EX FACTOR
Derby runner-up is the class act in Gordon Stakes
DEE EX BEE can make use of a drop in class to lift the Group 3 Qatar Gordon Stakes (3.40) at Glorious Goodwood this afternoon.
To say the Mark Johnston trainee has kept lofty company this summer is a gross understatement.
After finishing second to Young Rascal in the Group 3 Chester Vase in May, the son of Farhh ran in the Derby next time, claiming a fine 20-1 second to Masar at Epsom.
Dee Ex Bee didn’t match that effort when seventh to Latrobe in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh four weeks later, or when third to Kew Gardens in the Grand Prix de Paris last time out.
But Johnston, who has been in his usual fine form on the Sussex Downs this week, wisely gives his colt a less exacting assignment.
Dee Ex Bee has 8lb and upwards in hand of his three opponents here, and should bring his class to bear.
It’s worth taking a chance that Dee Ex Bee’s stablemate SOLDIER IN ACTION
will spring back into life in the Qatar Summer Handicap (2.25).
The five-yearold, who got up in the final stride to land this contest 12 months ago, has been on a barren run in 2018, managing two fourth placings from eight attempts. But Soldier In Action has slipped down the ratings as a result – he scored off 106 last year, but returns to Goodwood on a perch of 97. If anywhere can spark a revival, it is this most picturesque venue, where Silvestre De Sousa’s mount has won twice from three visits. There were green shoots from
OUTRAGE
at Sandown 10 days ago when third to Waseem Faris, and Dan Kubler’s sprinter has each-way claims – and more – in the Stewards’ Cup consolation race, the Qatar Stewards’ Sprint Handicap (1.50). PORCELAIN At Newmarket, GIRL
has the upwardly mobile profile required to get competitive in the European Bloodstock News British EBF Fillies’ Nursery (2.40).
After a second in this grade over course and distance two HIGH-GARDEN weeks ago, has a solid chance of going one better in the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Chalice Stakes (2.05).