Frankel looks set to light up Glorious Goodwood on Wednesday and the world’s best racehorse will be looking to keep his unbeaten record against just three rivals.
He is as short as 1/25 to power back into the winners’ enclosure, but there is plenty of value to be found elsewhere on the second day of the meeting.
14:00 Goodwood Handicap (3yo+, Class 2, 2m 5f, 20 runners)
Twenty horses will slog it out in the Goodwood Stakes at 2.00 and it’s no surprise to see we have such a wide open contest in store.
Cape Express heads the betting for trainer Nicky Henderson and the seven-year-old looks very well treated, as does Ralph Beckett’s Seaside Sizzler who was last seen finishing sixth behind Simenon in the Queen Alexandra.
However, an each-way chance is taken on the incredibly quirky HURRICANE HIGGINS who steps up to this distance for the first time in his career.
Mark Johnston’s four-year-old has always looked to have a fair amount of ability, but his wayward temperament has let him down in recent times and he is certainly not one to be placing maximum faith in.
That being said, he has performed with credit with two of his last three runs and his effort in the Old Newton Cup looked to confirm that there were still races to be won with the horse. A step up to 2m5f could be exactly what he needs and he is completely unexposed at the trip. For a horse with plenty of ability, 20/1 looks quite generous and if he is on best behaviour, it could be a price worth taking.
Nick Wilby’s selection – Hurricane Higgins (each-way)
14:35 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes (Group 2) (2yo, Class 1, 7f, 10 runners)
Ten classy two-year-olds line up in the Vintage Stakes and OLYMPIC GLORY can add another victory to his CV, despite his 3lb penalty.
Richard Hannon’s juvenile would be unbeaten but for Dawn Approach in the Coventry Stakes at Ascot and his victory in the Superlative Stakes last time out was mightily impressive. That came after he had reportedly suffered a setback at home and he is more than capable of confirming the form with his five rivals from that day.
The selection looked to win a shade cosily and though Birdman was just a head behind in second, the 3lb pull might not be enough to stop Olympic Glory. He looks to be a colt going places and he can take this before stepping up to Group One company.
John Gosden’s Ghurair is the favourite for the race and he certainly looks an exciting prospect for his in-form trainer, however, Olympic Glory looks a top class prospect and Richard Hughes can partner him to another Goodwood success.
Nick Wilby’s selection – Olympic Glory
15:10 Qipco Sussex Stakes (British Champions Series) (Group 1) (3yo+, Class 1, 1m, 4 runners)
The Sussex Stakes is all about one horse and one horse only and the mighty FRANKEL can keep his unbeaten record intact with the minimum of fuss.
Sir Henry Cecil’s superstar is officially the best horse in the world and it’d take a very brave man to bet against him adding another Group One to his impeccable CV. His devastating performance in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot last time out was as good as he has looked in his amazing career and it’s frightening to think that his trainer still thinks there is more to come from the son of Galileo.
He can score in the Sussex before he tackles the International Stakes at York later in the month.
Godolphin’s high class Farhh can follow him home.
Nick Wilby’s selction – Frankel
15:45 UBS Handicap (3yo, Class 2, 1m 4f, 16 runners)
The final race on Channel 4 looks another ferociously competitive affair and at 8/1 the field, there is understandably a number of horses well worth looking at.
Scatter Dice heads the market for the in-form Mark Johnston and talented Darren Egan, while Richard Hannon’s Rule Book will have plenty of supporters.
Godolphin’s Handsome Man is sure to be popular with Frankie Dettori in the saddle, but the bet could be SWNYMOR who finished second to Last Shadow.
William Haggas’ colt looks like he could have plenty more in the locker and back on a sounder surface; he could be one that looks certain to improve under the hands of Ryan Moore.
The son of Dylan Thomas didn’t find as much as he’d like off the bridle at Windsor last time, but he is improving with every run and he has more than enough ability to win a race like this.
Nick Wilby’s selection – Swynmor