Goodwood, England: Dubai connections are well represented in all three Group races on the opening day at Glorious Goodwood, a five-day festival being held at Goodwood Racecourse which has a reputation of being one of the world’s most beautiful racecourses.
The feature races on Tuesday’s seven-event card are the Group 1 Goodwood Cup over two miles and the Vintage and Lennox Stakes, both Group 2 races run over seven furlongs.
The newly-upgraded Goodwood Cup has attracted a stellar field led by Big Orange, who bids to land the race for the third year running.
James Doyle was on board the winner at Royal Ascot but Frankie Dettori, fresh from winning the King George (G1) at Ascot last Saturday, takes the ride.
“He’s got a long neck, a good name and a big heart,” said the Italian. “I’ve got quite long arms but they barely go halfway down his neck.”
Godolphin is represented by Qewy, formerly raced in Australia but now in the care of Charlie Appleby. He will be ridden by William Buick.
Qewy returned to the UK this year and was a noteworthy fourth in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 24.
Last season, the son of Street Cry won the Group 3 12-furlong Geelong Cup, finishing fourth in the Group 1 Emirates Melbourne Cup before landing the Sandown Cup.
Appleby commented: “I was pleased with Qewy’s run at Royal Ascot but the distance of more than two miles and five furlongs stretched his stamina.
“He will be more in his comfort zone with the two miles of the Goodwood Cup.
“He likes to be ridden close to the pace and we are fitting cheek-pieces to help him keep his concentration, although he is not ungenuine.”
Four Godolphin horses feature in the Lennox Stakes.
Among them are Home Of The Brave (Hugo Palmer/James Doyle), Jungle Cat (Charlie Appleby/William Buick), Dream Castle (Saeed Bin Suroor/Oisin Murphy) and last year’s winner Dutch Connection (Charlie Hills/Jim Crowley).
Home Of The Brave is unbeaten in two starts this year and Palmer said: “Home Of The Brave has made a good start to this season and we hope that continues in the Lennox Stakes.
“He is a horse who responds well to having a bit of time between his races.”
Jungle Cat was an easy winner of a Haydock Park conditions race at the same distance on July 22.
Appleby remarked: “It is great that Jungle Cat got his head back in front on his last start, which will have helped his confidence.
“He has had three nice runs over seven furlongs and comes into this race in good order.
“If he puts his best foot forward, he will be thereabouts for the places.”
Three-year-old Dream Castle, a son of Frankel, has run four times this year in top company.
Saeed Bin Surour commented: “I am pleased with Dream Castle, who is in good form.
“He has worked well on the Limekilns gallops coming into this race. I don’t think the good to soft going will cause him problems.
“I was happy with his last two runs and am hoping for another good performance on Tuesday.”
Dutch Connection beat Home Of The Grange in the Lennox Stakes last season and his trainer Charlie Hills is hopeful: “Dutch Connection was disappointing in Ireland, but they went no gallop and he was caught on the outside.
“He loves Goodwood, having won twice at the course including this race last year, and I am hoping that he can bounce back to his best.”
Zaman, successful on two of his four starts, represents Appleby and Buick.
“He is progressing with each run and has come out of the Superlative Stakes well,” said Appleby. “His win at Pontefract earlier in July has received a couple of form boosts. Zaman has to improve again and we have added blinkers for the first time to assist him.”
