Strad to call the tune
STRADIVARIUS can put his shock defeat at Royal Ascot behind him by making it an unprecedented fifth victory in today’s Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup on the opening day of Glorious Goodwood.
Now in his seventh year, STRADIVARIUS (3.35, treble) is certainly not on the decline.
His disappointing performance at the Berkshire track, where he finished fourth behind Subjectivist, can be attributed to an ill-judged ride from Frankie Dettori.
Trueshan has been backed in anticipation that the ground will find him out, but this legend of Cup races has winning form on summer soft ground.
MAYDANNY (1.50, ITV) can make it back-to-back victories in the opening
Unibet Chesterfield Handicap.
He ran a cracker over a trip that was too short last time, second to Magical Morning at Sandown, and despite having 12lb more on his back this time round he will take some catching.
The decision to run ANGEL BLEU (2.25, nap, ITV) just three days after his second behind New Science at Ascot can be rewarded.
He was far from disgraced on that occasion as the connections of the winner have a high opinion of their colt.
On form lines the selection has the edge over Lusail, who on ratings is a better colt than Royal Ascot winner Berkshire Shadow.
Admittedly, Berkshire Shadow beat Angel Bleu at Ascot but he was denied a clear run on that occasion.
Charlie Appleby has not made it a secret that he expects SPACE BLUES (3.00, ITV) to take some catching in his attempt to add to last year’s success in the Lennox Stakes.
If he is going to get turned over it will be by his stablemate Creative Force, but he has 6lb to find on the official ratings.
The drop in grade will see EL ASTRONAUTE (4.10, nb, ITV) take the Back To Goodwood Handicap.
He has gone off the boil since bolting up in a smart conditions event at Chester in May.
But John Quinn’s speedster is worth another chance – especially as will handle the soft ground.