Pace & Draw:
Stalls centre. With several prominent types (Persica, Ice Max, Make Me King) this should be run at an honest pace. Goodwood’s mile is sharp, so position matters – low to middle draws (1–4) typically favoured if the field goes forward.

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Strongest Contenders

• Jonquil (3yo, Balding/Keane) – Proven/Progressive
  Group 3 winner and runner-up in French G1. Excuses last twice (drop to 7f, very strong G1 at Ascot). Weight-for-age (6lb) is a big advantage. Needs to prove himself on fast ground but pedigree (Lope De Vega out of a Dubawi mare) suggests it will suit.
• Persica (4yo, Hannon/Levey) – Proven
  G3 winner this spring, then beat Ice Max at Epsom. Reliable 115–117 performer, although slightly below peak last time in Germany. Tough, consistent, and handles varying conditions.
• Make Me King (5yo, Tudhope/Al Jehani) – Progressive
  Strong traveller, won Listed mile at Pontefract latest. In good form after international campaign. Needs to step up again to G2 level, but profile is solid.

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Main Dangers

• Ice Max (4yo, Burke/James) – Bounce Factor
  Won this race last year (on soft) and nearly beat Persica in June. 120 RPR peak puts him right in the mix. More effective with cut but still dangerous.
• Saqqara Sands (3yo, Beckett/Ryan) – Promising
  Filly in good heart, won G3 here last month. Getting 9lb from older colts is significant. Needs another step forward but trainer excels with progressive fillies at this stage of the season.

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Interesting Outsiders

• Arisaig (4yo, Johnston/Spencer) – Unexposed at this level
  Smart handicapper who often finishes well late. May find G2 company too strong, but Goodwood could suit her hold-up style if pace collapses.
• Balmacara (4yo, Johnson Houghton/Bishop) – Exposed
  Solid handicapper but little in hand against these Group horses.

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Runner Scores

• Jonquil – 9/10 (progressive 3yo, strong WFA claim)
• Persica – 8.5/10 (consistent, class act, track suits)
• Make Me King – 7.5/10 (solid Listed/G3 level, slight ceiling)
• Ice Max – 7.5/10 (dangerous if bouncing back, softer ground best)
• Saqqara Sands – 7/10 (improving filly, big weight pull, needs more)
• Arisaig – 6.5/10 (handicapper stepping up, needs pace collapse)
• Balmacara – 5/10 (outclassed at this level)

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Private Tissue

• Jonquil 9/4
• Persica 3/1
• Make Me King 5/1
• Ice Max 6/1
• Saqqara Sands 8/1
• Arisaig 16/1
• Balmacara 33/1

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Summary

A strong Group 2 with depth. The 3yos hold the key thanks to weight allowance: Jonquil looks the one with a G1-level profile and the ideal test at a mile. Persica is rock-solid, while Make Me King could sneak into the frame if finding improvement. Ice Max is the dark horse if bouncing back, though ground is quicker than ideal.

Smart Play:

• Win Bet – Jonquil (classy 3yo with WFA advantage, excuses last two)
• Each-Way Saver – Persica (rock-solid Group horse, reliable marker)