GLORIOUS GOODWOOD (FRIDAY) - DAY 5

13:20

Kyle Of Lochalsh finished fourth in this race last year and a repeat of that effort should see him finish even closer in what looks a weaker renewal. He’s been lightly campaigned this season and should be fresher than his opposition but his lack of activity is a minor concern.

If Tashkhan was anywhere near his best he’d destroy this field but he seems a shadow of his former self and can’t be trusted.

We’re forced to look for an each way option and hopefully Align The Stars could be the option. He’ll appreciate the softer ground, has a god course record and looks to be on a fair handicap mark.

ALIGN THE STARS (E/W)

(Rory Paddock)

13:55

The Thoroughbred Stakes brings familiar foes together again. Opera Ballo is the stand out runner who beat three of this field last time out at the July Festival in Newmarket. The Charlie Appleby trained colt has only been defeated once in five starts and that was in April this year to Field of Gold. The Ghaiyyath colt has progressed excellently and is a leading three year old aimed for bigger prizes. Cosmic Year was second in the Irish Guineas but did not seem to like the soft ground last time out in France. Looking at bigger prices Seagulls Eleven followed Opera Ballo home last time and can again here. The Galileo Gold colt represents Hugo Palmer and is capable of another bold show. 

OPERA BALLO (WIN)

SEAGULLS ELEVEN (E/W)

(John Arnold)

14:30

Another cavalry charge awaits in this top class handicap where former course and distance winner Rhoscolyn deserves a second chance after disappointing in a race here on Tuesday. He looked to still have plenty left in the tank and wasn’t given a hard race so perhaps this contest was the target all along.

At a price the Clive Cox trained Star Anthem could outrun their odds after an encouraging third placed effort last time out. He appreciates softer ground so he’ll have conditions in his favour this afternoon.

Honourable mentions must go to Skukuza, Fifth Column, Tribal Chief, Bopedro and Blue For You who should make most punters shortlists.

RHOSCOLYN (E/W)

STAR ANTHEM (E/W)

(Rory Paddock)

15:05

This is likely to be a burn up with the likes of She’s Quality and Night Raider likely to rock and roll down the hill, however, will the pace hold up on rain softened ground?

With the pace likely to be centre to stands side, Kerdos looks drawn in an ideal position to attack. This will be Soumillons third crack at this horse this summer, and despite his form figures looking inconsistent, he’s very rarely beaten far. A combination of first time cheek pieces and easing of the ground, could see this horse run a big race at rewarding odds.

KERDOS (E/W)

(Matt Polley)

15:45

Haunted Dream won this race last year and has to be respected again. However, he has questions to answer on this heavy ground. Socialite likes to do the running and won a decent race at Windsor on his reappearence. He was down the field here, last year, but that was a good race. He can’t be discounted. The vote goes for Liberty Lane. He’s had some good form this year, including placing behind the Lockinge winner, and he has no qualms with this ground.

LIBERTY LANE (WIN)

(Kieran McHugh)

16:20

Godolphin’s top weight Rising Power has good substance to his form, beating listed Killavia fairly smoothly. However conceding weight to his field will not be straightforward, Old Is Gold started favourite for the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot finishing 8th and the step up to 6f looks an interesting move and not the most obvious in my opinion.

Penhallam comes here off the back of a victory beating a few of these on the process, he has improved with every run and I think there’s value in his price to make the frame.

PENHALLAM (E/W)

(Toby Derby)

16:55

Munsif was unlucky not to land the hat-trick at York and has since been gelded. He could have more to offer. Yabher has ran with credit since being gelded, with an impressive victory at Sandown whilst conceding weight. He’s another that can improve further at this distance. War Hawk won at Epsom on good-to-soft and you’d imagine he will only be better for the softer ground today. He can outrun his odds.

WAR HAWK (E/W)

(Kieran McHugh)