glorious goodwood preview
When Glorious Goodwood gets under way on Tuesday, the Group 2 Lennox Stakes is a good starting point, given it’s a rare Group event at seven furlongs.
It’s that intermediate distance that gives David Elsworth’s Sir Dancealot a chance to add to his Newmarket victory over this trip in June.
That was in the Group 3 Criterion Stakes, when he was a comfortable winner, despite veering left on the steep upward climb to the line.
The son of Sir Prancealot travelled well through the race, and carried jockey Gerald Mosse into contention, without ever coming off the bridle.
Last time out, Sir Dancealot was tried back at six furlongs. He ran well to finish a couple of lengths behind US Navy Flag in the July Cup.
He didn’t quite have the pace to trouble Group 1 sprinters, and with another furlong to race on Tuesday, he should run right through the line.
John Gosden and Frankie Dettori will be difficult to stop in Wednesday’s feature event, the Sussex Stakes, with the progressive Without Parole.
Four runs have brought four victories for the Frankel colt – from a little maiden at Newcastle in December, through to a Royal Ascot triumph in June.
That captured the Group 1 St James’ Palace Stakes, when he stayed on well to finish a length in front of Gustav Klimpt at the line.
Carefully campaigned by the meticulous Gosden, and with just these four outings thus far, there is every possibility that there will be a little more to come.
In truth, what the three year-old has accomplished so far would be good enough to add a fifth success. A little improvement makes him banker material.
Urban Fox has been favourite for the Group 1 Nassau Stakes for fillies and mares, since she bolted up in the Pretty PollyS take sat the Curragh.
That was her first try at Thursday’s one- and- aquarter-mile journey, and to be three-and-a-quarter lengths clear of 117-rated Forever Together was special.
Trainer William Haggas also has Sea Of Class going for a four timer, but on a line through Aiden O’brien’s Athena, Urban Fox has a ton in hand.