Our ambassador is setting the scene for the entire five‑day Goodwood Festival, starting with an electrifying opening day on Tuesday that features the marquee Goodwood Cup. The spotlight is on the much‑anticipated rematch between SCANDINAVIA and Trawlerman in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (3.35) on the first day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, a contest that I consider one of the highlights of what promises to be a spectacular week on the rolling Sussex Downs. Aidan O'Brien’s reigning champion proved his class by edging out a hard‑fought duel with Godolphin’s seasoned veteran in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, and he now looks set to reaffirm his superiority in this Group 1 showcase. The race is shaping up as a classic two‑horse showdown, with Scandinavia holding the advantage after his recent triumph.
At four years younger and arguably in better form this season, Scandinavia could emulate O’Brien’s own Kyprios by capturing a second Goodwood Cup, delivering the Ballydoyle trainer his fourth victory in the event over the past five years. Roger Varian’s Yorkshire Cup winner, Rahiebb, adds an intriguing subplot. Although Rahiebb struggled to stay the marathon distance in the Gold Cup, the shorter Goodwood trip could suit him better.
Still, I find it hard to imagine him challenging the market leaders, even with a half‑mile drop back in distance. For those who want the latest horse‑racing news, interviews and feature pieces, Sky Sports Racing remains the go‑to source. Turning to the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (3.00) at Goodwood, if QIRAT breaks well and takes the lead, I don’t see any of his rivals being able to reel him in. Ralph Beckett’s five‑year‑old, who delivered a stunning upset in last year’s Sussex Stakes, impressed me again when he ran from the front in the Group 3 Criterion Stakes at York, this time sporting a tongue‑tie for the first time.
Hollie Doyle also hinted that Thunder Call could play a role in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing this Saturday. In related news, Jamie Lynch will have five horses to watch at Ascot as international stars clash in the Shergar Cup.
Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is now chasing Cheltenham Festival glory with his charges Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. Meanwhile, at Ascot, Kalpana edged out Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes battle, and legendary jockey Ryan Moore was honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list. In the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini heads a four‑strong Aidan O’Brien team targeting the Epsom Classic.
I think Scandinavia could still improve, especially in a race that may not demand a massive winning margin this year, and I would give him the edge over Andrew Balding’s Marvelman. Scandinavia’s recent form includes a dominant performance in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle after returning from a lengthy break, suggesting he should be sharper this time around. He already boasts a Group 2 win and needs to take the next step, presenting a serious threat. His stablemate Witness Stand, who won this race for me last year, appears stronger than his Chester run and could mount another bold bid.
I have also earmarked PIKACHU as a horse to watch after his impressive run at Newmarket, and I’m not discounting him as he lines up for the Coral Vintage Stakes (2.25) at Goodwood. Charlie Johnston’s Amo Racing colt showed great determination in the Superlative Stakes after hitting a flat spot, and he could finally break his maiden on this seven‑furlong trip, which will be his fourth attempt. Never miss a story—download the app for the latest racing news, interviews and features straight to your phone. The likely favourite Al Hudaiba demonstrated his talent when he beat Pikachu in a Group 2 race, but he also has a complicated profile.
It’s interesting to note that Charlie Appleby has opted to fit blinkers, hoping to sharpen the horse’s focus. A more dependable option 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.
Though the competition will be stiff, he represents Team Ballydoyle for a reason and could be a solid pick. LIBERTY LANE, a Listed winner at Goodwood, has dropped to an attractive handicap mark, making him a genuine danger in the opening Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap (1.50) at Goodwood.
Karl Burke’s 2024 Cambridgeshire winner hasn’t raced at this level in nearly two years, but he is well drawn in stall four under Clifford Lee. He hinted at a return to form at Sandown last time when fitted with cheekpieces for the first time, and those will stay on for this assignment.
My husband Tom’s Marquand‑riden mount Yabher is also capable of a bold showing after a strong run over this course and distance in May, despite a disappointing effort at York last time. He will be eager to prove himself in a competitive handicap.
The Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap (4.10) at Goodwood promises to be fast and furious, and the rapid LEXINGTON BLITZ, who ran a huge race in the Epsom Dash last month, could be the one to take it. Robert Cowell’s four‑year‑old, a proven course and distance performer, looks well‑placed to win even with a slightly higher weight, but don’t underestimate Richard Spencer’s pair Run Boy Run and Twilight Calls. 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. Toby is well drawn in stall 17 for a race of this nature, while Newmarket winner Twilight Calls carries a respectable 90‑lb mark with the in‑form Saffie Osborne in the saddle.
I will return on Wednesday with my analysis of the next day’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, sharing her insights and excitement for the festival ahead.