Our ambassador is giving a day‑by‑day preview of the entire five‑day Goodwood Festival, starting with the thrilling opening day on Tuesday, which will feature the prestigious Goodwood Cup. One of the most eagerly awaited contests on the first day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival is the rematch between SCANDINAVIA and Trawlerman in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (3.35).
This duel has my full attention and promises to set the tone for what looks to be an unforgettable week on the rolling Sussex Downs. SCANDINAVIA, the current champion trained by Aidan O'Brien, previously edged out a hard‑fought battle with Godolphin’s seasoned veteran in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
The horse proved his class in that Group 1 showdown, and the form line suggests a similar two‑horse contest at Goodwood, with SCANDINAVIA likely to be the dominant force. Now four years younger and arguably in even better condition than when he won the Gold Cup, SCANDINAVIA has the chance to emulate the great Kyprios, who captured the Goodwood Cup twice under O’Brien’s tutelage.
A second victory would give the Ballydoyle stable its fourth Goodwood Cup triumph in five years, underscoring the dominance of O’Brien’s operation in long‑distance Group 1 races. Roger Varian’s Yorkshire Cup winner, RAHIEBB, looks attractive on paper but faces a steep climb. While RAHIEBB lacked the stamina to stay the marathon distance in the Gold Cup, dropping back half a mile may suit him better.
Nevertheless, I struggle to see him posing a serious threat to the market leaders, especially given the quality of the field. For the latest horse‑racing news, interviews and features, tune in to Sky Sports Racing.
If QIRAT breaks well in the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (3.00) at Goodwood, I doubt any of his rivals will be able to reel him back. Ralph Beckett’s five‑year‑old, who produced a stunning upset in last year’s Sussex Stakes, also impressed me when he led from the front in the Group 3 Criterion Stakes at York, even wearing a tongue‑tie for the first time. Hollie Doyle predicts that Thunder Call will have a role to play in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday.
The Shergar Cup will see Jamie Lynch field five horses at Ascot on Saturday as international stars clash for the prize. Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is now chasing Cheltenham Festival glory with his charges Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi.
At Ascot, Kalpana edged out Calandagan in a dramatic King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes battle. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been awarded an MBE in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. In the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑strong Aidan O’Brien team targeting the Epsom Classic. SCANDINAVIA could still improve, and I would back him over Andrew Balding’s Marvelman for the Goodwood Cup.
Marvelman produced a brilliant performance in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle after a long layoff and should be sharper now. Though he is already a Group 2 winner, he needs to take a step forward and looks a genuine threat, while Witness Stand – the horse that won this race for me last year – appears stronger than his Chester run suggested and may launch another bold bid.
I have also earmarked PIKACHU as a horse to watch after his impressive run at Newmarket, so I will not overlook him when he returns in the Coral Vintage Stakes (2.25) at Goodwood. Charlie Johnston’s Amo Racing colt broke well in the Superlative Stakes after hitting a flat spot and could finally break his maiden on this seven‑furlong course on his fourth attempt. Never miss a story – the latest racing news, interviews and features are available on your phone. Find out more.
The likely favourite Al HUDAIBA demonstrated high class when he beat Pikachu in a Group 2, but his form is a bit complicated. It’s interesting that Charlie Appleby has opted for blinkers in an attempt to sharpen his focus.
A more reliable pick might be Aidan O’Brien’s Haffner, a promising son of Justify who built on his Curragh debut with a maiden win at Newmarket earlier this month. Although the competition is tougher, Haffner represents the Ballydoyle brand for a reason and could be a solid contender. LIBERTY LANE, a Listed winner at Goodwood, has dropped to a tempting weight and poses a danger to the field in the opening Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap (1.50) at Goodwood.
Karl Burke’s 2024 Cambridgeshire winner has not raced off this mark in almost two years but is well drawn in stall four under Clifford Lee. He hinted at a return to form at Sandown when he wore cheekpieces for the first time, and those cheekpieces will remain for this assignment.
My husband Tom’s Marquand‑riden YABHER is also capable of a bold display after a strong run over this course and distance in May, though a disappointing performance at York last time means he has something to prove in this competitive handicap. The Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap (4.10) at Goodwood promises to be a fast and furious affair and could be won by the speedy LEXINGTON BLITZ, who produced a huge effort in the Epsom Dash last month. Robert Cowell’s four‑year‑old, a proven course and distance winner, looks well placed to win this race despite carrying just a pound higher weight. However, don’t underestimate Richard Spencer’s pair Run Boy Run and Twilight Calls.
Richard Spencer has a knack for winning big sprint handicaps and has enlisted the services of Ryan Moore’s son, Toby, who claims a valuable 7‑lb allowance on Run Boy Run. The horse is well drawn in stall 17 for a race of this nature, while Newmarket winner Twilight Calls carries a respectable mark of 90 and will be partnered by the in‑form Saffie Osborne. I will return with my thoughts on Wednesday’s action at Goodwood, which includes the Group 1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes and the exciting juvenile sprint, the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes.
Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.