The first day of Glorious Goodwood is nearly upon us and Richard has five horses heading to post. The festival is one of the biggest meetings of the year for the Hannon camp and this year looks no exception. SALLAB is going to post in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes for Al Shaqab Racing. The son of Havana Gold is coming off the back of a win at Epsom last time. ‘He won despite the track last time and appears to have improved since then. He is a lovely big colt but this is a big step up for him. If he could finish in the first three I would be delighted.’
The Lennox Stakes is next and the ever consistent OH THIS IS US is taking his chance. ‘I have given him a little break as he had been kept busy since Dubai. He appears in good order at home and he does run well fresh. The favourite will take plenty of beating but we know that he likes the track and he should run well again.’
The final race on day one for us is the six furlong Maiden for two year old Colts and Geldings. Another Al Shaqab Racing entrant is ALGAM who finished second at Epsom on his first start. ‘He ran very well on his debut and made a big impression before getting tired. He is a nice horse and with natural improvement he should be right there in the finish.’ OLIVER REED owned by Chelsea Thoroughbreds showed plenty of improvement to finish second last time. ‘He is a nice horse who ran very well last time. This is a tougher race again but I would expect a decent run from the son of Footstepsinthesand.’ The last of three runners is PRINCELY who is making his debut. ‘He is a nice colt who has worked well at home. He will improve on whatever he does, but I expect a decent effort with Ryan Moore on his back.’