French Master GO – 3.05
can announce himself as a leading player in the staying division with victory in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup.
The Group One event has been won by some of the division’s elite in the last decade, with Stradivarius a four-time scorer between 2017-2020 and Aidan O’Brien’s Kyprios taking up the baton in two of the last three years.
With that pair’s departure from the scene, this term there is a vacancy at the top of the staying tree and this race is made all the more intriguing by the absence of Gold Cup winner Trawlerman, who is being given added time to recover from his Royal Ascot exertions by John and Thady Gosden.
The Clarehaven team can be afforded such luxury by the fact they are blessed with riches in the marathon distance ranks and as well as the Philippa Cooper-owned stalwart Sweet William, there is French Master, ready and waiting to prove himself at the highest level.
The son of Frankel has excelled since being upped in distance this term and after winning a course handicap here in May, marched on to the Royal meeting where he registered a thrilling victory in the Copper Horse Stakes, flying home in tremendous style under the urgings of James Doyle.
It was a performance that suggested this is a Group performer in waiting and that connections are only beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.
Aidan O’Brien’s Gold Cup runner-up Illinois is sure to provide stiff opposition now given more time to be readied for staying duties by the Ballydoyle team, but do not be surprised to see him thwarted once again by the Gosden operation as they strengthen their grasp on the division.
French Master is owned by Wathnan Racing who could be set for a rewarding afternoon, as another of their Royal Ascot heroes,
Humidity GO – 1.55
goes for CoralVintage Stakes glory.
Andrew Balding’s son of Ulysses made every yard in the Chesham Stakes last month, earning quotes for next year’s Classics such was the impressive nature of his galloping display from the front.
If getting into the same rhythm on the undulations of the Sussex Downs it is hard to see him failing to enhance his growing reputation in this Group Two event.
Kinross GO – 2.30
has become a standing dish in the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes and it is possible the two-time race winner has another big performance in his evergreen legs to delight the Goodwood faithful.
Ralph Beckett’s eight-year-old was beaten only a head on his return at Haydock in the John of Gaunt Stakes and given he has previously needed his opening outing of the season, it was encouraging to see him run with such zest.
Take Heart GO – 1.20
won the opening Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap when trained by Johnny Murtagh 12 months ago and it is no surprise to see the race on his radar once again given he is now trained by Goodwood local David Menuisier.
His latest form does not amount to much, but he is back down to last year’s winning figure and has that important course form in the book.
Away from Goodwood, 1.1million guineas buy
Ancient Egypt BE – 3.20
is worth keeping an eye on as he starts off in Beverley’s EBF Novice Stakes for Charlie Johnston and big-spending owners Amo Racing.
Ffos Las punters, meanwhile, are advised to put their faith in Fergal O’Brien’s
Queen Of Steel FF – 8.30
who looks hard to oppose in her pursuit of a four-timer in the concluding Alan Bennett Racing /Jack Bevan Racing Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap.
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