Coutts Glorious Stakes 2012

2.00 Goodwood

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

Winner £34,026

Advice: 1 pt win Quest For Peace (11/2 general)

Berling: Very useful handicapper (took handicaps at Pontefract and Chester last summer) turned group class performer at this trip, winner of Listed contest last season; In good heart this time around but About 5l behind Dandino on all form this term.

Dandino: Won the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket for James Given in May and then moved to Nicky Henderson yard and back to Fanshawe when not taking to schooling over hurdles; Fair comeback (especially on literal second to Sea Moon on that one’s seasonal debut) but not quite best for this season, disappointing when not able to move past Polygon in Fred Archer Stakes; Soft ground didn’t suit last time.

Dubai Prince: Always shown ability, as he did for Dermot Weld when favourite for many 2011 Classics after easy group 3 win; Sent to Godolphin, injured, but came back in good style when landing 10 furlong conditions contest but disappointed on all Group tests since then, getting the winning thread back when winning at 1m1f in July; Talented but not the most solid of performers.

Gatewood: Unbeaten in 1m2f handicaps this term, winning despite drifting on first occasion and then coming with stunning run from last to first at Epsom despite having given himself tons to do (from most awful position); Much the same story in very strong renewal of Wolferton handicap, getting there in last strides; Step up to 1m4f sure to help him and connections aiming as high as Melborune Cup, but this a toughish first test for Group company.

Midsummer Sun: Promise based on his impressive reappearance win over this at this trip but not lived upto that in any of his runs since, well beaten in handicap company the last twice; This trip and ground sure to suit him but others much more solid today. 

Quest For Peace: Looked like one to follow when landing Cumberland Lodge Stakes in good style on first Luca Cumani start; respectable fifth in Canadian Group 1 and good second in Jockey Club Stakes, while Coronation Cup fourth also gives him a chance here; Disappointed in Hardwicke but this easier and deserves respect.

Songcraft: Had been one of the most progressive horses in the UAE through the carnival, winning twice to attain mark of 110 before Group 2 third; Unplaced in Duty Free but back to form when second behind Asfare in Listed event and that form been boosted by winner’s Group 2 second since

VERDICT: The betting revolved around the progressive Gatewood, who’s expected to enjoy a step up in trip and make it 4-4 for the season, but he’s very short taking a step up in class and he faces some decent rivals here. Songcraft’s got lots going for him at this trip and is respected, but QUEST FOR PEACE is a big price at 6/1 given his earlier for this season and can outrun his odds.