Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1)

Off time: 15:16 | Winning time: 3m 35.07s

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(6)

Eagles By Day¹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 111

40/1

Set a stiff task on seasonal bow when contesting the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot for Michael Bell, and benefited from step up in trip when landing Group 3 Silver Cup at York last time on debut for current yard. Place claims if building on that.

Form: 1638-91

(2)

Euchen Glen¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-9| J: Oisin Murphy| T: J S Goldie| OR: 100| D

150/1

Multiple handicap winner from 1¼m-2m. Back from a long absence this season, and ran well when sixth in John Smith's Cup at York (previous winner of that race) last time. Biting off more than he can chew at this level, though.

Form: 121/396

(1)

Nayef Road⁴⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 115| C| D

20/1

Better than ever when winning Sagaro Stakes at Newcastle on his return, and ran at least as well when 10L second of 8 to Stradivarius in Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last time. Return to 2m will help, and he has minor place claims again.

Form: 1537-12

(3)

Spanish Mission²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: James Doyle| T: D M Simcock| OR: 110

33/1

Bahrain Trophy winner last year, but only third to Nayef Road in G3 Gordon Stakes here 12 months ago. Stepped up on a low-key comeback when second of 5 to Dashing Willoughby in Henry II Stakes at Sandown, but much more needed now.

Form: 2131-62

(7)

Stradivarius⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-9| J: L Dettori| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 125| CD

4/7

Outstanding stayer of recent seasons, and has won this race three times. Looked better than ever when quickening 10L clear of Nayef Road to retain Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, and almost impossible to oppose once again.

Form: 1112-31

(4)

Who Dares Wins^v1³⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 9-9| J: Tom Marquand| T: A King| OR: 107| D

80/1

Wonderful servant to connections, winning on AW, turf, over hurdles and fences. Landed Queen Alexandra Stakes at Ascot on latest start, but looks outclassed at this elevated level. Visor replacing usual cheekpieces now.

Form: 21447-1

(5)

Santiago³¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 115

15/8

Won a Listowel maiden as a juvenile, and stepped up on that to land Group 2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot. Barely needed to improve to win a substandard Irish Derby last time, but is unexposed as a stayer, and gets plenty of weight from his elders.

Form: 221-11

Forecasts

Stradivarius (4/7), Santiago (15/8), Nayef Road (20/1), Spanish Mission (33/1), Eagles By Day (40/1), Who Dares Wins (80/1), Euchen Glen (150/1)

The presence of Irish Derby winner Santiago adds some spice to this contest, and Aidan O'Brien's charge looked a strong stayer when taking the Queen's Vase. He receives over a stone from STRADIVARIUS, but the reigning champion looked even better than ever when landing his third Gold Cup at Ascot last month. He's hard to oppose as a result, with Gold Cup runner-up Nayef Road likely to chase him home at a respectful distance again.