Glorious Goodwood: day four

The Glorious Goodwood meeting continues today with no rain expected and the going good to firm. This afternoon´s main event is the Group Two Richmond Stakes for 2yo´s over 6 furlongs at 17.00 CET. Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes have been monopolising the top juvenile races this year and have the obvious favourite here in the unbeaten Libranno, who carries a 3 lbs penalty for winning the Group Two July Stakes last time.

He was not regarded as one of the stable´s top 2yo´s but has done nothing wrong so far, and seems to be much better than his connections realised. Marine Commando (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) and Satin Love (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) are also both unbeaten, but have only run in minor races and need to step up considerably if they are to trouble Libranno.

The card opens with the Group Three Glorious Stakes over 1 1/2 miles for older horses and this has attracted a decent field, headed by Cavalryman /Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori), third in last year´s "Arc" although unplaced both starts (in top company) this season, and Duncan /John Gosden/ William Buick), who was runner-up to Harbinger in the Hardwicke Stakes, which is pretty good form. Sri Putra (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson) was runner-up in the Eclipse Stakes last time, which also reads well, but is trying this trip for the first time and also has to concede weight to the others, so we will be rooting for Cavalryman.

The final group race today is the Oak Tree Stakes for fillies over 7 furlongs at 18.15 and if there is any justice in the world this will be won by Jacqueline Quest (Henry Cecil/ Tom Queally), who was disqualified after winning the 1,000 Guineas. Since then she has run another good race at Royal Ascot and is the clear form pick here. The Queen´s Golden Stream (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) may follow her home. Summer Fete (Bryan Smart/ Tom Eaves) won this last year, but has only run once since and apparently needs cut in the ground, which she is unlikely to get.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Duncan - Sri Putra - Manighar
2. Race: Victoire De Lyphar - Bagamoyo - Tiddliwinks
3. Race: Sea Lord - Oasis Dancer - Invisible Man
4. Race: Libranno - Marine Commando - Roayh
5. Race: Memen - Royal Exchange - Major Conquest
6. Race: Jacqueline Quest - Tabassum - Puff
7. Race: Rule Of Nature - Perfect Blossom - Little Garcon