Goodwood Betting Tips
Day one of Goodwood - Tuesday 30th July
Goodwood’s big meeting of the year kicks off on Tuesday with a bumper eight-race card to enjoy.
There are a trio of Group races on day one, including one of the staying highlights of the season, the Goodwood Cup.
We have selections and analysis for all eight races on day one.
1.50 Goodwood - 1m2f Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap (Class 2)
This may go the way of Wadacre Gomez, currently available at double figure odds.
It usually pays to be on the front end over this course and distance, and Wadacre Gomez is usually seen at his best when he’s allowed to stride on. With no other confirmed front runners in the line up, he may be able to dictate his own fractions and it’s worth noting that his yard has a remarkable record in this contest, winning five renewals since 2012.
Selection: Wadacre Gomez
2.25 Goodwood - 7f HKJC World Pool Vintage Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1)
A few in with claims but The Parthenon could be hard to beat. He stayed on gamely to win a Gowran maiden last time when long odds on, showing a good attitude in the closing stages despite still looking a bit green earlier on in the contest.
Expect another step up here for a yard that won this in 2020.
Selection: The Parthenon
3.00 Goodwood - 7f HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1)
Kinross could be hard to beat stepping back up to his preferred seven furlongs. They didn’t go much of a gallop over six furlongs at Newmarket last time out, so that was never going to suit and he looks like a major player back down in class in a race he’s won twice before.
Selection: Kinross
3.35 Goodwood - 2m Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1)
This looks like a good chance for Kyprios to get another renewal in the bag. He was impressive when winning this race in 2022 and showed he retains all of his ability when landing another renewal of the Ascot Gold Cup last month.
Selection: Kyprios
4.10 Goodwood - 5f Coral Racing Club Handicap (Class 2)
This is more competitive than the betting suggests and a chance is taken on Fair Wind.
He got his head back in front at Ascot two weeks ago, form that was boosted at the weekend and this course and distance winner looks leniently treated from just 4lb higher here.
Selection: Fair Wind
4.45 Goodwood - 6f British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (Colts & Geldings) (Class 2)
This can go the way of Jouncy who has run two really nice races in his career so far.
The son of Wootton Bassett shaped with lots of promise in a Newbury maiden on his debut before going down by just a head second time out and that winner has gone on to boost the form with an excellent third in the Super Sprint since.
Selection: Jouncy
5.20 Goodwood - 1m Ridgeview Fillies' Handicap (Class 3)
If they go quick enough, this could set up nicely for Moonspirit who looks a bit overpriced in her hat-trick bid.
A 5lb rise for her latest success at Hamilton looks fair and with William Buick taking over from an apprentice rider, she ought to run a big race.
Selection: Moonspirit
5.55 Goodwood - 6f HKJC World Pool British EBF Fillies' Handicap (Class 3)
This can go the way of Katey Kontent. She was only just touched off at Windsor last time having already been successful this season and she seems to still be improving, which has been the case for most of the last 12 months.
Selection: Katey Kontent
Day Two of Goodwood - Wednesday 31st July
The Sussex Stakes is the highlight of the whole week on the Downs at Goodwood and it is the central race on day two of the meeting. It is supported by more Group races, including the Molecomb Stakes for flying two-year-olds, and plenty of top handicaps.
Here are tips for all seven races on day two from Goodwood, including the big race at 3.35.
1.50pm – Coral Daily Rewards Shaker Handicap (1m4f)
The King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot has traditionally offered some useful pointers for this race. FRENCH DUKE shaped well at Ascot, finishing sixth despite having a difficult run through and being forced wide to challenge. He wears a hood now, which is a sensible addition given his free-going tendencies, and he remains unexposed after just four runs. He deserves to be taken seriously from an ideal middle draw.
Selection: French Duke
2.25pm – Visit Qatar Oak Tree Stakes (Group 3 - 7f)
Since abandoning sprints, JABAARA has not looked back. She won Listed races over this 7f trip at Musselburgh and Carlisle, before stepping up to Group 1 company and performing with credit. She was second to impressive winner Porta Fortuna in the Falmouth Stakes, which is something of a fillies' equivalent to the Sussex Stakes. Back in Group 3 company, and over 7f, she can come out on top.
Selection: Jabaara
3.00pm – Jaeger-Lecoultre Molecomb Stakes (Group 3 - 5f)
A big field for this year's Molecomb is likely to make for an above-average renewal and one that prizes speed and experience even more highly than usual. There will be no greater preparation than Newbury's Super Sprint 11 days ago, and in that race, VINGEGAARD shaped like a force to be reckoned with. He showed bags of pace and was caught late on. Had the race been at Goodwood, which is more of a speed track, he would surely have won. He is drawn in stall 16, meaning Hollie Doyle may have the option of attacking the rail if she fancies. Depending on conditions, that can make a big difference at Goodwood.
Selection: Vingegaard
3.35pm – Qatar Sussex Stakes (Group 1 - 1m)
There is no doubt that Rosallion leads the way in the mile division as things stand, following his wins in the Irish 2000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes. However, he clearly thrives at Ascot, and yet on his most recent run at the Royal meeting, he beat HENRY LONGFELLOW only by a neck. The runner-up had previously run only once this season, when disappointing in the French Guineas, and he can be expected to take another step forward. If he can do so away from Rosallion's favourite hunting ground, he can reverse the form.
Selection: Henry Longfellow
4.10pm – British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies' Handicap (1m2f)
Although she is in against a batch of improving three-year-olds, ELLADONNA could be argued to be the most progressive horse in this field. That is because she has only recently been tried over this 1m2f trip. It clearly suits her, given that she has won at Nottingham and Salsibury since moving up in distance. It also agrees with her pedigree, as her dam is very much from a middle-distance family. Ryan Moore has been booked, so plenty of good racing minds clearly agree that Elladonna can keep improving at her new favoured distance.
Selection: Elladonna
4.45pm – British Stallion Studs EBF Alice Keppel Fillies' Conditions Stakes (5f)
The Prix Robert Papin is a Group 2 and this year it was dominated by British trainers. That gives us a decent handle on what CONVO achieved in fifth that day and, while she is probably not up to Group standard, she may not have to be in this race as it has rarely been won by stars of the future. A quick 5f should be ideal for her.
Selection: Convo
5.20pm – HKJC World Pool Handicap (7f)
There is a sense that BILLYJOH is one of those horses who finds 6f a little sharp, unless it's a thorough test, while 7f stretches him unless the emphasis is on speed. We saw that in a big handicap on Saturday at Ascot, when he entered the final furlong looking third best, only to fade into tenth. At Goodwood, which poses less of a test, he can take another step forward in what has been a productive season for him, in spite of him being without a win on turf in 2024.
Selection: Billyjoh
Day 3 of Goodwood - Thursday 1st August
It’s another bumper eight-race card from Glorious Goodwood on Thursday afternoon with three more Group races to get stuck into.
The Nassau Stakes is the Group 1 feature contest and it looks like a fascinating renewal with previous Group 1 winners, Too Darn Hot and Opera Singer set to battle it out.
We have picked out eight selections for the action on day three including some value selections at double figure prices.
1.50 Goodwood - 1m2f Coral Kincsem Handicap (Class 2)
Midnight Gun appears to be a strong upward curve and he looks like a major player in Goodwood’s opener on Thursday afternoon.
The Wathnan racing owned colt won a Nottingham novice in good style before an impressive win at Newmarket on handicap debut and he’s been giving the impression that he’ll benefit from a step up in trip.
Selection: Midnight Gun
2.25 Goodwood - 6f Markel Richmond Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings)
Clive Cox is a master with his young sprinters and Aparajeo gave the impression that he could be a top prospect when winning a Windsor novice on his debut last month.
He won in better style than the winning margin suggested that day and he should come on plenty for that outing.
Selection: Aparajeo
3.00 Goodwood - 1m4f John Pearce Racing Gordon Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)
This often goes to a horse that will go on to contest the St Leger later in the season and Ballydoyle’s Jan Brueghel looks like the right sort of type for this event.
He made easy work of his debut when bolting up in Ireland and then shaped like he was in need of a step up in trip when making it two wins from two starts at the Curragh last time in Group 3 company. This test should suit and he’s the one to beat.
Selection: Jan Brueghel
3.35 Goodwood - 1m2f Qatar Nassau Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies & Mares) (British Champions Series)
This looks like it may go the way of Opera Singer who was only narrowly touched off in a Group 1 at Royal Ascot last time. The rival that beat her that day is highly progressive so there was no shame in going down by a length and this filly can continue progressing at a stage of the season when the weight for age allowance is generous to the Classic generation.
Selection: Opera Singer
4.10 Goodwood - 7f Jaeger-Lecoultre Nursery Handicap (Class 2)
El Burhan confirmed the promise of his debut when winning a Yarmouth novice second time out and he then took his form to a new level when bolting up in fine style at Beverley last time. An opening mark of 90 looks on the lenient side and he’s a worthy favourite.
Selection: El Burhan
4.45 Goodwood - 5f Buccellati Handicap (Class 3)
This can go the way of Grandlad who showed a load of speed when bolting up at this venue on his penultimate start over the trip and it’s worth forgiving his subsequent run at York when the track was favouring those positioned further back on the day.
A return to this venue on quick ground should suit and he might be overpriced.
Selection: Grandlad
5.20 Goodwood - 7f Tatler British EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes (Class 2)
It’s not a strong standard that has been set by those that have had a run and it might be worth taking a chance on the very well bred newcomer, Dreamy.
She’s a daughter of an Irish Oaks winner and has already come in for some market support. Aidan O’Brien doesn’t send many newcomers over and that’s probably a sign that this one is well above average.
Selection: Dreamy
5.55 Goodwood - 1m HKJC World Pool Handicap (Class 3)
A competitive contest but it might be worth siding with the one in form and that is Sir Gabrial who skated in on his first try on quick ground last time out. He has to carry a 6lb penalty for that success but the handicapper will be putting him up 12lb so he’s well in for this contest and further progress is entirely likely.
Selection: Sir Gabrial
Day Four of Goodwood - Friday 2nd August
The feature on Friday is the King George Qatar Stakes over Goodwood’s flying five furlongs and it looks like a cracking renewal with 12 runners in this year’s field.
We have picked out selections for all seven races on the card and they include a last-time-out winner who can go in again.
13:50 Goodwood - 2m4½f Coral Goodwood Handicap (Class 2)
Get Shirty gave the impression that he might have a big future over extreme trips on the Flat when fourth in the Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting in June. That was his first go at this sort of trip and he was given a conservative ride, very much ridden to get the new distance.
With stamina now proved, he may be ridden a shade more aggressively and if he builds on that Ascot run, it’s hard to see him out of the frame once again.
Selection: Get Shirty
14:25 Goodwood - 1m Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes (Group 3)
This contest has an open look to it but Al Musmak sets the standard after a career-best success at Listed level last time out and he may be able to continue on his upward trajectory despite the slight rise in class.
The quicker ground should be no problem for this son of Night Of Thunder and further progress will probably make him hard to beat.
Selection: Al Musmak
15:00 Goodwood - 1m Coral Golden Mile (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2)
This is always one of the most competitive races of the week but there’s plenty to like about the claims of Two Tempting.
He has won four times already this season, and soft ground was a plausible excuse when his form dipped last time out. He may be capable of resuming progress back on the expected quicker surface here.
Selection: Two Tempting
15:35 Goodwood - 5f King George Qatar Stakes (Group 2)
Live In The Dream hasn’t had much go right for him this campaign but there are a few reasons to think he can get back on track here.
The gelding had very little chance from a high draw at Sandown last time and clearly wasn’t himself in a Listed race on his previous start but his return run at Haydock in the Temple Stakes showed he retains plenty of his ability and this rapid downhill five furlongs should be right up his street.
Selection: Live In The Dream
16:10 Goodwood - 1m1f Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Conditions Stakes (Class 2)
It’s hard to get away from the claims of My Prospero in this contest. He was last seen contesting a Group 1 contest so this is a huge drop in grade and his trainer, William Haggas, is adept at getting them fit for their reappearance runs, particularly at the big meetings.
Selection: My Prospero
16:45 Goodwood - 6f Hawes & Curtis Nursery Handicap (Class 2)
A tricky penultimate contest on the card but Richard Hughes does well with his sprinters and Rare Change could be the way to go. He picked up nicely off a slow pace at Haydock last time out, just failing to get up close to home and this looks like a race that will be run at a frenetic gallop, so it may work out better for him.
Selection: Rare Change
17:20 Goodwood - 1m3f Coral Play Racing-Super-Series For Free Handicap (Class 3)
It’s easy to see why Blake is near the top of the market in Friday’s finale. He was a non-runner earlier in the week, opting for what is probably a slightly easier race here and he’s looked highly progressive of late, winning two of his last three starts, including when notably well backed last time out.
Selection: Blake
Day Five of Goodwood - Saturday 3rd August
The fifth and final day of this year’s Glorious Goodwood festival takes place on Saturday afternoon.
It’s another card packed with quality including Group races and competitive handicaps.
We have selections and analysis for all seven races on the card including a couple of each-way picks at double figure odds.
1.50 Goodwood - 1m4f Glorious Stakes (Group 3)
William Haggas has won two of the last four renewals of this contest and Al Aasy gives him solid claims of landing another.
He wasn’t at his best on his return but it’s best to forgive that effort and he’s clear of these rivals on ratings. He probably doesn’t need to be quite back to his very best to win this and William Haggas’ yard arrives in good form.
Selection: Al Aasy
2.25 Goodwood - 1m6f Summer Handicap (Class 2)
There are plenty with claims in the Summer Handicap but it’s a slight surprise that Fairbanks isn’t an outright favourite for this contest.
He produced a career best when stepped up to this trip last time out and he’s unexposed at this sort of trip. This is no more competitive than the Newmarket contest he won last time and a 6lb rise could be on the lenient side.
Selection: Fairbanks
3.00 Goodwood - 1m6f Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares)
A few of these might want softer conditions than what they’re likely to get in this contest and that may pave the way for Free Wind to get her head back in front.
She’s clear of these on ratings and ran with credit when runner-up to Bluestocking who has boosted the form subsequently. A return to this trip may be in her favour at this stage of her career and there’s an argument to say she should be shorter in the betting market.
Selection: Free Wind
3.35 Goodwood - 6f Stewards' Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2)
This race is wide open but 2020’s winner of this contest, Summerghand, might be a bit overpriced.
He’s at his best on a quick surface, which is what he’s going to get here and a fast pace is vital to him, which is something he looks guaranteed to get this time.
He didn’t get a pace to aim at Ascot last week but he gave the impression that he was ready to score again at Newmarket two starts ago and a return to this trip is no bad thing.
Selection: Summerghand
4.10 Goodwood - 7f Whispering Angel Handicap (Class 2)
There are plenty of progressive sorts in here, perhaps none more so than Jehangeer. He arrives on the back of a career best effort at Thirsk when beating a well handicapped rival.
That was a first start since both wind surgery and a gelding procedure, which has probably unlocked some ability and he may continue his progress with just a 5lb higher handicap mark to deal with.
Selection: Jehangeer
4.45 Goodwood - 7f British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (Class 2)
One of the tougher puzzles to solve on the card but Consolidation took a sizable step forward from his debut last time out.
He showed signs of greenness in the closing stages second time out, giving the impression that there was more to come and he has an experience edge over these rivals.
Selection: Consolidation
5.20 Goodwood - 1m1f We're Here For It Handicap (Class 3)
First-time cheekpieces could be the answer for Celtic Warrior. He was reported to have wanted a quicker surface when disappointing at Newmarket last time out but he was only beaten half a length at this venue on his penultimate outing.
A step up in trip looks likely to suit this son of Saxon Warrior and he ought to go well with Oisin Murphy back on board, the jockey that was in the saddle for this gelding’s maiden success.
Selection: Celtic Warrior