2.25pm Goodwood - Group 2 Vintage Stakes (7f)
We have a tricky two year old contest to kickstart the Group contests at Goodwood on Tuesday, with some decent types heading to post for this Group 2 prize.
The Parthenon will gain obvious interest due his notable stable, and the fact he was pitched into Group 3 company for his debut run. Although he was only 5th, he wasn't beaten all that far, although the fact that only 5 lengths separated first and last in that race suggest that run did slightly flatter him. That said, he did look to be very game when landing a Gowran maiden last time by a little under a length, but there could be one or two in here that are a little better than him.
With that in mind, the one I will be siding with here is Cool Hoof Luke, who not only has a cracking name, but also appears to have plenty of talent for Andrew Balding, who is having a good time of things at the moment.
He was a neck winner to Brian on his debut at Chelmsford over six furlongs, always doing enough and staying on very well to the line, and that horse he beat was going into that race with race fitness on his side, and has since come out and placed in a Chesham and won by over 5 lengths in a Newbury maiden, so the form that Chelmsford race looks quite strong.
It was the last run that really caught the eye with Cool Hoof Luke, who was sent off 40/1 in the Coventry at the royal meeting, he shot out the stalls and was very keen early on, pretty much leading all the way, looking like he could be swallowed up by the chasing pack at any moment.
And although he was eventually passed by a few, he still ran on pretty well to hold onto 4th spot, just ahead of Al Qudra, who has since come out and landed a Listed contest at Ascot, so once again there is more substance to his form.
The one main concern is the step up to seven furlongs here on Tuesday, as his running style and pedigree might suggest he is speed through and through, but I feel he is talented and his talent could get him through this here. It is a risk to side with him, but the form of both of his runs is decent, and with the red-hot Oisin Murphy booked to ride, he could just be better than the ones ahead of him in the market.
- Selection - Cool Hoof Luke (11/2 Each Way)
3.00pm Goodwood - Group 2 Lennox Stakes (7f)
All eyes will firmly be on Kinross for this, and for good reason as well. His record is absolutely fantastic as he aims to land this race for the third time, after winning it in 2021 and 2023, as well as coming 2nd in 2022.
In a field seemingly lacking that little bit of class, the expected frantic pace from the get go with Audience could set it up nicely for Ralph Beckett's star, and although the first-mentioned horse has Group 1 form this season when landing the Lockinge Stakes back in May, that race was a real muddling one.
Kinross's form this season has left a little bit to be desired, when 2nd at Newcastle in the Chipchase Stakes, and even though it was his first run of the season, he should arguably have beaten that field. He went on to run 8th in the July Cup Stakes, not beaten all that far, but again a little further down the field than most might have expected.
The one thing that has stopped Kinross winning more races in his career is the fact he is a true 7-furlong horse, and unfortunately there are not many Group races he can aim for, which would suggest why he always runs well in the Lennox Stakes, a race that is quickly becoming his own each time he contests in it. His Goodwood form reads 121, all of which have come in this contest, so the record itself is enough to make you side with him, no matter if his powers are slightly waning this season.
Everything will be in his favour before and during the race on Tuesday, so there is no reason why he shouldn’t step up to land this contest for a third time. He is a horse who really comes alive this time of year, so he clearly likes a bit of sun on his back before he gets his head in front and starts winning. I really hope he can win this race once again, and make the race his own.
- Selection - Kinross (10/3 Win)
3.35pm Goodwood - Group 1 Goodwood Cup (2m)
Obviously they all have to beat the dual Gold Cup winner Kyprios here, a stayer who has had his troubles with injuries in the past so was unable to compete in the Ascot classic for 2023. All that is in the past, however, and he currently looks fit and well, as well as being the odds-on favourite for the Goodwood Cup on Tuesday as he looks to land the race once again. Facing an ostensibly easier field than when he landed the race back in 2022, I fully expect him to make it back to back staying Group 1s for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore.
Kyprios was brilliant in the Gold Cup at Ascot last time, and once again Ryan Moore produced a masterclass to get his chestnut head in front, always keeping on so gamely to fend off the challenge from Trawlerman in the closing furlong.
Given the fact that Aidan's son of Galileo is very short in the market and the best stayer in training at the moment, it’s hard to see him losing here, so I will be putting him up with another selection as we try and land the forecast.
Sweet William came 3rd in the Gold Cup last time, and given the fact the Ascot Gold Cup runner-up is not here on Tuesday, it makes perfect sense that he can be the one to chase Kyprios home. A horse that has come on in leaps and bounds for the Gosdens since going over the staying trips, sweet William was a Group 3 winner at Sandown before coming 3rd in the Gold Cup last time, which was probably a career-best for him.
Rab Havlin has his critics at times, but he does get on very well with this lad, and rode him to perfection in that Group 3 at Sandown two runs ago. For me the way to play this race is to have Kyprios to finish 1st, with Sweet William finishing in 2nd spot.
- Selection - 1st Kyprios 2nd Sweet Willaim (Straight Forecast)
4.45pm Goodwood - British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (6f)
Wathnan racing have Carrados going in this contest on Tuesday, and after coming a decent enough four lengths 3rd on debut at Leicester, it was his next run when coming 2nd in an 8-runner novice contest over course and distance that caught the eye. Notably, since that race the 3rd, 4th and 5th placed horses have since come out and won next time out, and put in some decent performances beyond that.
Therefore the form of the Goodwood 2nd last time out for Carrados is very, very strong and arguably one of the stronger bits of form this season to emerge from regular novice contests. Since that run he has been gelded, which should help him settle a little better and keep his mind on the job, as he has been very keen early on in his last two runs.
We all know how well Archie Watson does with his two-year-olds, and he is currently 2nd best in the rankings with them, so it should come as no surprise should we see this lad bolt up at Goodwood on Tuesday.
- Selection - Carrados
All previews and tips provided by @ Jake Russell