Alan Thompson returns to the hot seat today and he is looking to get the week started with a couple of winners from Goodwood...
"I am not sure if there is anything in the field that can stop James Doyle steering her home today."
Back Always Smile @ 7/4 in the 16:55 Goodwood
16:55 Goodwood - Always Smile @ 7/4 Sportsbook
I think Always Smile has to be the one to beat in the Queens Plate Fillies Stakes today. The four-year-old daughter of Cape Cross has won four of her seven starts, the filly wasn't far behind the Group 1 Falmouth winner Alice Springs recently and this drop back to Group 3 level should see her difficult to beat.
She certainly sets the standard here and while she is short enough in the market, she would be even shorter than this if she wasn't drawn out wide and didn't have the first time headgear on. Neither of which cause me too much concern, she ran a cracking race at Royal Ascot despite not liking the soft ground and her third in the Falmouth is easily the best form on offer. I am not sure if there is anything in the field that can stop James Doyle steering her home today.
14:00 Goodwood - Mount Logan @ 3/1 Sportsbook
Roger Varian's five-year-old Mount Logan is unbeaten in three starts at Goodwood, and while he ran a bit below par at Royal Ascot, when fourth in the Hardwick Stakes, this drop in class and return to Goodwood on rain softened ground should play into this son of New Approach's strengths. All five of his wins have come on ground no faster than good.
Andrea Atzeni is his regular companion now and he has been on board for two of his last three wins. With Scottish having to pull out of the race due to injury, this looks an ideal opportunity for Mount Logan to win for the first time at Group level.
Recommended Bets
Back Always Smile @ 7/4 in the 16:55 Goodwood
Back Mount Logan @ 3/1 in the 14:00 Goodwood