Gordon Stakes 2013

2.30 Goodwood

 Neptune Investment Management Gordon Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (3YO only)

Winner £42,532

Advice: 1 pt win Secret Number (6/1 888Sport), 1 pt Elkaayed (11/2 Stan James)

Cap O’Rushes: Much improved for the step upto 12 furlongs when fourth in the King George V H’Cap at Royal Ascot on first run for Saeed Bin Suroor and then outran his odds in the Irish Derby when fourth; That another fine effort but many in that race disappointed and hard to be uber confident about the form for all that he’s got a strong chance here.

Elkayyed: Fourth and second in good maidens last year, most notably best of the rest behind Telescope, and won two races early this year, following up maiden win with comprehensive all the way win in three runner Doncaster conditions event; Only fifth in the Tercentenary at Royal Ascot over 1m2f from the front but that was an exceptional renewal of the race and he looked as if he’d enjoy 1m4f; Should go well.

Excess Knowledge: Always set to improve for step up in trip/extra year being a half-brother to Rain Mac out of 1m4f Listed winner; Did well to win slowly run race on his debut before second in the Washington Singer Stakes (Gosden had won it three times in last seven years) and best forgiven no show in Autumn Stakes; Return in Sandown listed event at 1m2f was greatly encouraging for step up in trip and winner’s form high class for the level, so rightful favourite here.

Havana Beat: Unlucky in 1m5f Group 1 at Newmarket having been short of room at crucial stage, but that a weak race and had been well beaten in two strong events the last twice; Others make more appeal.

Secret Number: Not quite shown his UAE form but much better than UK debut when fourth in Group 1 at Royal Ascot with Elkayyed behind for one and looked as if he’d have enjoyed a step up to 1m4f plenty; Must be high on shortlist if able to be in same form or improved on a line through the second and third.

Spillway: Short of room in King George V Stakes when progressing well (should have enjoyed the step up from 10f on all previous evidence) but hard to think he was going to play big part and others make more appeal.

Testudo: Minor promise on 10f debut at Newbury and built on it when taking Sandown event by a  neck over same trip; Nice Group debut at Newmarket but Feel Like Dancing Just got the better of him; Surprise if he’s not got more to give but wants further than this already.

VERDICT: An intriguing renewal of what’s become a strong St Ledger trial. Excess Knowledge showed great promise on his seasonal return and should take the beating stepped up in trip, but it might pay to back the Tercentenary Stakes form from Royal Ascot with SECRET NUMBER and ELKAYYED, who both ran good races in what was a strong renewal.