k to the winner, headed by Euchen Glen who scored by a long way to win the Brigadier Gerard stakes at Sandown and despite being an 8yo is expected to run up to that form again. Mogul was a winner here last year for Aiden O'Brien and steps down in class for this, been a winner of Group 1s at Longchamp (Grand Prix de Paris) and Sha Tin (Hong Kong Vase). Looks the one to beat back down in class. As an each way play last year's winner of this race returns Pablo Escobar with blinkers added and 12/1 worth a look.
Selections - Mogul (win) / Pablo Escobar (place).

That's all for here on Friday the results to be updated during the afternoon with our final day on Saturday to follow which of course will feature the Stewards Cup. Saturday will therefore be updated soon and the conclusion of this years meeting will feature a great card including the Group 2 Lillie Langtry Stakes and also the Stewards Cup heritage handicap.