Ten To Follow Update (08.08.2018)

We were treated to another Glorious week at Goodwood with ample opportunities to gain points. Tuesday started off with a bang, with all eyes on Stradivarius in the Goodwood Cup. He needed to win to get one step closer to the £1 million Stayers bonus put up by Weatherbys Hamilton and he did not disappoint. With his regular rider Frankie Dettori suspended, Andrea Atzeni was called up for the ride. Atzeni settled Stradivarius in midfield and asked for his effort turning for home three furlongs from the finish. He was under pressure a furlong from home and stayed on well to lead under hands and heels near the post. All eyes will be on York for the Lonsdale Cup where he could win the £1 million. 

Wednesday was Qatar Sussex Stakes day, where Without Parole was looking to maintain his unbeaten record. This did not happen, however there was a fitting winner with Lighting Spear finally winning a Group 1 for the sponsors Qatar Racing. He has frequently been touched off at the highest level and it was credit to the horse for getting his head in front. Jockey Oisin Murphy had him settled in midfield, he closed to track the leaders two furlongs from the finish and he could not get a clear run in the final furlong. The gap eventually open where he quickened well and ran on strongly to win by a length. 

Thursday was ladies day, where the Fillies and Mares came to the fore in the Qatar Nassau Stakes. Wild Illusion was looking to go one better than in the Oaks and Ribblesdale and get her first win of the 2018 season. She duly obliged under a great ride from William Buick. He sent her out in front and asked her to pick up with three furlongs to go. She was hard driven in the final furlong where she stayed on strongly and asserted for a comfortable two length victory. 

It had been a good week for players, but the best was yet come on Friday. Mirage Dancer got the day off to a flyer dominating a decent field under Ryan Moore, backing up his course win in May. The feature of the day, King George Qatar Stakes, brought the performance of the week from Battaash. Jockey Jim Crowley did well to keep him under control before the race as he has a tendency to boil over. He popped out of the gates well and raced in the centre before switching left after a furlong to join the main group. He took up the lead travelling strongly two furlongs out before quickening clear in the final furlong, running out a four length winner. The final winner of the day was Pretty Baby for the Haggas team in the Oak Tree Stakes. 

This weekend we have racing from Haydock and Newmarket. 

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