Today's Racing Tips: Back Aeronautic to take off in Saturday's Goodwood opener

Goodwood, 13:50 - Back Aeronautic each-way @ 11/26.50

7 (5)

Aeronautic (Ire)

• J: D. B. McMonagle
• T: Joseph Patrick O'Brien, Ireland
• F: 05337-364

• SBK 5/1
• EXC 6.8

It has been a couple of years since Aeronautic has put his head in front, but if he repeats his fine effort in this race 12 months ago he may not be far away in the 2026 version.

Joseph O'Brien's exuberant five-year-old travelled better than Judith Chalmers in last season's renewal, but arguably hit the front too soon and was worn down late on.

He was forced to settle for a podium finish that day and that is his career in a nutshell at present, as he struggles to add to his two career victories.

The selection again moved like the best horse at Royal Ascot in the Copper Horse Handicap last time, but was locked up on the rail under John Velasquez who, despite barging his way out of a pocket, then ran down some cul-de-sacs in the Ascot straight.

The brilliant Dylan Brown McMonagle takes over in the saddle today and, at odds of 7/18.00, Aeronautic looks a very fair each-way play in the opener.

Stewards' Cup, Goodwood, 15:35 - Back Far Above Dream @ 7/18.00

17 (23)

Far Above Dream (Ire)

• J: Kieran Shoemark
• T: James Owen
• F: 36101-114

• SBK 13/2
• EXC 8.2

With 18 winners in the last fortnight, there aren't many more in-form trainers than James Owen at present.

The duel-purpose Newmarket handler has strong claims in this Saturday showpiece too with the largely unexposed Soldier's Tree and Far Above Dream.

The duo were third and fourth respectively in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot and should again prove major players in this typically ferocious handicap with preference narrowly for the latter.

Given that this column is heavily weighted towards selections with solid course form, it is difficult to resist the claims of the Far Above gelding who has improved in excess of 20lbs since joining Owen from Denis Hogan in the spring of last year.

The seismic progression has seen the four-year-old collect three course and distance victories along the way and his performances have remained on an upward trajectory since his return to action this summer.

Admittedly, he can't afford a sluggish start like at Ascot, but if he jumps on terms under Kieran Shoemark, Far Above Dream must surely take a hand at his favourite venue.

Stewards' Cup, Goodwood, 15:35 - Back Ferrous each-way @ 18/119.00

23 (12)

Ferrous (Ire)

• J: Callum Rodriguez
• T: Jack Channon
• F: 36-426562

• SBK 12/1
• EXC 32

Ferrous can reasonably be labelled a more prolific all-weather campaigner given he is 5-13 in that sphere and just 2-15 on turf. However, he was unfortunate not to enjoy success in the Scottish version of this race at Hamilton a fortnight ago and may enjoy compensation here.

Callum Rodriguez rode a winner for a stable I have links with at Salisbury recently and greatly impressed with his power in the saddle. The in-form pilot has a good association with Jack Channon's speedster, having partnered him to two of his seven career wins.

For a horse who prefers a synthetic surface, Ferrous boasts an encouraging record on undulating tracks like Hamilton and today's venue where he won a handicap back in 2023 on his sole start on the Downs.

While he is more exposed than most in this field, the grey son of Dark Angel has a nice middle draw with pace around him and the figures gurus gauged his effort last time as a career best so he couldn't be in better form. The clock endorsed that view too.

Goodwood, 17.20 - Back Spell Master each-way @ 15/28.50

7 (4)

Spell Master

• J: Ray Dawson
• T: Oli Rix
• F: 24/301-836

• SBK 13/2
• EXC 9.2

Oli Rix's father, Henry, landed a sizeable touch at Goodwood on this day 21 years ago when Lafi lifted the Stewards' Cup as a well-backed 4/1 favourite and Spell Master could prove a poignant winner of the festival finale.

The rookie Newmarket trainer has made a bright start to his new career and the former Andrew Balding-trained gelding suggested that there remains a big day in him judged on his encouraging effort in the John Smith's Cup when the extended mile and a quarter appeared to stretch his stamina.

This slick nine furlongs should be ideal, while a low draw and the booking of Ray Dawson are other positives for a horse which won his maiden at this track for his former connections.

Now read more horse racing columns here