Pace & Draw Angles

Pace forecast is even, which typically disadvantages hold-up types at this trip at Goodwood unless the tempo becomes searching. Prominent racers, particularly those able to get a position early, are usually best placed here.
Draw bias is neutral over this distance, but those racing handily from the outset can avoid traffic issues around this turning track.


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Strongest Contenders

MANXMAN (TFR 99) – 8/10
Ultra-consistent stayer with a horse-for-course flag. Hit the frame in all 12 of his handicap runs and returned in good order when second to an unexposed winner at Southwell. Travels well, handles conditions, and trainer Simon & Ed Crisford are in form (20% strike rate with 10f+ runners). No negatives.

MR HAMPSTEAD (TFR 98) – 8/10
Won over C&D on reappearance by 5½ lengths, and did so readily. That was a career-best, and the wide-margin win suggests he could defy a rise. Lightly raced and open to more progress for Raphael Freire. The visual impression last time was strong, though the race depth was modest.

CONTACTO (TFR 100) – 8/10
Lightly raced 4yo who shaped very well last term, and returns gelded. Second in a solid Haydock race when last seen. Could progress further at 2m. Timeform highlight his slow-starting tendency, which is a concern given the likely even tempo. Andrew Balding’s team remain in good order.

ALMUHIT (TFR 99+) – 7/10
Returned to form over hurdles for new yard, and ran a stormer when second of 25 at Punchestown. Back on the level now, with cheekpieces off. Trainer Faye Bramley sends few to this level but he’s interesting off a fair mark if translating that form. 24-day turnaround is noted; fit and thriving.

DIAMOND BAY (TFR 99) – 7/10
Narrow winner here last time out, showing grit. Another C&D winner with a solid profile at this venue. Likely to race close up, which suits. However, he had the run of the race and may be vulnerable under a penalty against less exposed rivals.


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Main Dangers

TROOPER BISDEE (TFR 98) – 6/10
Prescott-trained 5yo who won a couple last year and returns off a break. Has placed fitness concerns (223 days off), but stable has a 26% strike rate over this trip, and is typically strong with early-season returners. Needs market watch, especially if strong late on.

VINO VICTRIX (TFR 98) – 6/10
Goes well here (horse-for-course flag) and shaped well on return at Chelmsford over an inadequate trip. Step back up to 2m ideal, but he’s 0–6 in last 12 months and has sometimes flattered to deceive in big-field events.

WONDER (TFR 98) – 6/10
Won at Southwell in March and was competitive next time before flopping in the AW Championships. Well-handicapped if that run is forgiven, but this is deeper and Goodwood presents a different challenge. Acts on good to firm.


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Interesting Outsiders

KING’S REIGN (TFR 96) – 5/10
Expensive ex-Godolphin purchase. Only win came over 12f, but pedigree suggests staying trips should suit. Last seen flopping in heavy ground. Drops 4lb and now with Gary & Josh Moore, who won this in 2022 with Aggagio. Off 198 days – market watch essential.

AGGAGIO (TFR ?) – 4/10
2022 winner of this race. Has shown very little lately on the Flat or over hurdles, but is 2–2 over C&D. Last time behind Mr Hampstead was underwhelming, and stamina looked to give way. Not totally dismissed but hard to support without market revival.

TRITONIC (TFR ?) – 3/10
Once smart, but long time since he showed that form. Well beaten in two runs this term and needs a dramatic revival. Might be being aimed at something later in the summer.

BASHFUL BOY (TFR 96) – 3/10
Outsider who wasn’t disgraced in the Chester Cup but appears in decline. On a sliding mark but hard to fancy on recent evidence.


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Trends & Trainer Notes

4yo/5yo runners won 6 of the last 7 renewals.

2022 winner Aggagio (Moore) is back; trainers Gary & Josh Moore are dual winners of this race.

Stayers returning from 180+ days have a mixed record – monitor market for Trooper Bisdee, Contacto, King’s Reign, and Aggagio.

In-form yards include Simon & Ed Crisford, Alan King (quiet), Balding, and Hughie Morrison.



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Each-Way Angles

With 12 runners and a competitive feel, each-way players may focus on:

MANXMAN – Reliable and holds no secrets, but consistently in the frame.

CONTACTO – Scopey 4yo off a break; if market vibes are positive, he’s the unexposed one.

ALMUHIT – Has stamina and form at a higher level this spring.



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Timeform Adjusted Ratings Summary (Top 5)

1. Contacto – 100


2. Almuhit – 99+


3. Manxman – 99


4. Diamond Bay – 99


5. Mr Hampstead – 98




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Tissue Estimate

Horse Tissue Odds

Manxman 4/1
Contacto 9/2
Mr Hampstead 5/1
Almuhit 6/1
Diamond Bay 8/1
Vino Victrix 12/1
Trooper Bisdee 14/1
Wonder 14/1
King’s Reign 16/1
Aggagio 20/1
Tritonic 25/1
Bashful Boy 33/1



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Final Note:
Expect this to be a strong staying test with emphasis on track position and proven stamina. Keep a close eye on market moves for those off 90+ days, especially Contacto, King’s Reign, and Trooper Bisdee. In-form yards and course form count for plenty around Goodwood.