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

SATURDAY Day Five
An excellent day on Friday for connections of Suesa who won Thursday's King George Qatar Stakes. Now we come to the final day of the meeting with some big races to take a look at and the feature is the challenge that is the 28 runner Stewards Cup off at 3.35pm.
With the Galway racing festival also on we've only been looking at the major races each day not the entire card so focused on the main Group Races or major handicaps. The Unibet Stewards Cup takes centre stage for the final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Previous winners of this iconic sprint include Lochsong and Dancing Star. The six furlong cavalry charge of the Unibet Stewards Cup is a sight to behold, with a field of 28 sprinters thundering down the Goodwood straight and one of the biggest betting heats of the turf season.

Going - Good (Good to soft in places)
Weather - Generally cloudy day, bit breezy and high 21C

1:55 Stewards Sprint Handicap
6f  [28 runners]
Today's handicaps won't be easy at all and we begin our selective races with a bumper 28 runner handicap where top weight FIRST FOLIO may well gain consolation for not quite making it into the Stewards Cup later today and well fancied here despite the weight burden. Power Over Me, Very progressive 4yo who bagged fifth AW win of 2021 at Wolverhampton in March. Took his form up another notch on turf at Epsom 30 days ago, passing post first but weighing in 2lb light and disqualified. Able Kane [2nd @33/1] is an interesting each way option (33/1) posted a career best when winning 6f handicap at Leicester in May but turned in rare below-par run at Windsor only start since. Could well bounce back after a break and Oisin Murphy retains ride no forlorn hope here.
Selections - First Folio (win @6/1)  /  Able Kane (each way @33/1).  2nd @33/1

2:30 Unibet Summer Handicap
1m 6f  [14 runners]
On To Victory was last year's November Handicap victor who has been in winning form over hurdles before returning with good second in 1m4f listed event here. Likely to go well back in handicap company for Alan King and has Tom Marquand booked for the ride available at 10/1 in the early shows. Will also have an interest in the Sir Michael Stoute trained My Frankel, returned to racing as a 4yo with a win at Kempton back on the up when third in Old Newton Cup at Haydock four weeks ago and step up in trip likely to suit, stable also runs Boss Power here [now a non runner].

Selections - On To Victory  /  My Frankel.

3:05 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (Group 2)
1m 6f  [9 runners]

A staying contest for fillies and mares only, Wonderful Tonight is clearly the one to beat here and likely to go off odds-on, is highly progressive on going softer than good, including a Group 1 success on Champions Day last October. Excellent winner of Royal Ascot's Hardwicke Stakes on return and leading player with any further rain a plus, William Buick riding again.

The Irish challenge might be the place to look for something to chase the favourite home, Traisha (JP O'Brien) [Non Runner] needs to bounce back but we haven't given up on this one yet, 20/1 could well place, and his father Aiden runs Divinely is a Group 3 winner over 1m as a 2yo and acquitted herself as a 3yo with plenty of credit up in trip this term, keeping on for second behind Snowfall in Irish Oaks last time and therefore not out of things stepping up in trip again priced around 16/1 a place bet for us.
Selections - Wonderful Tonight (NAP) Won 4/5f  /  Divinely (place).

3:35 Qatar Stewards Cup (Heritage Handicap)

6f  [28 runners]
A maximum field of 28 runners for this summer renewal of the Stewards Cup, where plenty of luck in running will be needed, and it makes sense to take one from each side of the draw while the betting will be frantic and it's 7/1 the field as we currently stand. 
A race won last year by Summerghand, who reappears again this afternoon (pictured above) and is only headed by top weight with Chil Chil [Non Runner] wouldn't be surprised if either of these took centre stage but will look elsewhere for something with a more appealing handicap mark. Commanche Falls [WON @10/1], has a cracking strike rate, getting up late when recording his third win of the year in the Scottish Stewards' Cup handicap at Hamilton a 6lb rise might not stop further progress here though the high draw might. Zarzyni [Non Runner] is another to win last time out (Redcar) and carry a penalty, and a relatively low draw so that's the pair for me against the field.

Selections - Commanche Falls [WON @10/1]  /  Zarzyni [N/R].
  
Have enjoyed the racing this week despite all the non runners and the rain. Found some decent winners today including the big handicap so end the week very happy. We have big crowds back to enjoy the action and we will hope that things keep improving, have a great weekend. 

That's all for this week at Goodwood, Results will appear here during the course of Saturday afternoon. Enjoy your weekend we've still got some action over in Ireland at Galway this weekend, and we will be back racing again soon with some meetings at Pontefract and Kempton Park to update for next week, we hope there will be some other festivals to enjoy in the summer too. Keep safe, be happy, see you soon.

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.

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

THURSDAY Day Three
Wednesday was another successful day for Oisin Murphy who claimed the Sussex Stakes with Alcohol Free following up her excellent exploits at Royal Ascot and another famous winner for the owner Jim Smith. Managed a winner after all the non runners when Armor took the Molecomb Stakes, 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 to soft (Good in places).
Weather - Generally sunny, bit breezy and high 18C

2:25 Qatar Richmond Stakes
6f (Group 2)  7 runners.
Just the seven runners for our first Group contest today, the Richmond stakes over six furlongs for 2yo's only, just over £85k to the winner won last year by Supremacy (Clive Cox) and that yard is represented this time by Caturra. Based on the betting and the ratings the top two of Perfect Power and Asymmetric seem to be the ones to focus on while support for Hollie Doyle's KHUNAN could be worth following, currently 12/1 shame there's only the seven runners and two places. 

Selections: Khunan (each way) @16/1.  2nd 16/1

Return of silly hats this year ... 

3:00 1m 3f 218y Qatar Gordon Stakes (Group 3).
A good quality event for the field of just eight three year olds here, Aiden O'Brien won this last year with Mogul and has a pair today looking to follow that, Frankie Dettori booked for Sir Lucan while Ryan Moore has picked Wordsworth and that looks like the right pick for us too. This year's Epsom Derby form is brought by Third Realm who was fifth then, as well as Youth Spirit (8th) and both should find this track a little easier to negotiate.
Selection: Wordsworth.

Fancy Blue winning the 2020 Nassau Stakes

3:35 - Nassau Stakes (Group 1)
1m 2f  [6 runners]
Also labelled as the Fillies Group 1 today this has attracted six runners for ladies day. Fancy Blue (pictured above) won this last year for Donnacha O'Brien and his father will be represented by the pair of Empress Josephine (L Dettori) along with Joan of Arc (Ryan Moore). I however am siding with the home challenge from Audarya as James Fanshawe's talented globe trotting mare has already won at the Breeders Cup, was runner up at Royal Ascot behind Love, and won't even mind any rain should that continue to fall this week.

Selection: Audarya. 

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 fifth 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.

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

WEDNESDAY Day Two
Second day here in Sussex and despite the rain which caused a large number of non runners yesterday we hope you are enjoying all the racing on right now. The Goodwood Cup was won by Trueshan ridden by Hollie Doyle while the original favourite Stradivarius was taken out due to the ground and denied a chance of winning for a fifth time.

It's a busy week of action here and we crack on with Wednesday where we have the feature event the Group 1 Sussex Stakes. The crowds are beginning to return now and will make this a special spectacle after the previous year and more without having them. The prize money also appears to be returning to something nearer 2019 levels.

We are only looking at the major races each day not the entire card so focused on the main Group Races or major handicaps. The meeting runs to Saturday and we'll updating throughout the week alongside the festival over at Galway.

The Qatar Sussex Stakes is one of the highlights of the flat racing season, still a Group One but with reduced prize money available this summer so we'll see if we still attract a high-class field from UK, Ireland and France. This mile-long Group 1 race has previously been won by the peerless Frankel, the French sensation Solow and in 2017, by the 20/1 shot Here Comes When. Last year we witnessed Mohaather winning for trainer Marcus Tregoning. Racing will commence at the usual time of 1:50pm with a handicap for 3yo's and the final race will be concluded at 5.20pm with another 7f handicap. 

So lets look at day two we've got a pair of Group 3 races today with the Whispering Angel Oak Tree Stakes off at 2:25 then the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes off at 3:00 supporting the days feature event the Group 1 Sussex Stakes at 3:35.

Going - Soft.

Weather - Generally a cloudy day expected, can get a bit breezy a 50/50 chance of some showers during the day, high 20C. Though as we not going it doesn't matter as long as there is not too much more rain to change the forecast going.

2:25 Whispering Angel Oak Tree Stakes
7f Fillies and Mares (Group 3)
Strong field of 17 line up for the 7f contest which is for fillies and mares, the Group 3 'Whispering Angel' Oak Tree Stakes today. The ladies feature a few in good form but have sadly been given the widest draws, as I'd rather rule out anything drawn higher than stall ten it would mean that the likes of Agincourt and Highfield Princess will probably struggle to feature. Sacred however has secured the one draw, and this smart 3yo who ran seventh in the 1000 Guineas over a mile will be one of the strong fancies now returning to seven furlongs. William Haggas has trained the winner of this in two of the last three seasons so clearly knows what it takes, Tom Marquand rides. Valeria Messalina [Non Runner] trained in Ireland by Jessica Harrington was runner up in this last year, only a short head behind One Master, should be ready to go well again back to somewhere approaching her best when two lengths second to Pearls Galore in a 7f Fairyhouse Group 3 latest. We will pair these against the field in a fairly open renewal.

Selections - Sacred / Valeria Messalina. [Non Runners]

3:00 Molecomb Stakes
5f  2yo's (Group 3)  11 runners
Strong field of 10 line up for the 5f sprint that is the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes today. The 2yo's have all won a race with the exception of Kaboo, even so he's still very prominent in the early betting markets. Armor ought to be popular, having won on debut, was then 5th in the competitive Windsor Castle stakes at Royal Ascot with the winner that day Chipotle lining up too will therefore back them both against the rest of the field. 

Selections - Armor [WON @6/1] / Chipotle.
 
3:35 Qatar Sussex Stakes
1m  (Group 1) (British Champions Series)  9 runners
A high quality field of eleven declared (now nine runners with two non runners) for the feature race today, we have representation from France with Duhail (Andre Fabre) looks a big price for a well regarded colt and wouldn't be coming here for a holiday. Ireland of course would have several big players, Aiden O'Brien runs two now as Battleground is a non runner so relies on Lope Y Fernandez [L Dettori] also Order of Australia [R Moore] but the one to beat is surely Poetic Flare trained by Jim Bolger. Already a winner of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and major player having sauntered clear to win the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. The filly Snow Lantern returned to top level form winning last time out at Newmarket and might be the one to place here today.

Selections - Poetic Flare.

Wednesday results to be updated later. Then we will prepare for Day Three which should be ready soon and we'll try and keep things going before the end of the meeting this Saturday. Thursday of course is Ladies Day usually the most glamorous day of the meeting featuring the prestigious Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes won last year by Fancy Blue is the highlight of the eight-race card and the raider from Japan looks set to return to defend her crown. Previous winners include Ouija Board, Midday and Minding. Expect fierce competition as the best of the best compete against the backdrop of the stunning Sussex Downs. 

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

TUESDAY Day One
Though it's now sponsored by Qatar it may not be officially called 'Glorious Goodwood' now, it still is for me and it's still one of the most scenic of race courses to visit, alas not this summer for us sadly, maybe next season. While I am also focused on the racing at Galway during this week there are plenty of good races here in Sussex to enjoy.

This week is a very busy one as we also covering the festival meeting over in Ireland at Galway so for Goodwood I shall only be looking at the major races here each day not the entire race card, we shall look at all the Group contests and include the 'Heritage Handicaps' such as the Stewards Cup. The meeting runs through until Saturday and we'll keep running totals of profit / loss throughout the week.

Time for us to have a good look at day one, Tuesday's highlight is their stayers Group 1, the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup has a prize fund this year of around £500,000. Stradivarius won this for the fourth time last year and despite losing his Ascot Gold Cup crown this year is still the one to beat and looking for a fifth title here.

Going - Good.
Weather Forecast - Generally sunny, not as hot as the past month and a little bit breezy max temperature 19C with a chance of showers throughout the day.

2:25 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes 7f (Group 2)
Only seven runners declared for this Group 2 stakes, was won last year by Battleground, and this year Aiden O'Brien is represented by The Acropolis. The fancied runners include the unbeaten Berkshire Shadow trained by Andrew Balding winner of the Coventry stakes at Royal Ascot and looks to hold a strong chance if repeating that run. Also looking solid in the early betting markets is Richard Hannon's Lusail [Non Runner] winner of three out of his four runs to date including a Newmarket Group 2 last time, having avoided Royal Ascot.

Selection - Berkshire Shadow.

  

3:00 Qatar Lennox Stakes 7f (Group 2)
Another competitive Group 2 event, this time open to older horses but again over 7f. A field of fourteen declared headed by Duke of Hazzard [Non Runner], who is consistent in this level and a multiple winner here previously ought to go close. Space Blues won this last year and returns to defend again in the Godolphin blue silks, they also are represented by Creative Force and should be close between the pair. A decent priced each way option would be Real Appeal (20/1) the Irish challenge from Jessica Harrington who has snapped up champion jockey Oisin Murphy to ride.

Selections - Real Appeal (each way) [Non Runner].

3:35 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup 2m (Group 1).
Our feature race for day one is the Goodwood Cup a Group One contest for older horses over two miles. Field of eleven runners declared which include last years winner STRADIVARIUS [Non Runner] who would have returned to defend his title again seeking a fifth win and it's hard to see who will stop him despite his poor run in this years Ascot Gold Cup. Subjectivist who won the Ascot Gold Cup does not line up today, last years Derby winner Serpentine does though and still has to prove that 2m is his trip. Plenty of rain has caused several non runners today sadly. 
Selection - Stradivarius [Non Runner].

That's all for us on Tuesday, we'll have more top quality racing to enjoy tomorrow including the Group 1 Sussex Stakes to tackle on Wednesday also racing all week over in Ireland with the Galway Festival.

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

SATURDAY Day Five
An excellent day on Friday for connections of Battash winning his 4th Goodwood King George in a row [2/7f] smashing the track record in the process [55.62s]. Now we come to the final day of the meeting with some big races to take a look at and the feature is the challenge that is the 28 runner Stewards Cup off at 3.35pm. The Saturday meeting should also have seen the return of a crowd in attendance here, However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision on Friday morning to postpone changes due to come into effect on 1st Aug by min of two weeks means that this test event will no longer take place.
With the Galway racing festival also on we've only been looking at the major races each day not the entire card so focused on the main Group Races or major handicaps. The Unibet Stewards Cup takes centre stage for the final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Previous winners of this iconic sprint include Lochsong and Dancing Star. The six furlong cavalry charge of the Unibet Stewards Cup is a sight to behold, with a field of 28 sprinters thundering down the Goodwood straight.

Going -- Good to firm
Weather -- Generally cloudy day, bit breezy and high 21C

1:50 Stewards Sprint Handicap
6f  [17 runners]
Saluti [D Tudhope] / May Remain [C Fallon] against the field here in our opening handicap contest, very open, might give some draw clues to the big handicap sprint later in the afternoon.

2:25 Unibet Summer Handicap
1m 6f  [10 runners]
Time for a stayers event worth £31k to winner, while Sir Michael Stoute's runner Laafy [Ryan Moore] is sure to stay does appear to act better with some ease in the going and might not appreciate this ground getting any 'firmer' in the going description. Kings Advice won this last year for Mark Johnston and looks a good bet to return to form having found it difficult on soft going last time, also a course / distance winner is Platitude who's a good place bet over this trip.

3:00 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes 1m 6f (Group 2)
Just the four runners declared for today's main supporting race, this might be a Group 2 but the Stewards Cup is still the feature today in my opinion. The race is for Fillies and Mares aged three and over, and of the small field declared we have last year's winner returning again ENBIHAAR trained by John Gosden and ridden by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's retained jockey Jim Crowley should be close once again. Manuela De Vega has already collected a couple of nice group prizes this summer last time the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock and could be a battle between these two.

The other pair Cabaletta and Snow are 3yo's and might find it hard even with their weight for age allowances, although Snow has been campaigned at this level and could make a decent older mare if allowed to stay in training.

3:35 Qatar Stewards Cup 6f (Heritage Handicap)
A maximum field of 28 runners for this summer renewal of the Stewards Cup, where plenty of luck in running will be needed, and it makes sense to take one from each side of the draw while the betting will be frantic and it's 7/1 the field as we currently stand. 

WATAN [drawn 16] Trained by Richard Hannon has booked the services of Ryan Moore for this and although beaten a couple of lengths by NAHAARR [drawn 19] who reappears here again that one has gone up 8lb while Watan is still off his same mark therefore they should be much closer yet our first selection is 14/1 as opposed to Nahaarr currently about 9/2. 

STONE OF DESTINY could be an each way gamble, was not too far away in the Wokingham and used to large fields, is 25/1 and represents a nice place prospect, with many bookies offering five places at least.  The Wokingham winner HEY JONESY also appears he's been running well in plenty of big races and now he's found the winning thread again available at 16/1 these are the two I'll pick for the place markets. Wide open race for sure.
  
Have enjoyed the racing this week despite lack of crowds we will have to hope that things keep improving and spectators can come again soon, have a great weekend. 

That's all for this week at Goodwood, Results will appear here during the course of Saturday afternoon. Enjoy your weekend we've still got some action over in Ireland at Galway this weekend we will be back racing again soon when the next phase of race fixtures are confirmed, still some meetings at Pontefract and Kempton Park to cover during August, we hope there will be some other festivals to enjoy in the summer too. Keep safe, be happy, see you soon.

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

FRIDAY Day Four
Thursday results were poor sadly for us but well done to all connected with FANCY BLUE [11/4] winning the Nassau Stakes for Ireland's Donnacha O'Brien an outstanding result for the son of Aiden O'Brien. 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.
Weather -- Generally sunny, some clouds and average temps for the time of year with a max high 24C

1:45 Saint Clair Oak Tree Stakes 7f (Group 3) 
Nice field of 13 Fillies and Mares declared for this first Group 3 of the afternoon where globe trotting ONE MASTER [Won 6/4f] looks to be well supported and a winner of several Group One's in France this would be a step down in class for the six year old. The three year old filly ALTHIQA has only raced four times, winning three of them, and further progress would not be a surprise for the Godolphin team who are in good form and also have FINAL SONG another three year old filly who was placed in last years' Queen Mary, then raced with credit in Dubai and came back with a fourth place in the Newmarket 1000 Guineas at 100/1.
Selections - ALTHIQA [3rd 11/2] / FINAL SONG [Non Runner]

2:15 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes 1m (Group 3)
The next event has a field of 5 three year olds for our second Group 3 of the afternoon, Khaloosy won the Britannia Stakes Handicap at Royal Ascot in a canter, seeing off the 22 runner field by 4L+ and no surprise they move into Group company straight away. Could be a good thing, price is too short for us so in a small field and possible a tactical affair lets side with the pair of MY OBERON (W Haggas) and TILSIT (C Hills) for a bit of value against the favourite.
Selections -- MY OBERON [2nd 3/1]  / TILSIT [Won 10/1]

 No silly hats this week ... 

2:45 Unibet Golden Mile 1m (Heritage Handicap)

Another mile event now but has 15 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 although it's not as large a field as we have had in past. Field is led by Urban Icon for Richard Hannon but could be vulnerable with top weight so our first one is MONTATHAM [Non Runner] [drawn 15] who was runner up in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, then scored at Sandown so clearly in good form and going forwards. CLIFFS OF CAPRI [drawn 4] was runner up in a similar race at Ascot on Saturday and assuming that he's none the worse for that effort should be close again from the low side.

Selections -- MONTATHAM [N/R] / CLIFFS OF CAPRI [5th 10/1].

3:15 King George Qatar Stakes 5f (Group 2)
Our next race for today is not as difficult as the big mile handicap above, only seven declared and over 5f plenty of luck is needed, though the one to beat is BATTAASH (pictured below) who has won this three times and will be a short price again today to make it four. AL RAYA along with LIBERTY BEACH could be the ones to chase him home but this appears to be a race to watch and enjoy.
Selections -- BATTAASH to win by over 2L [Won 2 1/4L+ broken the track record]

3:45 L'Ormarins Queens Plate Glorious Stakes 1m 3f 218y (Group 3)
A small select field of seven for this Group 3 worth £28k to the winner, the consistent COMMUNIQUE should go very close again, this experienced horse from Mark Johnston had progressed out of handicap company into winning group races plus he gets this trip well too. The globe trotting DESERT ENCOUNTER still running well as an 8yo will find this a little easier and not to be dismissed. At a big price is LE DON DE VIE who won here last year, and run well in defeat in large field contests so should be able to be closer to the pace and just a shame there's only seven for the place options.
Selections -- DESERT ENCOUNTER (win) / LE DON DE VIE (each way 20/1).

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.

"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.