Goodwood, England: Charlie Appleby and William Buick, the in-form Godolphin duo, look to have two exciting chances on the final day of this year’s Glorious Goodwood Festival of racing.
The first of these centre around the Meydan scorer Walton Street, who takes his chance in the mile and six Summer Handicap, one of seven competitive races that will bring the curtain down on another memorable week’s racing during Britain’s famous ‘Sunshine Season.’
A noteworthy third at Royal Ascot two weeks ago, the Darley-bred son of Cape Cross is the favourite in a contest that was last won by Godolphin in 2007 with the Saeed Bin Surour-trained Scriptwriter.
Walton Street faces 12 rivals headed by the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Melting Dew who is on a hat-trick after a pair of victories over the shorter mile and two trip. This is his first outing over 2,800 metres.
Cross Counter is a lightly raced gelding who has won three of his five starts. However, this is a big step up in class for the progressive son of Teofilo
Cross Counter showed plenty of ability to come from last to first for a convincing two-length victory over the same distance in the Reserve Handicap at Ascot earlier this month.
He also put in a good effort over a mile and a half at Royal Ascot when securing fourth place in the King George V Handicap on June 21 after having finished runner-up spot in a 10-furlong contest at Sandown Park earlier the same month.
Cross Counter began his career on the Tapeta at Wolverhampton, winning novice races on debut in December before posting an eight length victory in an extended nine-furlong contest in January.
He faces three rivals in the Gordon Stakes — Dee Ex Bee, who was second to Godolphin’s Masar in the G1 Derby, G2 Ribblesdale Stakes third Sun Maiden and Doncaster winner Bombyx.
Commenting on his chances at Goodwood, where he faces just three rivals, Appleby said: “We were very pleased with Cross Counter’s victory at Ascot and he brings a progressive profile into this race.
“He is stepping up in class but we feel that he is capable of taking on better horses now and this should hopefully give us a pointer for the rest of the season.”
