Tuesday, August 1
Qatar Goodwood Cup, 3:35pm
CHARLIE AUSTIN: Big Orange has become one of the most popular flat horses in training, I was at Royal Ascot when he got the better of Order of St George in the Gold Cup last time out, he now has the chance to become the first runner to win the Goodwood Cup three years in a row. Big Orange is the clear form pick and I just can’t see past him.
JASON WEAVER:
As previewed in my Tuesday column Big Orange is going to be tough to beat, but I’m going after a bit of each-way value with Stradivarius.
He’s getting 15lbs as he’s a three-year-old and won the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot in June in gritty fashion. The additional two furlongs is perfect for him.
Wednesday, August 2
Qatar Sussex Stakes, 3.35pm
CA: What a race this is and looks a match between the Queen Anne winner Ribchester and dual Guineas winner Churchill. The favourite can shade it.
JW: Ribchester goes on any ground and Churchill is on a recovery mission after bombing out at Royal Ascot. The favourite will have no problem in settling in behind as both of the big teams of Godolphin and Ballydoyle run pacemakers – so there should be no hanging about. Given a pace to run at, the older generation may just have the edge in this division.
Thursday, August 3
Qatar Nassau Stakes, 3.35pm
CA: Winter bids to land her fourth Group 1 win this season in the Nassau Stakes and looking at her previous performances you’d like to think she’ll handle the step up in distance with no problems. She’s my nap of the week.
JW: Roger Varian’s Nezwaah, comes in at the top of her game having been impressive in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh last time beating Rain Goddess. That may not be the strongest Group One form – but it was an easy win. The step up in trip for the fav is the worry I have about her. Let’s hope they make it a real testing gallop to bring the selection’s stamina into play.
Friday, August 4
Qatar King George Stakes, 3.35pm
CA: Charles Hills’ Battaash was an impressive winner of the Coral Charge last month and arrives at Goodwood bang in form as he bids to land his hat-trick of wins. I think he will do it.
JW: Marsha is all about speed and the early downhill run will suit her. Her weight-carrying performance in the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket was a cracking effort and her two runs since have been solid. She could be overpriced as the new sprint king Battaash will probably head the market. He’s not straightforward and won’t get an early time up front, with so much early pace. Mardha can pounce late and nail him.
Saturday, August 5
Qatar Stewards Cup, 3.35pm
CA: Outback Traveller is dropping down the weights, and is starting to look very well handicapped. Robert Cowell does so well with his sprinters and at a big price he can run a big race, and get among the places in the Stewards Cup.
JW: Sir Dancealot nearly got the money for us at Newmarket’s July meeting and he’s been punted already this week for this cavalry charge. He He may get outpaced early on but he’s not short of a turn of foot and can make his class tell. He’s been highly tried and is taking on lesser opposition here.
Dark Horse for the week:
CA: James Garfield ran a massive race when away slowly but finished like a train to claim third place in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. An easy six-length winner at Doncaster since, this colt looks to be rapidly improving and I hope he can give George Scott his first Group success in the Vintage Stakes 2.25pm on Tuesday.
JW: The veteran Tropics is under the radar at a whopping 33/1 ante-post for Saturday’s Stewards Cup. He’ not shown much recently but has won well before at Goodwood off much higher ratings. Any rain come Saturday won’t worry him.
Fancy their chances? Timeform have five to follow at Goodwood & Galway this week right over here
Gallop over to the latest racing odds on PaddyPower.com