We start off in the staying handicap at 15:15. Lion Beacon has been one of those unfortunate sorts who've improved steadily while consistently running into one or two too strong. His reappearance second to the well-treated Itlaaq at Doncaster was actually an improvement on anything he'd done before and although he'd enjoyed the run of things there he's entitled to prove better for the run.
Then there's the trip. Now race-fit, Lion Beacon will surely stay two miles, possibly even be suited by it. Greater use of his stamina, plus the teaming up with Ryan Moore who is riding better than anyone at present, could just give Lion Beacon the impetus to put his head in front where it matters.
The day's two feature races follow and we'll be betting in both. Magic City is the chosen one in the very useful handicap at 15:50. He won both at this meeting and Glorious Goodwood, at this seven-furlong trip on both occasions. Though below form since his third C&D success in 2013, that has allowed Magic City to drop to a winning mark and there have been excuses mixed in with promise on both starts this year- trip at Newbury and ground back here last time. Conditions look more favourable today and all told Magic City appeals as better value than the respected short-priced favourite Russian Realm.
There's a temptation to suggest the Height of Fashion Stakes (16:25) is ill-named, though to produce even two Oaks winners this century (Love Divine and Snow Fairy, if you were wondering) from a race run so soon before Epsom is a respectable effort. It's admittedly unlikely that 2014 will yield a third; all we are Timeform are asking is that Jordan Princess can pay a compliment to Taghrooda, our idea of the Oaks winner two weeks from tomorrow. Jordan Princess is herself firmly in outsider territory for Epsom despite being favourite today, yet as a Luca Cumani charge you wouldn't expect bold statements at this early stage: subtle hints are more Cumani's style and Jordan Princess hasn't disappointed. Better for her debut, she won a useful Newcastle maiden impressively in 2013 and emerged as a clear second-best to Taghrooda in the Pretty Polly, keeping on as the winner surged away. We can expect another step forward here, Goodwood's undulations presumably Cumani's idea of a dress-rehearsal for Epsom in June.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Goodwood
Back Lion Beacon @ 4.47/2 in the 15:15
Back Magic City @ 6.25/1 in the 15:50
Back Jordan Princess @ 3.7511/4 in the 16:25
