Table of Contents
ToggleAidan O’Brien’s Paddington Looks to Add Another Group One Victory at Goodwood
In a highly anticipated showdown, Aidan O’Brien’s star colt Paddington is the hot favorite to secure his fourth Group One triumph in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday. Unbeaten in all five starts this season, including impressive victories in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, and the prestigious 10-furlong Eclipse against older competitors at Sandown earlier this month.
Paddington will be stepping back to a mile for the race on the scenic Sussex Downs. Amongst ten contenders vying for victory, he is currently O’Brien’s sole possible representative. The three-year-old sensation faces competition from Nostrum trained by Sir Michael Stoute and Charyn trained by Roger Varian – both promising three-year-olds.
The older charge is led by Inspiral from John and Thady Gosden’s stable. Having finished second in the Queen Anne stakes previously, Inspiral will renew rivalries with Modern Games (fourth), Berkshire Shadow (fifth), and Chindit (sixth) who were all part of that thrilling Ascot heat.
“I’ve got Chindit in the Sussex,” revealed trainer Richard Hannon. “He is showing excellent form lately but if we encounter soft ground conditions I’m not sure what our plan B will be.”
Richard Hannon has been closely monitoring track conditions as they could determine whether Chindit competes or opts for alternative races such as Prix Jacques le Marois or Celebration Mile at Goodwood.
“We have multiple options available,” Hannon added. “Chindit is a resilient horse and I’m very pleased with his current training regimen.”
The French raider Facteur Cheval adds an intriguing element to the race, while Kinross, who finished third in the July Cup, could potentially step back up in trip. Aldaary completes the list of possible contenders.
Dapperling’s Impressive Performance Puts Her in Line for More Success at Goodwood
Trainer Richard Hannon has high hopes for Dapperling after her commendable front-running performance before being overtaken by Relief Rally at Newbury’s Weatherbys Super Sprint on Saturday. The talented juvenile has been given several entries on Wednesday’s card at Goodwood.
Owned by Fitri Hay, Dapperling will be targeting either the British EBF 40th Anniversary Alice Keppel Fillies’ Conditions Stakes or the Group Three Molecomb Stakes as potential races to showcase her abilities once again.
“It was an exceptional run at Newbury,” praised Hannon about Dapperling’s performance. “I was overjoyed – she almost had it secured until late in the race! She has shown significant physical improvement and has adapted well to recent changes.”
Hannon stated that despite an 8lb increase to a mark of 84 following her previous outing, Dapperling remains unfazed and displayed no signs of fatigue during Tuesday morning’s canter session.
Molecomb Stakes Attracts Strong Field with Promising Contenders
The highly anticipated Group Three Molecomb Stakes boasts a competitive field of eighteen entries showcasing some promising two-year-olds ready to battle it out on Wednesday. Trainer Richard Hannon’s Baheer, along with other notable contenders like Windsor Castle winner Big Evs, six-length Sandown Listed victor Kylian and Aidan O’Brien’s Alabama are expected to provide stiff competition.
Whispering Angel Oak Tree Stakes: A Thrilling Contest Among Twenty Top Fillies
In the Group Three Whispering Angel Oak Tree Stakes, a thrilling contest is set to unfold as twenty talented fillies go head-to-head. Olivia Maralda, Potapova, and White Moonlight emerge as the frontrunners in this highly competitive race.