Defiance1982

Lots of new debutants in this race, but this pick already has a race under their belt, finishing 2nd of six runners in Class Two company. Goodwood is a difficult place to go with all the adulations, but they put in a good debut performance and were pipped by a horse that went on to lose by a short head in Class One company in the next race. This added experience should be a boost.

Taking a punt here on the 2024 Breeders' Cup winner under this jockey, who hasn't raced for nearly a whole year. Last ran in June of last year at Ascot in the King Charles Stakes, finishing 4th by just over a length to some seasoned, hardcore, Class One runners. Has dropped a bit of weight since and has raced well fresh once before.

Came back as a different horse after a gelding op and a 193-day break, with wins at both Wolverhampton and Sandown. Latest wins were in much higher, similar company to this. Up in weight, but still progressive, and has another strong jockey booking for this.

George Boughey has two in this race, but it's this pick that catches my eye. Zighy has been running well in similar company, winning at Southwell on the all-weather (also Wolverhampton in class five company), and also placing 2nd at Lingfield and Yarmouth. Fourth latest at Yarmouth, he was challenging for first place towards the end but eventually ran out of steam when trying the seven-furlong distance for the first time. The drop back to six furlongs here should be very beneficial.

New yard seems to be getting the best here after a hugely convincing 32-length win in a field of eight in much higher company at Exeter. Second latest was in a field of three at Huntingdon, but came up against a hugely improving Skelton horse now with three on the bounce. The drop in class here could potentially make this easy.

Hovering dangerously close to a win here in the past two years of this tournament. Took 6th back in 2024 and 5th last year on eight and seven under, respectively. 17th in the Japan PGA Championship last week makes good preparation.

Last year's winner, taking the title by a four-shot lead after improving from 13th the year prior. Fifth in the Maezawa Cup back in March, and commands a decent price here to retain this.

12th here back in 2023, and shot up to 3rd in 2024. He hit an eight-under on the first day, which was the best round of the tournament. He won The Crowns at the beginning of the month.

Did not take part in this last year, so might be pretty under the radar considering he finished 4th in both 2024 and 2023, on twelve and eleven under respectively.

Only player to finish in the top ten in both the 2021 edition and that of the reboot last year. Finished as winner five years ago on fourteen under when winning a playoff after a tie. Eighth here last year on eleven under despite starting on one over from the first day.

3rd here back in 2023, just a shot off the joint leaders, and opened up on eight under, which was the best round of the tournament. Finished 6th here last year when finishing on the same overall score as the amentioned. Finished 8th in the Trust a couple of weeks ago.

Finished on nine under to take both 6th place in 2023 and 9th in 2024 overall, hitting an eight under in the latter. Did not play last year, so may be under the radar if consistent. 7th in the Mizuho three weeks ago.

Big improvement here the last couple of years, hitting a ten-under to take 6th in 2023 and 5th last year. Form has been far more erratic everywhere else, except here lately.