Pace & Draw Setup:
Small field of six, and this trip at Goodwood tends to favour those handy. Forever Penywern and Arkinthestars are natural pace angles, with Ocean Of Dreams likely sitting just behind them. Wise Counsellor tends to be ridden further back, while Nanny Park has hung under pressure so a smooth trip is not guaranteed. Draw not a major factor with only six runners, though low can help if there’s an early battle.
Strongest Contenders
- Ocean Of Dreams (Archie Watson / Hollie Doyle) – Proven
Class edge on past turf handicaps (RPR highs in the 90s). Last run poor on AW but blinkers could sharpen him. On these terms, he is the one to beat if running to Ascot/York form. - Arkinthestars (K R Burke / Sam James) – Progressive
Game Doncaster winner over 1m2f and proved stamina at 1m4f. Not disgraced at Hamilton in stronger race last time. Reliable front-runner type who should give her running. - Forever Penywern (W Haggas / C Fallon) – Promising
Improved sharply when second at Yarmouth. Extra furlong looks a plus and yard rarely runs one here without intent. Unexposed and could easily step forward again.
Main Dangers
- Wise Counsellor (A Balding / J Watson) – Solid but winless
Six starts, plenty of placed efforts, cheekpieces retained. Pedigree (Nathaniel) and style suggest this trip is fine, but repeatedly finds one too strong. Likely place player again. - Nanny Park (J Fanshawe / B Loughnane) – Flawed finisher
Consistent in handicaps, close last time at Newmarket, but tendency to hang is a big negative around Goodwood’s camber. Not dismissed but risky.
Interesting Outsider
- Yarborough (G & J Moore / 7lb claimer) – Exposed and modest. Hard to see him landing a blow against classier rivals.
Runner Scores (suitability out of 10)
- Ocean Of Dreams – 9/10 (Class act; needs blinkers to work)
- Arkinthestars – 8/10 (Reliable, proven stamina, pace player)
- Forever Penywern – 7.5/10 (Unexposed, likely improver)
- Wise Counsellor – 7/10 (Solid, but vulnerable to improvers)
- Nanny Park – 6/10 (Ability there but quirks costly)
- Yarborough – 2/10 (Outclassed)
Private Tissue Odds (my book)
- Ocean Of Dreams – 15/8
- Arkinthestars – 5/2
- Forever Penywern – 3/1
- Wise Counsellor – 5/1
- Nanny Park – 13/2
- Yarborough – 50/1
Summary & Smart Play
The race looks set up for a strong gallop with Arkinthestars and Forever Penywern forcing matters. If the blinkers revive him, OCEAN OF DREAMS holds the best form and rates the one to beat back on turf.
Smart Play:
- Win bet – Ocean Of Dreams (class horse in the field, conditions suit)
- Each-way saver – Forever Penywern (unexposed, could progress again; especially if 4/1+ in market)
Market will tell the story—if money comes for Ocean Of Dreams, connections may feel blinkers have unlocked him. If weak, expect Arkinthestars and Forever Penywern to fight it out.
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