This looks like a fascinating renewal of the Goodwood Cup, with several of the Ascot Gold Cup field reopposing under what should be quite different conditions.
Whether this will suit COURAGE MON AMI is open to debate. I felt he was a little tapped for speed initially last time out, and took a while to really get rolling. He was impressive when he did find his best stride, however, ultimately running the fastest final 3f split, and this unbeaten, lightly-raced sort is open to plenty of improvement.
EMILY DICKINSON should enjoy any rain that falls and showed her wellbeing at the Curragh last time when landing a Group 2 in fine style. Two miles on soft looks like it may be her optimum and she should run a big race here.
As, too, should COLTRANE. He just got outstayed by Courage Mon Ami last time out having travelled better than that rival and this greater emphasis on speed gives him prospects of overturning a ¾ length deficit.
ELDAR ELDAROV was disappointing at Ascot having shaped with immense promise on his return to action at York but might do better here. He travelled well enough last time but looked all at sea when asked to quicken, racing awkwardly and hanging all over the place. It’s possible the ground was a bit quick for him there and a bit of give might see a better performance.
His York conqueror GIAVELLOTTO missed the Gold Cup so comes here fresher than most of his rivals here. He will need more, but is improving.
Perhaps the most interesting runner is LONE EAGLE. Despite being far too keen early, he led with two furlongs to go in the Gold Cup having travelled as well as anything. It’s possible this Irish Derby 2nd is finding his feet again for his new yard and this drop in trip over a track where he has won twice is an interesting angle. He looks the tentative selection in what looks an open contest.
