The pace appears to be drawn on either wings of the track whereas the main market principals are all drawn in the centre of the course. I think the stands’ side rail is where you want to be with fresher ground however only time will tell.
Not a single horse from the Classic generation has got into this contest, but there are a few unexposed rivals in the shape of Fresh, Hurricane Ivor and Great Ambassador that all look to have a decent chance but are far too short in the market for a race of this nature.
Meraas is normally one that goes off very fast in front, he went off 11/2 for this last year and Ryan Moore is aboard him in stall 24. You would expect him to make the running on the stands side and both selections COMMANCHE FALLS and EJTILAAB are drawn either side of him high in stalls 23 and 25 respectively so you’d expect them to get a decent toe into the race.
Ejtilaab is a son of Slade Power and is 3-3 over 6f and has looked hugely progressive this season over this trip. He posted a careert best RPR last time out and is fancied to continue his progression here as he looks one that could be destined for Group company and the demands of this race.
I also like the look of the progressive Commanche Falls who also comes from a top sprinting sire in the shape of Lethal Force. Michael Dods is a top-sprint trainer and his mount has been ultra-consistent in sprints this campaign topping it off with a win in the Scottish Stewards Cup at Hamilton last time out. He should be suited by the drying ground and I think he’s been overlooked in the market.
Both fancies are best-priced at 14/1 with up to seven places on offer with certain bookmakers.
1pt each-way Ejtilaab @14/1, 15:40 Goodwood, Saturday (1-6 places, 1/5 odds with Betfair)
1pt each-way Commanche Falls @14/1, 15:40 Goodwood, Saturday (1-7 places, 1/5 odds with Skybet)