GLORIOUS GOODWOOD DAY THREE TIPS AND SELECTIONS PART ONE

We’re set for another day of quality action on the grass at Goodwood tomorrow with a pair of Grade 2 contests bookended by some very interesting high-stakes handicaps. We’ll be looking at our top contenders for each race and giving you the low-down on how we think things will shape up for Thursdays action at Goodwood.

The 2:10 looks like a tricky one as there are a number of contender here with some very competitive records and we’ve got a very big spread between the top and low-weighted runners. I’ve got my eye on the lightly-raced Capponi (Medicean), who has run 1121 lifetime and, though he is stepping it up an extra furlong here, has stayed on so well that I don’t think the extra distance will bother him. The Darley-bred chestnut will be especially dangerous if given a ground-saving trip. Cumulus Nimbus boasts course and distance, having scored at Goodwood back in May. He’s a bit heavier-raced than some but has performed much better in handicaps than he has on the listed circuit or in conditions company.
In the 2:45 Group 2 Audi King George Stakes, I’m jumping onto American invader Starfish Bay (Elusive Quality) who ships direct from Monmouth Park for high-flying trainer Todd Pletcher. With Dettori secure for the mount I have some real confidence here and there isn’t much separating this field. This is an accomplished turf performer who has shown plenty of versatility in the past. Borderlescott (Compton Place) is a there-or-thereabouts type and boasts course and distance scores with Kieran Fallon aboard this time. The Bastiman-trained gelding is looking to save a bit of gas for the final furlong, which can be difficult in a 5f race. However, he has consistently been undone by his ability to step up a gear on the final few gallops.
The 3:25 2010 Artemis Goodwood Cup is another Group 2 clash and we’ve got 12 contenders set to duke it out over a grassy 2 miles. In-form Tactic (Sadler’s Wells) has run 211 this year and is fresh off his first group victory, capturing the Group 3 At the Races Curragh Cup. He didn’t get the best of trips last season when running in the Group 3 Betfair Cup at Goodwood. I am tempted to give him a miss though as Richard Hughes gets the ride and these two have never won despite five kicks at the can together. The one to watch here is Godolphin’s Kite Wood (Galileo) who drops down from Group 1 company after a disappointing 7th from 12 in the Ascot Gold Cup. This is a multiple group winner who will look to make a decisive move when he’s about 1 furlong out. Frankie and this one have a good understanding it seems and I think this is the best option.