Our ambassador shares her assessment of a spectacular renewal of the Sussex Stakes on the second day of the Glorious Goodwood Festival, and she also offers her insights on the rest of the day’s programme. It is a tall order to argue against Bow Echo, who will be testing his unbeaten record in the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes (4:10) at the Qatar Goodwood Festival on Wednesday. The George Boughey‑trained colt burst onto the scene with a dominant win in the 2000 Guineas and followed that up with a convincing victory in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last month. Since then he has continued to impress his connections in training, showing the speed and versatility that have made him a favourite among punters.
This will be Bow Echo’s first encounter with older horses, but a favourable draw in stall four and an eight‑pound weight‑for‑age allowance give him a strong advantage. If he can replicate his previous form, he could become the fifth three‑year‑old to win this Group One race in the past ten years, a feat that would underline his status as a true champion of his generation. One rival who could potentially upset the balance is Godolphin’s Opera Ballo. The colt ran a tactical race in the Queen Anne and appears to thrive when positioned near the front.
On a Goodwood track that often rewards front‑running tactics, Opera Ballo could prove difficult to restrain. Charlie Appleby’s charge has already built an impressive résumé, with a Group One triumph in the Jebel Hatta in Dubai, a comfortable win over Field Of Gold, and a subsequent Summer Mile victory aboard Zeus Olympios at Sandown.
His proven ability at the highest level makes him a genuine threat to Bow Echo’s dominance. Aidan O'Brien’s Gstaad, who finished second to Bow Echo at the Royal Meeting, is another contender worth noting. Gstaad is a tenacious fighter, but he lacks the explosive turn of foot that Bow Echo possesses. On the undulating Downhill course, that lack of acceleration could be his Achilles’ heel, potentially leaving him vulnerable in the final furlongs.
Richard Hannon and Sean Levey also have strong mounts in the Goodwood meeting, though none appear as compelling as Pershaada in the Group Three Veuve Clicquot Molecomb Stakes (3:35) on Wednesday. Pershaada, a daughter of Persian Force, has already demonstrated her aptitude for the Goodwood course and distance, having secured a novice win in May before stepping up in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot.
She finished a close second, just two lengths behind Victorious, and that performance has earned her considerable respect within the field. In the broader context of the festival, I would love to see Rebecca Menzies capture a major victory with her unbeaten colt Adonius.
After extending his perfect record in the Lily Agnes at Chester, Adonius possesses a burst of speed that could translate well to the mile‑and‑a‑half distance of the Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap (1:50). Similarly, Archie Watson’s Flight Signal, who showed promise on debut but struggled in the Norfolk Stakes, could finally fulfil his potential with a well‑judged ride. Flora Of Bermuda, who rebounded from a disappointing Royal Ascot run to claim the Group Three Summer Stakes at York, is now targeting the Rolls‑Royce Oak Tree Stakes (3:00) at Goodwood.
Trainer Andrew Balding believes the mare can handle the step up to seven furlongs, especially with a favourable low draw. Her recent form, including an unplaced finish in the Group One Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, suggests she can stay the distance, though whether she will replicate Flora’s turn of foot remains to be seen.
Simon and Ed Crisford’s Zanthos also deserves attention. After winning the Group Two Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket last year, Zanthos suffered a disappointing run in the Commonwealth Cup. A tongue‑tie will be used for the first time in an effort to steady the filly, and if successful, she could return to her best form over the seven‑furlong distance.
For those following the racing news on their mobile devices, Sky Sports Racing offers a constant stream of updates, interviews, and feature stories. I am personally hoping my husband Tom (Marquand) can secure a winning start on Wednesday in the Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap (1:50) aboard William Haggas’s promising colt Infraad. Infraad, a Pontefract novice winner, appears ready to step up to a mile and a half after a solid handicap debut against seasoned opposition at Chester a few weeks ago.
The handicapper has left him at a rating of 90, which could give him an edge over a competitive field that includes Harry Eustace’s Nottingham performer Bay Royale, a son of New Bay who may benefit from a first‑time tongue‑tie. The closing HKJC World Pool Handicap (5:40) is wide open, but the booking of Ryan Moore on Crimson Spirit could prove decisive. Dan and Claire Kubler’s five‑year‑old, who finished a strong second at Newmarket last time out, draws stall 10, not the most advantageous position, yet he has previously won a large‑field handicap over the same course and distance back in May. He remains fairly treated despite a higher rating.
Bobby Bennu, the likely favourite, represents top trainer Roger Varian but has not won on turf for some time, performing best on an artificial surface. A three‑pound increase in his weight makes his task more challenging, prompting me to seek value in Crimson Spirit instead. Overall, the Goodwood card offers a blend of proven Group One talent, emerging three‑year‑olds, and seasoned older horses, each with distinct strengths and potential vulnerabilities. The Sussex Stakes, in particular, will be a showcase of youthful brilliance versus seasoned experience, with Bow Echo and Opera Ballo headlining a clash that could define the season’s narrative.
Hollie Doyle, speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, provided these insights, underscoring the excitement and unpredictability that make Goodwood a highlight of the British flat racing calendar.