Horseracing returns to Goodwood Racecourse this August Bank Holiday weekend with something for everyone to enjoy. The action kicks off later today and builds towards an exciting Sunday card, the Group 3 Virgin Bet Prestige Fillies’ Stakes and Group 2 Virgin Bet Celebration Mile Stakes will be the feature events.
Group 3 Virgin Bet Prestige Fillies’ Stakes
A competitive field of eight juvenile fillies will contest this seven-furlong Group 3, with several exciting prospects lining up.
The Sir Mark Prescott-trained Moon Target currently heads the market following two flawless performances. The Cheveley Park Stud-owned daughter of Cracksman made a striking debut, winning by over five lengths at Newmarket, before extending that margin to more than seven lengths at Yarmouth. Quoted as the best he has at home by Newmarket’s longest-standing trainer, she could be something special.
Luke Morris, stable jockey at Heath House, said: “She’s been very impressive in her first two starts and has worked well since. I’m very hopeful she can make the step up to pattern level.”
Karl Burke, who is enjoying a remarkable season with his juveniles, saddles Aylin, who scored at the Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar on her second start. That win came on heavy ground, but Burke is not concerned about the quicker going.
Karl Burke said: “I was very pleased with her performance at the Glorious Goodwood meeting. She’s going to encounter different ground, but she is a good moving filly. Both her sire and dam loved the heavy ground which persuaded us to let her take her chance at the last meeting. It is going to be much quicker ground but she’s a good mover, so we are happy to let her take her chance and she’s in really good form. I think she’ll run well and hopefully she can at least pick up some nice black type.”
Jennifer Jane makes the trip from Charlie Johnston’s Middleham base. After a commanding five-length win on her second start, she stepped up to finish a close second in the Listed Star Stakes at Sandown. Among those reopposing will be Orions Belt, trained by Richard Hannon, who finished third in that same race.
Precise, the sole Irish raider, represents the powerful Aidan O’Brien yard. She impressed when breaking her maiden at Cork and adds further depth to the field.
Spinning Lizzie, trained by Jamie Insole and Dr Richard Newland, returns to the course and distance after narrowly missing out in handicap company at the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
Locally trained Stimulative Trip arrives with a bigger price tag but made a striking debut at Newbury for David Menuisier.
Kieran Shoemark said: “I was very impressed with Stimulative Trip’s debut win at Newbury. She would have gone there just about ready for the outing, and she won decisively. She is a very uncomplicated filly and although we haven’t seen her since, I’d be confident she’s up to this level and hopeful of a big run.”
Also among the field is Sukanya, trained by Jack Channon. A debut winner at Newbury, she failed to make an impact at Group level on her next start, but connections will hope she proves herself in this grade.
Group 2 Virgin Bet Celebration Mile Stakes
Seven high-class performers line up in Sunday’s feature race, the Group 2 Virgin Bet Celebration Mile, led by Jonquil, trained by Andrew Balding. The Juddmonte-owned colt won the Group 3 Greenham Stakes and finished runner-up by just a head in the French 2000 Guineas. Although disappointing last time out over seven furlongs in the Group 2 HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes at Goodwood, the return to a mile and stronger pace should play to his strengths.
In-form contender Persica, trained by Richard Hannon, poses a serious threat. The four-year-old has claimed two Group 3s this season, including the Diomed Stakes, where he finished ¾ length ahead of reopposing rival Ice Max. The latter, trained by Karl Burke, was a convincing winner of this race last year and returns looking to reclaim his crown.
Make Me King, representing Wathnan Racing and Hamad Al Jehani, landed a Listed race at Pontefract last time out. He steps up in class in search of a first Group 2 success, with his best previous effort being at Group 3 level in Deauville.
Saqqara Sands, is one of two fillies in the race and brings strong course form. She dead heated for victory in the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood Festival for trainer Ralph Beckett and now stretches out to a mile for the first time.
Arisaig, from Charlie Johnston’s yard, aims to return to winning ways, having not scored since landing a handicap at last year’s Goodwood Festival.
Eve Johnson Houghton, who is enjoying another strong season, sends Balmacara, a dual Doncaster winner who will need to find further improvement to be competitive at this level.
-ENDS-
