Glorious Goodwood: Speed figures for all the first day's races

Glorious Goodwood / Andrew Hughes / 28 July 2008 / Leave a Comment

Andrew Hughes rates the runners on the first day of the festival

2:15 - BofS Scotland Investment Service Stakes (Heritage Handicap), 1m1f192y

A very competitive opener. All week, the ability to handle the tight turns and downhill gradients will be essential and this race is no exception. Championship Point won this last year off virtually the same mark. Mr Aviator has an excellent record here and his victory in the Royal Hunt Cup was excellent form. Don't Panic also likes it here and will appreciate the drop in class after his fourth in the Diomed Stakes.

2:50 - Betfair Gordon Stakes (Group 3), 1m4f

Confined to three-year-olds, this is often seen as a St Leger Trial and you should watch out for lightly raced sorts from top stables, especially those with staying pedigrees stepping up in distance. Conduit is the pick on speed ratings but Bouguereau, ninth in the Derby, is a solid stayer as is Donegal, though he may need soft going.

3:30 - Betfair Cup (Group 2), 7f

Invariably attracts a mixture of distance specialists and milers and you are often best sticking with those who have Group form. Infallible's fourth in the 1,000 Guineas and second in both the Falmouth and Coronation Stakes is the best form on offer. Racer Forever just pipped King Of Dixie in the Criterion last time whilst Dunelight was third in this last year and loves this course.

4:05 - Betfair Molecomb Stakes (Group 3), 5f

A great spectacle as a packed field of two-year-olds hurtle down one of the fastest sprint courses in the country. Jagelle impressed when making all in the Super Sprint Stakes and Flashman's Papers Windsor Castle win is solid form. Of the less exposed horses, Rievaulx World recorded a very good time when winning a Redcar nursery by six lengths.

4:40 - Summer Stakes (Class 2 Handicap), 1m6f

The undulations make Goodwood quite a stamina test and this fiercely competitive handicap, often regarded as an Ebor trial is pretty demanding. Sanbuch has been consistent over the last year but isn't getting any relief from the handicapper. Rajeh clearly has the necessary stamina and is in a rich vein of form.

5:15 - Tatler Summer Season Stakes (Class 3 Handicap), 1m

The biggest field of the day and a race that is competitive for its class. Yamal has improved dramatically since being gelded and may well still be progressive. The Fifth Member won his last two races and is stepping up in class, whilst Swop is very lightly raced and could be open to any amount of improvement.

5:50 - EBF Maiden Stakes (Class 2), 6f

A tricky maiden to close. Pocket's Pick is top on speed ratings but is thoroughly exposed. Run For The Hills was third in a good Newmarket maiden whilst Gyr, who was fourth here on debut, holds a Derby entry.