Glorious Goodwood is one of Britain’s foremost and most enjoyable summer Flat festivals. Five days of stunning action on the Sussex Downs looms up from 28th July to 1st August.
Look out for MansionBet offers and specials on the Glorious Goodwood action and remember, you can watch every race from the UK and Ireland when logged into MansionBet.
Here’s our five to follow next week at Goodwood!
Stradivarius – Goodwood Cup – Tuesday 28th July
Few will be willing to oppose John Gosden’s superstar Stradivarius as he goes in search of a fourth Goodwood Cup success, which would see him equal Double Trigger’s record. He destroyed his opposition last month in the Ascot Gold Cup, cantering to the lead before powering clear in the hands of Frankie Dettori. This may be more competitive over a half-mile shorter but he’s a tough nut to crack. The possible presence of Irish Derby winner Santiago could add spice to the contest.
Siskin – Sussex Stakes – Wednesday 29th July
A fascinating clash of the Irish and English 2,000 Guineas winners may unfold here as Ger Lyons’ Siskin could face Newmarket scorer Kameko. Andrew Balding’s son of Kitten’s Joy has since run well in a lamentable Epsom Derby, but Siskin has been kept for this. He looks every inch a mile specialist and showed proper push-button acceleration last month at the Curragh, defying the Ballydoyle hordes and showing a bit of tenacity to barge through when required. He can prove himself the best miler on these islands.
Fancy Blue – Nassau Stakes – Thursday 30th July
Just 21 years old and already a dual Irish champion jockey, Donnacha O’Brien hung up his riding boots last year after admitting defeat in a battle with physical development. Like his brother Joseph, he’s quickly making a mark in the training ranks and game French Oaks winner Fancy Blue put him on the map with his maiden Group 1 win recently. The Coolmore filly has bypassed the Irish Oaks with this target in mind and rates a big player for her fledging, regally-bred trainer.
Battaash – King George Stakes – Friday 31st July
Some had Battaash pigeon-holed as a horse that needed the right environment in which to thrive but, no more. Charlie Hills’ speed-ball has silenced the doubters, winning last year’s Nunthorpe at York in a record time and picking up his first Royal Ascot win via the King’s Stand last month having twice finished second in that Group 1 sprint to course specialist Blue Point before. Goodwood has never presented him with any worries and he’s going to bid for a fourth successive triumph in this race. There’s not much more to sprinting than what Battaash does, which is go faster than anything else can cope with and the world’s fastest horse is a must-see attraction here.
Cabaletta – Lillie Langtry Stakes – Saturday 1st August
Trainer Roger Varian will have been delighted to see Cabaletta getting right back on track with victory in the Aphrodite Fillies’ Stakes at Newbury recently. The Mastercraftsman filly had taken a backwards step in the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock previously but perhaps soft ground was a mitigating factor then. She was back in the groove at Newbury, coming home well to win that Listed contest and is set for another crack at a Group 2 prize here, where quicker ground should prevail.
*For a blast from the past, check out our Five Best Races from Glorious Goodwood.