1:20 Goodwood Tips

A stop start career so far for the 4yo but he does have 4 wins from 8. Below par in the spring but he wasn’t beaten far three weeks ago in a Group 2 and has something to build on in this Group 3 contest. He’s twice a winner previously at this level, William Buick in the saddle and the rain that came on Thursday is a big positive for the selection.

William Haggas has won this race three times in the last five years, including with Al Aasy last year, who is today’s favourite. However, he carries a 3lb penalty, which is never ideal, and at 6/1, Candleford makes more appeal. Off the track for a year, Candleford returned with a much-needed run at Royal Ascot, finishing a not-knocked-about last in a Group 2. He clearly came on for the run and looked quite impressive last time out at Beverley, where he made all the running over today’s trip in a Listed race, finishing strongly. Now back to a decent level of form, getting his head back in front could have done him good, especially after setting some quick fractions. With no obvious front-runner in this field besides himself, I suspect Tom Marquand will use a similar strategy. The jockey did well a few days ago on Ashariba from the front and could produce a similar result here.