GLORIOUS GOODWOOD - DAY 4 (FRIDAY)

The penultimate day of this five-day meeting is upon us and the team continues to analyse each of Friday's races. 13:50 GOODWOOD

Northumberland Vase winner Believeitanducan has done nothing wrong this season, winning all three of his starts. This represents a step up in class, but the booking of William Buick catches the eye and another bold showing looks likely. The additional weight is a concern, however, and could leave him vulnerable to something better treated.

Defiantly significantly outran his odds when finishing a solid second at Ascot last time. A repeat of that performance would put him firmly in the mix, although, like Believeitanducan, his rise in the weights could make life tougher.

It may be an obvious choice, but current market leader Valiancy looks the one to beat. His latest effort was respectable rather than spectacular, but he shaped strongly as though a significant step up in trip would suit. With an additional six furlongs to tackle this afternoon, he could find the improvement required to return to winning ways.

For those seeking one at a bigger price, the consistent Maxi King is another capable of sneaking into the places.

VALIANCY (WIN)

(written by Rory Paddock)

14:25 GOODWOOD

Talk Of New York finished four lengths clear of the remainder when third in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, chasing home Bow Echo and Gstaad and finishing within two lengths of that high-class pair despite being headed for the lead around a furlong from home.

That is comfortably the strongest form on offer, so it's no surprise to see him trading at short odds now dropping back into Group 3 company.

Shayem and Saber Strike have both landed Listed contests this season, with the former looking the most likely to capitalise should the favourite fail to fire.

Yazin is another worth considering, with Ryan Moore retaining the ride. Moore boasts an excellent record when teaming up with the Gosdens, although Yazin needs to bounce back from a below-par effort at Sandown last time. The addition of a tongue-tie could help bring about the required improvement.

TALK OF NEW YORK (WIN)

(written by Dean Kilbryde)

15:00 GOODWOOD

Indalo has thrived this season and arrives on the back of a decisive victory at Sandown. Roger Varian's team is operating in excellent form and, even with a 3lb penalty, he remains attractively treated. His price is a little shorter than ideal in such a competitive handicap, but he holds strong claims.

Another unlikely to be far away is Beagle Bay, who has improved significantly this season, winning three of his four starts. He impressed when stepped back up to a mile at Sandown last time and there could still be more to come. He rates the biggest danger.

David O'Meara has won this race three times since 2020 and launches another strong challenge with last year's winner Rhoscolyn, Mirsky and Cerulean Bay. Of that trio, the latter makes the most appeal.

Cerulean Bay is unbeaten in two starts over course and distance and has largely performed with credit this season. He hasn't won since recording the second of those Goodwood victories in October 2025, however, and having to concede weight to almost the entire field makes life difficult from a win perspective.

INDALO (WIN)

(written by Dean Kilbryde)

15:35 GOODWOOD

Night Raider started the season in excellent form, beating the reopposing Rumstar by half a length in a Group 3 at Newmarket before following up with victory over American Affair in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock three weeks later.

He couldn't quite sustain his challenge when stepped up to Group 1 company for the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot last time and now has to concede weight to the entire field. Even so, another strong performance looks likely.

Preference, however, is for the aforementioned Rumstar. He has winning course form and defeated a strong field when landing the Group 3 Coral Charge last time. He arrives in excellent shape and looks capable of following up.

A final mention goes to Partisan Hero, who wasn't far behind Rumstar in the Coral Charge before producing another excellent effort when runner-up in the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh, finishing a length ahead of Jakajaro. His consistency is difficult to knock and he holds solid each-way claims.

RUMSTAR (WIN)

(written by Dean Kilbryde)

16:10 GOODWOOD

Haatem heads the market, although his two performances this season hardly inspire confidence. There have been legitimate excuses and this doesn't appear the strongest race he's encountered, but his current price still looks short enough given the questions he needs to answer.

Boiling Point enjoys it around Goodwood and already has a course-and-distance victory to his name. He's been admirably consistent this season and enters calculations once again, particularly from a place perspective.

Jonquil could also prove dangerous dropping back in grade and is another with winning form at the course.

The one that makes most appeal at an each-way price is Crown Of Oaks. He's been seen just once this season and that performance was a little disappointing, but William Haggas' horses can improve significantly from their seasonal reappearances and he should be considerably sharper this time.

Crown Of Oaks was highly progressive last season, culminating in victory in a valuable Ascot contest, so there's no questioning his underlying ability. We've almost certainly not seen the best of him this campaign and he looks capable of taking a sizeable step forward.

CROWN OF OAKS (E/W)

(written by Luke Tucker)

16:45 GOODWOOD

Dubai Champion catches the eye with Ryan Moore booked for the ride. However, he's yet to encounter ground this quick and that poses a significant question.

Innichen arrives in excellent form but must now contend with an 8lb rise in the weights, while stall one could potentially present another complication.

Cases can be made for several of these given their lightly raced profiles, but The Dancing Pirate is particularly interesting. He's improved with each start and now makes his handicap debut with the potential for considerably more to come.

He's still learning his trade and should continue progressing with experience. Given the strength of his connections and pedigree, there are plenty of reasons to believe he has races in him, and his opening handicap mark could provide an opportunity to take another significant step forward.

THE DANCING PIRATE (E/W)

(written by Luke Tucker)

17:20 GOODWOOD

Pierian makes her handicap debut following an encouraging fourth in Listed company at Longchamp. Despite the larger field, this potentially represents an easier assignment and, as one of a handful of runners who appear to possess a touch of class, she looks an appealing proposition.

Godolphin's Into The Light disappointed at Royal Ascot but should be capable of considerably better. She remains relatively unexposed and looks one of the major contenders if returning to the level of her earlier form.

For those searching for a runner at double-figure odds, last-time-out winner Steel Raven is worth considering. His Pontefract success suggested he's firmly on an upward trajectory and, if taking another step forward on his handicap debut, he could easily outperform market expectations.

PIERIAN (E/W)

(written by Rory Paddock)

17:55 GOODWOOD

A competitive fillies' handicap despite just seven runners heading to post.

Wathnan Racing's Silver Lake heads the market and could prove well treated from a mark of 77. She sets a solid standard, but it's the George Boughey-trained Lady Dora Mae who makes greater appeal at the prices.

She had been progressing nicely through the handicap ranks before being pitched into Group 2 company last time. Although unable to make an impact at that level, the decision to step her up in grade was understandable following an excellent second here at Goodwood on her previous start.

That course effort represents strong form in the context of this contest and there's a feeling she may still have some room to manoeuvre from her current mark.

Billy Loughnane takes over from regular rider Jack Callan and stall two should present no problems. With Folk Pageant potentially ensuring a strong pace, the race could set up ideally for Lady Dora Mae and provide another opportunity for the Boughey-Loughnane combination to continue their excellent week.

LADY DORA MAE (E/W)

(written by Max Russell)