Glorious Goodwood 2011 - Glorious Stakes

2.00 Goodwood

Coutts Glorious Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £28,355

Pick: Harris Tweed (win)

Indian Days: Unable to make mark in pair of Group 1 events (albeit well – contested ones) after winning a Group 2 in Turkey last year but continued progression when landing Group 3 under penalty at Newbury, and better form when behind Dandino (carried penalty) in Jockey Club Stakes; Last in 5 runner Group 1 events the last twice and while this will suit more than those vents, 3lbs penalty not endearing.

Campanologist: Consistent performer who reached peak last season with consecutive Group One wins in Germany in the Von Lotto and Pokal in July/August respectively; Third to Dangerous Midge in September reads well and forgiven Melbourne Cup flop at the backend of last season; Disappointing on return but more like it when second in Tattersalls Gold Cup; Well held in Hardwicke and also at Newmarket last time.

Distant Memories: Tough and consistent performer who's sure to run his race, and gained deserved win in Winter Hill Stakes last season; Bettered that still when third in Group 2 at Longchamp and deserves respect based on two of his three runs this season; Only just held on at Pontefract last time and this demands more.

Drunken Sailor: Wide margin winner from respectable yardsticks in a well contested listed race last time and ran to something like same level when third in Hardwicke; Second from that race expected to confirm form.

Halicarnassus: Found some great form of late, notably when wining the Old Newton Cup with a fir bit in hand; Drop to 1m2f didn’t work on Tuesday and while step up in trip welcomed step up in class might stop him.

Harris Tweed: Progressive front runner thoughought 2010, winning big Musselbrugh handicap with plenty to spare before taking two listed races; Hard at it from long way out in Ormonde at Chester May meeting and Hardwicke second even better; Should make a bold bid.

Jukebox Jury: Made giant strides in 2009 when winning the Grand Prix De Deauville and the Preis Von Europa, before finishing a very close second in the Canadian International; Never quite reached that level last year but Listed win shows he’s in good heart and can’t be discounted.

Rasmy: Made large strides in just 8 months when coming third in Chester Vase but had his problems (gelded since) and lacklustre reappearance, although that in a very good race for grade; Might retain old ability.

Redwood: Has improved no end since winning Glorious Stakes at Goodwood, winning the Northern Dancer Turf Stakes before just finding one too good in strong Grade 1’s, going down to Prince Of Wales’s Stakes winner Rewilding in Dubai; Well held behind Crystal Capella at Newmarket but that was class act and he can still go well here.

Nouriya: Was in some fine form last year, deifying a penalty to bring up her hat-trick and record a Listed double in the John Musker Fillies' Stakes; Only seventh in Prix L’Opera at back end of last year & would need to improve on both efforts this season to figure; Step up in trip looks fine.

VERDICT: Despite having to contend with class acts Redwood’s lack of a win (now 5 starts) is a little worrying and there may not have been much strength in depth to the race he was second in last time, as there hasn’t had much in behind. HARRIS TWEED’S Hardwicke second was a career best and he might be able to go one better here.