Timeform Daily: The Sussex Stakes

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 28 July 2009 / Leave a Comment

Timeform run the rule over the field for the big race on day two of Glorious Goodwood...

The first clash of the generations over a mile at the highest level and this looks
an excellent renewal, with the finish likely to be fought out between 1000
Guineas heroine Ghanaati, Eclipse runner-up Rip Van Winkle and Queen Anne winner Paco Boy. At the likely prices, the last-named is selected in what should be a race to savour.

Beacon Lodge is a lightly-raced colt who has shown improved form this year, winning a seven furlong listed event at Haydock in May and an eight furlong Group 3 at Chantilly last month. A lot more is required here though.

Forgotten Voice won his first three starts on the all-weather before running away with the Royal Hunt Cup in June. He can possibly be forgiven a disappointing effort on softer ground last time but a lot of improvement is required all the same.

Mia's Boy is a hold-up performer who won five times in 2008 and has been better than ever in defeat this year. This represents a marked step up in class, however.

Paco Boy is a top-class seven furlong/eight furlong colt who was hugely impressive when winning the Queen Anne Stakes in June. He finished best from too far back when fourth in the six furlong July Cup last time. A major player back up in trip.

Lord Shanakill is a very smart performer who followed an excellent third in the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot with a narrow victory in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly last time. He has a bit to find with the market leaders here though.

Malibu Bay is a useful performer in his own right but has acted as a pacemaker on a couple of occasions this year and looks to have a similar role to play here.

Rip Van Winkle was fourth to Sea The Stars in the 2000 Guineas and Derby and got even closer to that rival when second in the Eclipse last time. He is a versatile sort who is sure to be in the shake-up again.

Ghanaati has quickly established herself as the leading 3-y-o filly over eight furlongs in Europe, winning the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and Coronation Stakes at Ascot. This is a tougher task against the colts/elders but she could be up to it.

Lahaleeb was a progressive 2-y-o who has trained on well, winning a Group 3 in April and finishing second to Again in the Irish 1000 Guineas (below form on firm going other starts this year). A stiff task here though.