Jaysella’s Goodwood Racecard for 2nd August 2025

Jaysella’s Goodwood Racecard for Saturday 2nd August

Goodwood

Coral Glorious Stakes (Group 3) 1.20
Al Aasy (nap)
Well, I’m going to stick with Al Aasy for the Glorious Stakes, and repeat last year’s win. It was good to firm ground then, but obviously there’s more dig in it now, but Al Aasy has got plenty of form on the deeper stuff, so I’m not bothered about that. What he’s really really good at, with supercool Jim Crowley in the chair, is navigating a tactical race in a small field, so I’m guessing that all the stars are aligned to defend the title. It’s probably stablemate Candleford that’s the biggest danger, but although he’s won at Listed level he ain’t got a Group success under his belt yet, so in this grade Al Aasy is the class act and gets my vote.

Coral Summer Handicap 1.55
French Duke
So, the big question is does French Duke get this one mile six trip, although he won here last year over a mile and a half, so showed can act on this track. My guess is that he does get the trip, and can only come on for that seasonal first run at Ascot’s Royal do, when a 7 & 1/2 length seventh in the big field Duke Of Edinburgh, and he has probably been lined up for this. There’s dangers all over, with William Haggas’s progressive Sam Hawkens looking to be off a nice mark, Andrew Balding’s Subsequent another likely improver, and David Menuisier’s Master Builder, who has some course and distance form to bring with him. Tricky one, but French Duke has enough going for him, and with James Doyle taking the ride for Wathnan Racing he’s my pick.

Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) 2.30
Term Of Endearment (nb)
Another that’s likely to line up from the top of the market, but I reckon that’s just about justified. Here’s why: Reason One – Term Of Endearment won this in 2024, so likes it here. Reason Two – her second by a head to Scenic in the Bronte Cup Fillies Stakes at York showed she’s still in fine form. Reason Three – she’s out of William Haggas’s yard now, and has Tom Marquand for company. Reason Four – She won’t be minding the softer ground if any more rain does arrive on the South Downs, and looks the pick of these ahead of Irish raider Goodie Two Shoes and home hope Sueno. Term Of Endearment to defend her crown, and make it a good day for the Somerville lodge yard.

Coral Stewards’ Cup (Heritage Handicap) 3.05
Elmonjed
I think I’ll take a chance with William Haggas’s Elmonjed, given that he arrives he in good form after last week’s win at York. I’m reckoning that inside him, the progressive Hammer The Hammer will draw Elmonjed nicely into a late run in the final furlong and a half, with Jim Crowley my man to get the timing spot on. Obviously, Elmonjed runs under a penalty, while Get It, last year’s winner is back to his best, but drawn in Stall 27 does ask a question, and these are my three.

Whispering Angel Handicap 3.45
Mudbir
I’m starting to sound like the Jim Crowley Appreciation club, but I reckon he’s got another great chance with Mudbir. Got my reasons though, as the inside draw is handy on Goodwood’s 7 furlong track, plus this Kingman colt lines up after a nice win at Sandown Park last month, and timing a late finish down Goodwood’s speedy downhill run in can suit his running style. Yah Mo Be There is a class act that steps into a Handicap, and might well have been given a chance off this mark, but my heart says Mudbir, so that’s where I’m sticking my pin.

British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (Colts & Geldings) 4.20
Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton cost a pretty penny, but ran with plenty of credit on his debut at the Curragh two weeks ago. I’m hoping that first run will have made the penny drop, or should be that be apple! but it did look a decent piece of form when just a nose down to the hot favourite, stablemate New Zealand. Fellow Irish raider, Corinth also looks one to keep tabs on, while Charlie Johnston’s Evanesco is my each-way angle for a yard that has always done well here. Isaac Newton to gravitate to the winning line first!

Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap 4.55
Treasure Time
Withdrawn from Friday’s Golden Mile on account of the deep ground, Treasure Time looks good value for this lesser race. I’ll be taking the chance that the course will have dried out enough for William Haggas’s Time Test gelding, who ran okay here last year, and will definitely come on for his first run this term at Sandown Park last month. In fact, that was a hotter race, so despite the extra cut in the surface here, I’ll be expecting a big run under Tom Marquand, with Andrew Balding’s Gladius and Richard Hannon’s Boyfriend both expected to be thereabouts. Treasure Time to open the treasure chest in the closer.