Pace & Draw Assessment
- Pace Forecast: Even – no guaranteed front-runner, suggesting this could develop into a steadily run affair.
- Pace Bias: Hold-up horses often fare well over this trip at Goodwood, especially when the pace isn’t strong. That setup may suit closers like Perfect Your Craft and Queen of Thieves.
- Draw Bias: Not a major factor at this trip on good ground, but mid-to-high draws may allow more cover early.
Leading Contenders
RHAPSODY (IRE) – Adj. Rating: 97p
Frankel filly who was impressive on debut and is bred to appreciate this step up to 10f. Ran poorly on reappearance in the Cheshire Oaks (beaten 13L), but that race was on softer ground and over further. Trained by William Haggas, who has won this race before (2022 with Sea Silk Road). If the market speaks positively, she’s a big player.
Rating: 8.5/10
MUSIC PIECE (IRE) – Adj. Rating: 96p
Camelot filly who shaped well behind Tattycoram at Sandown last month when needing the run. Half-sister to stayers and looks to be crying out for this longer trip. Likely improver for Andrew Balding (a trainer in form).
Rating: 8/10
QUEEN OF THIEVES – Adj. Rating: 94
Frankel sister to Cracksman, lightly raced and clearly held in high regard. Didn’t stay 1m4f in the Cheshire Oaks but shaped promisingly on both previous starts. Drop in trip is a big plus.
Rating: 8/10
Main Dangers
TRAD JAZZ – Adj. Rating: 102
Form of her two wins at Kempton holds up well and looked potentially useful. However, her Listed try at Newmarket was underwhelming, weakening badly late. Must prove effectiveness on turf at this level.
Rating: 7.5/10
PERFECT YOUR CRAFT (IRE) – Adj. Rating: 89p
Mastercraftsman filly from the Beckett yard. Only seen once in October but shaped with serious promise and found extra late to win at Salisbury. Profile screams improver and bred to relish 10f+. Respected on return if strong in the market.
Rating: 7.5/10
JANEY MACKERS (IRE) – Adj. Rating: 101p
Won well on debut and likely needed the run behind Falakeyah in Listed company latest. Has the scope to come on plenty but this is a stiff ask second-up in a hot field.
Rating: 7/10
Interesting Outsiders
NEVER LET GO – Adj. Rating: 95
Form reads quite well (3rd behind a progressive type last time) but her awkward head carriage is a concern. Not ruled out for minor honours with a clean run, especially if pace collapses.
Rating: 6.5/10
STAR OF LIGHT – Adj. Rating: 93
Daughter of Frankel out of Irish Oaks winner Star Catcher. Ran flat at Kempton when awkward under pressure. Better than that, but quirky traits make her a risky proposition in this class.
Rating: 6/10
VICTORIA HARBOUR (IRE) – Adj. Rating: 89
Showed modest improvement from debut to win a maiden at Wetherby at 22/1. Pedigree and trainer suggest more to come, but likely needs a big step forward to win this.
Rating: 5.5/10
MANILA THRILLER – Adj. Rating: 91
Won a Nottingham handicap off 70 and not disgraced in deeper company, but this class may stretch her.
Rating: 5/10
Trends & Trainer Pointers
- Top Trainers:
- William Haggas won in 2022 and saddles Rhapsody, who ticks the pedigree and prep boxes.
- Ralph Beckett won in 2019 and runs Perfect Your Craft, who is unbeaten.
- John & Thady Gosden saddle Queen of Thieves and Star of Light, with a 20% strike rate over similar distances.
- Past Winners: Typically improving fillies from top yards. Winners have often run well in similar or softer ground over 10f+.
Each-Way Angles (10 runners)
- QUEEN OF THIEVES: Drop back in trip a positive; strong pedigree.
- MUSIC PIECE: Will be suited by this trip and can improve quickly.
- TRAD JAZZ: Has the top adjusted figure but must translate it to turf.
Marks Out of 10
| Horse | Adj Rating | Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Rhapsody (IRE) | 97p | 8.5 |
| Queen of Thieves | 94 | 8 |
| Music Piece (IRE) | 96p | 8 |
| Trad Jazz | 102 | 7.5 |
| Perfect Your Craft | 89p | 7.5 |
| Janey Mackers (IRE) | 101p | 7 |
| Never Let Go | 95 | 6.5 |
| Star of Light | 93 | 6 |
| Victoria Harbour (IRE) | 89 | 5.5 |
| Manila Thriller | 91 | 5 |
Tissue Estimate
| Horse | Tissue Price |
|---|---|
| Rhapsody (IRE) | 4/1 |
| Queen of Thieves | 9/2 |
| Music Piece (IRE) | 5/1 |
| Trad Jazz | 6/1 |
| Perfect Your Craft | 13/2 |
| Janey Mackers (IRE) | 8/1 |
| Never Let Go | 12/1 |
| Star of Light | 14/1 |
| Victoria Harbour (IRE) | 20/1 |
| Manila Thriller | 25/1 |
Summary
A competitive renewal of this Listed fillies’ trial, with Rhapsody holding strong claims if back to debut form. Queen of Thieves and Music Piece rate big dangers with stamina and improvement on their side. Perfect Your Craft is unexposed and hails from a yard with strong history in this race. If the pace is even and the race unfolds steadily, closers should be favoured. Watch the market carefully—especially for those off breaks like Rhapsody, Perfect Your Craft, and Star of Light.
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