Hollie goes in quest of her second Group 2 success of the week on the Qatar Goodwood Pageant when she companions the speedy Spartan Arrow in Friday’s King George Qatar Stakes.
Speedy Spartan has sturdy King George credentials
Bettering sprinter Spartan Arrow places his rising repute on the road when he steps into Group 2 firm within the King George Qatar Stakes (3.05) at Goodwood on Friday.
My boss Archie Watson has completed a implausible job with this five-year-old, who has completed a detailed second within the Epsom ‘Sprint’ and gained a Listed race in France since being purchased for simply 17,000 guineas on the autumn gross sales.
Rated 92 after we obtained him from the Crisfords, Archie’s progressed him to a mark of 107, which entitles him to take his likelihood in opposition to crack sprinters like Large Mojo and Asfoora. It is a huge ask, however he is a earlier course-and-distance winner who has since confirmed his liking for tearing down a hill with a win at Epsom and that close to miss on Derby Day.
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Hollie is about to trip Spartan Arrow at Goodwood on Friday
I mentioned after he gained in France that he is the quickest horse I’ve ever ridden, apart from the good Bradsell, and the best way he fought again within the Prix Hampton exhibits he has braveness to match his pace.
Large Mojo failed by only a neck to win the July Cup, whereas Aussie mare Asfoora was crushed solely a short-head on this final 12 months, so it will take an enormous efficiency to win, however I am drawn near each market principals which I am blissful about.
Being a Sioux Nation, Spartan Arrow is fairly floor versatile too. We did not suppose he’d act in unfastened circumstances at Epsom however he was positive, although drying floor on Friday would play to his appreciable strengths.
Observe type an enormous plus for Orbit
After profitable the Group 2 Lennox Stakes on their Witness Stand on Tuesday, I am actually wanting ahead to linking up with Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole once more within the Howes & Curtis Nursery (4.20) at Goodwood.
Blue Orbit (4.20) has confirmed his liking for this idiosyncratic observe having gained a maiden right here in June, and that is an enormous plus for a two-year-old.
Previous to that he was second on debut to Tom Dascombe’s Italica, who had beforehand completed third within the Lily Agnes – a big early-season juvenile race. The son of Starman discovered the corporate a bit too scorching within the Listed Dragon Stakes on his newest begin, however Richard and Jamie would not be pitching him into this aggressive race in the event that they did not suppose he might maintain his personal.
He loved the run of the race when he gained right here, so I will simply trip him the place he is comfy and get him as relaxed as I can. I would have most well-liked the next draw than stall three, however I nonetheless hope he can emulate secure companion Witness Stand.
Marathon journey no subject for Vino
Hughie Morrison’s Vino Victrix should not have any hassle seeing out the prolonged two miles and 4 furlongs within the Coral Goodwood Handicap (1.20).
He is 7lbs under his final profitable mark, so is actually properly handicapped, however hasn’t gained since 2022 and has completed down the sector within the final two runnings of this marathon contest.
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Vino Victrix is about to take his likelihood
I rode him at Chelmsford final time, however he hated the expertise. He simply could not get himself organised that day however fared significantly better behind the helpful Manxman over two miles right here beforehand, which affords some hope that he can outrun his odds off such a lightweight weight.
Do not write off stylish Cosmic
Charlie Appleby’s Godolphin colt Opera Ballo is a worthy favorite for the Group 3 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes (1.55), however I would not be stunned to see Cosmic 12 months bounce again in type.
Harry Charlton’s son of Kingman was extremely progressive till coming unstuck within the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat in Deauville at first of July, when comfortable floor could have contributed to his downfall.
Earlier than that Cosmic 12 months had discovered solely Subject Of Gold too good within the Irish 2,000 Guineas, so it is harmful to jot down him off now he is down in grade. Higher floor than he encountered in France appears possible, nonetheless, and I am unable to see why he will not deal with the observe.
Tom’s Treasure can outrun huge odds
I could make a very good case for my husband Tom Marquand’s possibilities at a probably huge value within the characteristic handicap of the day on Friday, the £150,000 Coral Golden Mile (2.30).
Tom rides Treasure Time for William Haggas, who goes to Goodwood a recent horse following only one run thus far this season.
That first outing since September was an encouraging fifth in a 1m handicap at Sandown, which ought to have put him spot on for this. He must convey his ‘A’ sport right here, however he was progressive final 12 months and could possibly be as much as defying a mark of 94 if he will get the breaks.
The ever-reliable Greek Order ran an enormous race within the Royal Hunt Cup and carried out properly at Sandown final time, whereas Ed Dunlop’s Listed Curragh winner Skukusa appears properly handled below a penalty, so that they should be within the combine too.
Hollie was talking to Sky Sports activities Racing’s Simon Mapletoft…
