The Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes for the fillies is the feature race at Glorious Goodwood on Thursday afternoon, as Donnacha O’Brien bids to register a top-level winner on British soil at the very first attempt.
An eight-race card on the Sussex Downs is underway from 1.10pm through until 4.55pm and you can enjoy all the action via live streaming when logged into MansionBet.
Our ace tipster has some selections to hopefully uncover some more Glorious Goodwood winners.
1.10 – Mirabeau En Provence Handicap (5f)
Richard Hughes and Ryan Moore can combine to win the opener with CASPIAN QUEEN. Her form at this track is much superior to that which she has shown at Newmarket and so a last-time-out disappointment at HQ can be forgiven. She had previously split the re-opposing pair Electric Ladyland and Spanish Angel over this C&D in June and, now a handy 6lb better off with the winner for a slender defeat, can turn things around in first-time cheekpieces.
Tip: Caspian Queen @ 10/3
1.45 – Unibet You’re On Handicap (1m2f)
Zabeel Champion is a player for Mark Johnston after successive wins at Newmarket over this trip recently but there’s likely plenty more to come from Wolverhampton winner AL SALT. He sailed into the lead that day under Jim Crowley before wandering across the track and nearly throwing away the race. The manner in which he rallied to win suggests he’s got a good engine and he’s one to follow up in trip now sent handicapping.
Tip: Al Salt @ 4/1
2.15 – Qatar Richmond Stakes (Group 2, 6f)
GUSSY MAC overcame some trouble in running to get on top of Significantly over 5f at Sandown in Listed company last month and might have more to come upped to 6f at this venue. Given the open nature of this Richmond Stakes, he earns a tentative vote. Yazaman has found only Tactical too good in his last two starts and sets a clear benchmark to aim at, while Coventry Stakes disappointment Admiral Nelson could easily bounce back.
Tip: Gussy Mac @ 8/1
2.45 – John Pearce Racing Gordon Stakes (Group 3, 1m4f)
Course specialist Khalifa Sat (second) had both ENGLISH KING (fifth) and Mogul (sixth) behind in The Derby at Epsom this month. The 50/1 chance benefitted from being closer to the tearaway winner Serpentine and, while his record here is excellent, may struggle to uphold the form with Frankie Dettori’s mount now. The Ed Walker-trained Lingfield Derby Trial winner has much more to come and should gain compensation for that Classic nightmare at this lower level in what should be a more conventionally run race.
Tip: English King @ 11/8
3.15 – Qatar Nassau Stakes (Fillies’ Group 1, 1m2f)
The chances are Deirdre won a sub-standard renewal of this last year and she faces a tougher task now. Winning-machine Nazeef won’t go down fighting but this trip is an unknown for her. Not so FANCY BLUE, who thrived on every inch of the distance when repelling Coronation Stakes winner Alpine Star to land the Prix De Diane. Her Irish 1,000 Guineas second is also strong, strong form and it’s noted that Ryan Moore partners her for Donnacha O’Brien over his father’s Magic Wand.
Tip: Fancy Blue @ 9/4
3.45 – Gusbourne Nursery (7f)
William Bligh sets the standard for the others to aim at having followed home subsequent Group 2 winner in Master Of The Seas at Newmarket on his second start. He had no trouble opening his account since at Haydock and has a leading role here on handicap bow despite the weight concession. The filly QUARANTINI shaped well behind the likes of Spright on debut at Doncaster despite greenness and, after another good effort over this trip at Newcastle, can improve going into a nursery for Richard Fahey.
Tip: Quarantini @ 8/1
4.20 – British European Breeders Fund EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (7f)
A wide open maiden with plenty of improvers lurking; Dreams Unwind, Teodolina and Miss Chess to name but three. Ralph Beckett’s five-year record at Goodwood is excellent, with a 16 per-cent win-rate at this venue. ICONIC QUEEN shaped with promise on debut at Kempton despite meeting her share of trouble. There’s a good step forward in Harry Bentley’s mount and she appeals as much as any that have run.
Tip: Iconic Queen
4.55 – Tatler Nursery (5f)
Winter Power is going to be popular here having slammed her Redcar rivals by five lengths on Monday. That wasn’t a strong field and while it was impressive, the penalty she carries is a worry in this stronger company. Oisin Murphy takes over on Hamilton winner ACKLAM EXPRESS for trainer Nigel Tinkler and he’s got excellent prospects going into handicaps receiving 7lb from the likely market leaders. This track should play to his strengths and, like many of these, he’s got clear scope for improvement.
Tip: Acklam Express
*All odds correct at time of writing
