And now we Duel

Dave Ord's blog as the Canford Cliffs team warm up in style with a double on the opening day of Glorious Goodwood 2011.

Now we want your Sussex Stakes thoughts

1800: Well team that's it. Enjoyable opening day to Glorious Goodwood but my do we crank up a few gears tomorrow. I'll be here early for the Duel In The Downs but please do get your initial thoughts over to daveord55@gmail.com and enjoy the Armchair Jockeys video preview. I'm off to Arundel for pastry, pints and sleep. Hopefully in that order. Thanks for your help today and we're back on the same channels tomorrow.

1742: Sam Barnard writes: "80p on the placepot fro 64 lines at 20p. not unhappy but too many placed favs for my liking, should shade profit hopefully!! Strong suit only single of the day aswell so a nice start to what is hopefully going to be a very Glorious Goodwood....all winnings on Sadler's Risk tomorrow?? haha"

Ah. Its paid £52 SB but you have a return and change for the game. Interesting to see that Sadler's Risk is the stable's second string in that race tomorrow...

1740: After Frankie Dettori initially said Delegator wasn't suited by the ground today, another excuse has come to light for his below-par display in the Lennox. The veterinary officer reports that during routine testing he found the horse had been struck into on his left hind.

1735: A few parish notices as the great Peter Naughton would say. We end the day as we began it on good ground. Seamus Buckley says: "I'm delighted with how the first day has gone. The ground has stood up very well to nearly 100 runners today.

"There was a lot of praise from the trainers and jockeys who said it was perfect ground, riding just on the slower side of good.

"We are leaving the going description as good and it will be the same tomorrow morning.

"We won't be moving the running rail until after racing on Wednesday when we will produce fresh ground up the straight for day three."

1727: Fathom Five hits the frame but not the bullseye - Secret Asset defies top-weight at 14-1.

1720: Real gamble taking place here with Maze almost halving in price. He's 8s from 14s.

1710: Just one to go - and goodie, goodie, it's a big-field sprint handicap. I've backed Fathom Five for a trainer with a wonderful record in this race with a small saver on Soap Wars on the advice of the press room shrewdie.

1702: For once John Sandys has misjudged me. He writes: "Moustache quite impressive there! Pulled the jockeys arms out for most of journey, be interesting to see him perform once taught to settle!! Take it you're a Canford man, how do you think the race will be run?"

No JS I'm firmly in the Frankel camp. I don't think Tom Queally will want to make the running on him but clearly can if needs be. One things for certain, he won't look to engage overdrive until about two furlongs out this time.

1700: Now for some geunuine Placepot woe. Jonathan Line says: "Just thought I'd share with you what I've just realised. My £1 placepot is still rolling onto the last leg, however the selection was meant to be Truism, the reasoning being it was drawn in stall 1. I've only gone and selected horse number 1 - Rulesn'regulations in error! Here's hoping George Baker gives it a trademark hold-up special but I'm fully expecting it to meet trouble in running and finish midfield."

JL you have my permission to turn to drink.

1656: Good news - Guest Book finishes second to Red Gulch and would have got me through the Placepot. Bad news - it went down in the first race.

1650: Just been for a drink with a couple of friends and guess what they'd sold out of? The bitter. When will the country catch on to the real ale revolution.

1630: Warcrown got worked up in the stalls, was very slowly away and seemed to stumble twice in the first quarter-of-a-mile. He was very green but there'll be other days with him.

1625: No in fact I've run out but Hannon-Hughes fans are in clover. Runner-up a winner waiting to happen with Tidy Affair, stablemate of the winner, back in third.

1624: Kate Miller reports Hill's haven't trimmed the last winner for any big-race yet. We're off, hold onto your hats.

1623: A thrilling finish and Moustache gets there by a whisker. It was a real close shave with Llanarmon Lad second.

1615: I could see Drummoyne putting his experience to use and outrunning his price (horrible phrase) as he too looks terrific.

1612: The question here is whether Warcrown (the comfortable paddock pick) will have the speed to cope with this speed test on debut.

1610: Richard Hannon Junior among those upset with the band noise next to the paddock. They've now been silenced. To be fair I'd stop blowing by trumpet if he told me to.

1609: Nige In Wexford is riding the wave and says: "Well Dave...my big 2 done the biz again -Strong Suit and Requinto. I thought that even from the front the last day that he quickened like a very progressive colt and he proved that again today. Just cant believe the price of them both to be honest!

"Anyway..I'll be on again in the morning with another moment of inspiration for tommorow's big festival punting(smiling) ..although I don't think I'll ever beat the 25/1 Rougemont from R Ascot."

Come on Nige, we've not peaked yet.

1605: Warcrown has to defy some pretty strong stats to make a winning debut here. Horses with previous experience have dominated in recent years and his sire Azamour has only ever had three winners at five or six furlongs from quite a substantial pool. Cheers to G Cunningham for pointing the latter out.

1600: A band is playing quite close to the parade ring and one or two of the newcomers have spooked at the loud music - including Warcrown.

1554: Boris Grigoriev carried the first colours of Michael Tabor there and after being taken off his feet, came home strongly. He looks like six furlongs is his trip while the strong-travelling Crown Dependency is worth another chance back up in trip.

1551: Apologies to Nige In Wexford, Requinto doesn't need to lead and comes out on top in a thrilling race.

1547: Update from Linfoot and he thinks High Spice will run well in the finale but is dismissing claims I'm owed £9 from the York Placepot. Wonder if the Tempest heavies will give him a second dig for me?

1545: Slight delay here - Boris Grigoriev has spread a plate on the way to the start.

1543: Barry Hills had an old-fashioned dig at Richard Hughes after our last race. He saddled Red Jazz to finish second to Strong Suit and said: "The winner chopped across him and Hughes keeps doing it. The winner won on merit but its wrong. It was the sort of move that could have cost us second."

He was then asked if he was referring to the finish of races in general or Hughes in particular and added: "Look at the formbook and you'll see."

1542: I have good news for John Sandys who says: ""Hi Dave. Fancied 3 today, Slumber in the Gordon and Strong Suit both to win and Kajima (strong fancy) in the 1650 e/w. Gutted I missed Strong suit in the lennox, it seems 3yo form standing up really well against elders. Dream Ahead, Nathaniel, the filly which hammered Midday and now Strong Suit.

"Love Canford Cliffs, the Hannons and Hughesie, but honestly, wouldn't be surprised if Frankel doesn't come off the bridle tomorrow!!! Hope your Calf's better."

I disagree over the Sussex JS but that's what this game is all about and there hasn't been as much as a twinge from the calf for two weeks now. However after listening to the Jeremy Vine show on my drive down to Arundel yesterday Sleep Apnea is the new health scare. I have a lot of the symptoms - well a collar size over 17 inches for starters.

1540: Big 45 minutes or so coming up for Richard Fahey. Hope Miss Work Of Art runs well for him here and can't wait to see Warcrown in the maiden. He's made no secret over the regard he holds him in.

1537: Money for Boris Grigoriev, Aidan O'Brien's only runner of the day. He looks to have more substance than one or two of these and isn't bred to be an out-and-out speedball either. Has to be respected though.

1535: It pays to keep the faith in this game and Daz O says: "After 2 seconds to the narrowest of margins i was thinking it was going to be one of those days. But strong suit has amended that for me. going for crown dependency in the next too. Be a good day if this one goes in too."

From the brink of despair and all that Daz!

1532: Burwaaz drops back to five furlongs here and he looks every inch a sprinter in the parade ring.

1530: I'm preparing for Stonefield Flyer's dash for glory with a cream tea. I hope he isn't.

1525: Three races gone and three stop-start gallops. That said I'd be surprised if anything got an easy lead in the Molecomb which is next.

1520: I'm trying to pick Ben 'Value Bet' Linfoot's brain for the rest of the card but he's too busy pretending he was going to join in my ill-fated Placepot. All I'll say is he'd better settle up from the one we got up at York on Friday very quickly for word reaches me that Dale Tempest is quite close to recruiting a debt-collection agency to get his hands on the £9 stolen from him.

1518: Time to tie up the loose ends from the Gordon Stakes and Fiorente could head to the Ladbrokes St Leger after all.

Peter Reynolds, manager to owners Ballymacoll Stud, said: "That was the first time he's ever hard a battle and will have taught him a lot. We might end up going for the Great Voltigeur and that would tell us a lot more about the St Leger. He's by Monsun out of a Pilsudski mare and would have no problem getting the trip at Doncaster."

1514: Delegator is never a factor having been held-up off the steady gallop.

1512: Confidence restored, Strong Suit wins very readily by a length-and-a-half. Again they go no gallop and Richard Hughes, always in the right place, seemed determined to keep Libranno in a pocket as long as he possibly could. The winner looked a Group One performer there.

1505: Strong Suit to lead home a Hannon one-two is the Ord call.

1503: Just confirmation for Delegator fans that Lianfranco Dettori is here to ride him despite the morning chopper woes.

1502: Dalghar proved a real handful before consenting to go down to post. Fair to say he hasn't exactly hit the ground running for new connections.

1500: Interestingly the runner-up isn't quoted by the sponsors for the Ladbrokes St Leger and Sir Michael Stoute was in no mood to discuss immediate plans for him after the race. His antics in the pre-parade ring suggest he has a fair but of maturing to do (horse not trainer!).

1456: Is race three a new record for the confidence being shot to pieces? Well it will be if Strong Suit doesn't run a huge race here. He's getting a little warm in the parade ring which is a slight concern although battle-hardened paddock watchers seem unconcerned.

1452: Namibian was Mark Johnston's 50th Glorious Goodwood winner and he said: "I don't know entirely why our horses run so well here but the ground comes into it. Even with the rain this morning its nice, fast ground which suits us in general.

"We have the St Leger in mind for Namibian. You don't have to be an out-and-out stayer to win the Queen's Vase and we've proved he has the speed for a mile-and-a-half here."

1444: They didn't go the anticipated end-to-end gallop here but both the front two are worthy of their place in the Ladbrokes St Leger. Sky Bet have Fiorente at 8s and Namibial 10s but the winner was given his rival three pounds here.

1443: 2-0 to the North.

1442: Most of the jockeys in the first felt the ground was just on the slow side of good. However Paul Hanagan and Kieren Fallon described it as "beautiful".

1440: Hunter's Lodge third and Yaseer fourth after he finally consents to go forward inside the final furlong. Better than the Dante though.

1437: A stirring finish and Namibian gets the better of Fiorente in a rare old duel. Silvestre de Soursa outstanding but has a very willing partner.

1430: Kevin Painter asks: "Do you know anyone who doesn't know anything about gambling but still wins remarkably regularly? I do, and it is highly irritating to say the least having heard how my mate backed the winner in the first at 28/1.

"Argggggghhhh...."

We all do KP. Just keep smiling is my message. Its hard at times though. PS: What's he backed here!

1428: I thought Yaseer ran a tremendous first race back in the Craven but he was never a factor in the Dante. I didn't know if that was down to being held up off a slow early pace but trainer Marcus Tregoning reaches for the visor and said: "He obviously needs to improve to run well here. We hope the step up in trip and visor will help him to do so. I trained the dam and she was somewhat wayward but won two Listed races for us. If he runs to his very best I'd hope he'd be in the mix for the place money."

1425: Fiorente was making plenty of noise in the pre-parade ring but was a picture of calm once in the paddock proper. The Johnston pair both look very well too.

1409: Some exchange players will be aggrieved today wasn't the day for Modun - he was matched at 1.07 in-running.

1408: There has to be a decent pot in Modun at some stage but perhaps over a mile-and-a-half. Not sure he's a mile-and-six horse despite a prominent pitch in the Ebor market.

1405: Modun the only one in the first four to come from off the pace while Our Joe Mac looks to be converting his smart homework to the track at the moment. He travelled better than anything for much of this race.

1404: Forte Dei Marmi needed all the breaks from his wide draw and goes all his best work in the final furlong to finish sixth or seventh. He can definitely win a big handicap off this mark given a strongly-run contest.

1403: Anyone for a Quadpot? Goodwood you are a tough mistress. Not to Timeform fans thiough Arlequin beats Modun by a neck - top two-rated by those Halifax shrewdies.

1355: Mirrored put up by plenty of shrewdies this morning and Tim Easterby couldn't be in better form. He joins the other two - CC and Forte - in the Ord Placepot. Wonder of B Linfoot wants to buy into it...

1352: I've saved on Constant Contact who I backed at York, will be ridden prominently, likes the track and is a Linfoot value bet. The last point is for information purposes only.

1350: Going down for the first race of Glorious Goodwood 2011. Go on Forte.

1345: Gill Nevin really needs to plan her diary more carefully. She writes: "Hope all well with you, excitement is mounting here on Merseyside in anticipation of a great week. Due to shortage of annual leave, I'm missing out on the live action again this year but have managed to book a half-day for tomorrow as am flatly refusing to skimp on the coverage of the Sussex Stakes.

"I'm a Delegator fan and would love to see Godolphin scoop a big prize after the sad loss of Rewilding. Strong Suit looked good at Ascot but I sometimes question how long the beneficial effects of the well-documented breathing op last but no doubt we will find out today. Like you, my record in the Molecomb is shambolic at best, therefore steer clear of Charles The Great who is lumbered with the added burden of the Nevin funds.

"The 4.50 is a real puzzle but if you're looking for another one for the Placepot, I suggest Master Mylo for no other reason than it shares the same name as my friend's dog (sadly deceased). PS I would seriously reconsider the pink shirt if the weather stays fair."

I do share your concerns re the pink shirt GN. I dread to think how it will react to the inevitable back sweat and could also be a magnet for the corn flies. The Placepot almost complete - but there's always room more more in the finale.

1340: I hope Sheikh Hamdan takes the lift to his private box today. The walls of the corridors in the Richmond Stand are covered in pictures of Makfi. The ultimate one that got away...

1338: Positive word from Tom Queally for All Action in the opener in his excellent www.racinguk.com blog. He wrote: " I rode him on his penultimate start at Sandown, where he battled all the way to the line. I didn't ride him at Ascot where he since won, so comes here in great heart and must have a great chance of getting the meeting off to the best possible start."

1335: Right nearly there now. Forte 9-1 out with the layers in the ring.

1325: Obviously my attention was taken by a Racenews bulleting discussing Frankie's Chopper Problem. You'll be relieved to know it relates to techinical issues with his helicopter which means he won't ride Hunter's Light in the Gordon Stakes. Ted Durcan takes over the steering but our man hopes to be here to partner Delegator.

1320: Many thanks to Bruce In Edinburgh for his help with my Pot dilemma. He advises: "Fortune favours the brave, Ordboy. Take Munsarim down at the bottom of the weights to have you collecting a lovely fat placepot. Keith Dalglish is making a real good fist of the training game & he won't let you down. I also fancy Namibian to continue Sylvestre de Sousa's excellent season."

Been very impressed by KD this year and don't forget he's going to win the Molecomb too.

1315: A warning from my former agent Bob Davies who writes: ""Congratulations on the Wildcats' reprieve Dave. Don't take a wrong turn and end up in Halifax on your way home though, absolute purple-faced fury on the streets there this morning if one of my colleagues is anything to go by. He's a betting man, so I suggested that if he followed your blog and picked up a couple of winning tips it might soften the blow and improve inter-Yorkshire relations. Fingers crossed!"

For crying out loud don't tell him that BD. I do feel sorry for Halifax - but it's dog eat dog - or cat eat cat - out there. Wakefield got lucky. Its very, very, rare that I do.

1312: A magnificent millitary band have just marched down the course blasting tunes out. Even the street dancers paused to watch them.

1300: Matt In Gloucestershire writes: "Once again a cracking card, and through sheer guts and determination I've hopefully nailed a few winners. In the first I'm struggling to find one to beat Modem of Sir Michael's lightly raced, and open to more improvement than the rest, yard in form, unlike Ascot, and with Ryan aboard he must be there or there about.

"Later on in the Lennox States, Delegator to use his previous course for to advantage, and pick of Strong Suit close home. After Rewilding at Ascot it would be the perfect pick me up for Sheik Mo and his team, and I feel his run in the July Cup was better than first thought, drawn wide, smaller field today, Frankie should pick them off.

"In the Molcomb, Crown Dependency for the Hannon team ran a cracker on softish ground at Ascot, and once again previous course form should help. In the following maiden, Moustache for Hannon and Hughes, I feel you can always forgive a disappointing run on the soft at Chepstow, and experience of a run or two is always worth a length or two in these maidens. Hopefully he will be the last leg of a winning lucky 15."

Let's hope the hard works pay off Matt!

1250: The skies are brightening again. The problem race for the Placepot is the 1650. What on earth goes in with Guest Book? Help...please!

1245: Nice crowd building up here including a dancing troop. They're not quite street as the kids say but certainly very energetic. This is increasingly becoming a young man - or woman's - game.

1240: Good to have Nige In Wexford with us and he says: "Hope you are enjoying yourself on the sussex downs at the start of another great week's racing!

"As per usual, I will throw my hat into the ring with a couple of possibles for today. Strong Suit is an unbelievable price at 3/1 in places and he must take all the beating today! Again, one at a bigger price and an EW play is definitely Moriarty. If he bounces back to form, he will belittle his 25/1 price with ease!! I like him!

"One from this side of the Irish sea that will take beating is Requinto in the Molecomb. He couldn't have been any more impressive the last day in beating some nice types and looks very progressive. I cant see him beat on that run but at 9/2 is still a very sasfe EW bet. Enjoy Dave and I hope we can keep up the winning streak."

Cheers Nige - My only worry with Requinto was whether he'd be quick enough to dominate these from the front? That's if needs to lead though.

1235: Jon In Selby is clearly one of the good guys. He says: "Glad to see a trip to Belle Vue is on the calendar for Hull FC next season!

"As for today's racing, it's 2 at big prices for me. King's Gambit in the first, a group winner in a handicap should take some pegging back and Rules n Regulations in the 4:50, one course run one win and back to below it's last winning mark.

"Are you having a go at the Placepot today?"

I wasn't goiong to J but you know what, I think I will. Like the Wildcats I'm clambering off the canvas.

1225: Right full market movers now from our sponsors Sky Bet.

2.00 Goodwood: Forte dei Marmi (17/2 from 11) Mirrored 16 from 18 Arlequin (22 from 28s)
With proven course form, Luca Cumani's Forte dei Marmi has been the biggest mover on his return to big field handicaps after plying his trade at Listed/Group level. Last year's Zetland Gold Cup winner is the main Pricewise tip, with a saver recommended on Mirrored.

2.35 Goodwood: Slumber (4 from 9/2) Highland Castle (16 from 18s)
Barry Hills' stable is coming back to form and the clever each-way money is for Slumber stepping up in distance. He met trouble in running at Royal Ascot behind Pisco Sour, who franked the form next time following up in Group 2 in France.

3.10 Goodwood:
No real movers with the weakness of the front two in the betting the biggest clue from the market, with Strong Suit and Delegator proving very easy to back.

3.45 Goodwood: Requinto (9/2 under pressure)
Struggled over six since impressive Listed winner at Tipperary over five and best backed in the Molecomb for return to mimimum rip for Irish raider from the David Wachman yard.

4.20 Goodwood: Warcrown (7/4 from 2s)
A positive mention in the Richard Fahey column on sportinglife.com has highlighted the high regard this Azamour colt is held and fancied to make winning debut as market suggests high up in the juvenile pecking order at home.

4.50 Goodwood: Rulesn'regulations (22 from 40s) Guest Book (10 from 12s) Marajaa (9 from 12s)
Rulesn'regulations has been put up by an influential tipping line, while course specialist Marajaa is also proving popular with Kieren Fallon a good booking.

5.25 Goodwood: Fathom Five (15/2 from 10s) Brynfa Boy (12 from 16s)
Shaped well debut for Dandy Nicholls at Epsom last time and trainer is second to none at laying sprinters out for the Glorious meeting, while Brynfa Boy is another proven on downhill tracks coming in for support.

1215: Betfred, Sky Bet and Blue Square have all cut Forte for the opener. Each-way steal Slumber 4s from 9-2 with the last-two named.

1210: Richard From Warblington writes: "Dave--the suns on its way-i live about 10 miles away and its brightening up and getting warmer!Like the racing.

"A couple to keep a close eye on today--Sequoia-4:50 to beat the hotpot Warcrown--could be value as its had a race under its belt and Barry Hills does like a Goodwood winner

"Really like Crown Dependency in the 3:45--didnt have thge run of the race at Royal Ascot and is a course winner.

"Finally Guest Book could be a tasty e/eway bet in the 4:50--was at Ascot when it ran an average race to finish 5th--but something tells me Mark Johnston may have had this race in mind for a while.Draw may not help though."

Good news on the weather front Rich. Warblington sounds a splendid place. Is it coastal?

1205: A turn for the worse. Adam Waterworth the new Goodwood supremo made a very nice speech welcoming us all to the meeting. Sadly as I tried to applaud a caught the edge of the plate, caused a large shattering noise and took all the attention from the man of the hour.

1200: I have to say lunch was spectacular. Beautifully seasoned and carved lamb to go with smoked salmon and salad. Pudding to follow. Today is getting better and better.

1145: Good morning to Dunk Frae Scotland who says: "Dave, I agree Slumber a great bet, form rock solid. Ive pluped for Balthazaar gift eway as well,hes a thinker but is realy talented on his day,2nd in a golden jubilee and won multiple group 2s. The last one is Lord Aeryn,again a very talented horse and i feel he can still exploit his handicap mark. good luck and wish i was there!"

Cheers Dunk. It's a little gloomy again here right now but only in terms of one or two threatening clouds. I'm close to calling Kettley.

1140: Goodwood executive celebrating the Wildcats good news. Only reason I can think why champagne is being handed around the press room.

1130: Paul Earwicker is with Braveheart this week and writes: "Surely Mark Johnston horses are the one's in the handicaps this week. Will pay for all the pimms and champers I think!"

Don't miss out on Sadler's Risk here tomorrow then PE. His fourth behind Treasure Beach and Nathaniel at Chester seems to be working out quite well...

1125: Brownie writes: "Dave, I really feel for you missing breakfast, not only that, but your employers have the bare faced nerve, to send you to Goodwood this week, indeed you have a hard life (sarcasm is the lowest form of wit).

"Back to the racing, can't see past Modun in the opener, gallant effort behind the ultra impressive Green Destiny in the Smiths. Strong Suit has to be backed after his game Jersey win at Royal Ascot, the operation has clearly done the trick for him. Put in Fiorente, and you've got a decent treble there.

"As for tomorrow, are you in the Frankel or Canford Cliffs camp? I've been bold, and have backed Canford to win by less than 1 and quarter lengths with Hills at 7/2."

You are right of course B - but wait till my employers find out I'm here...

Can see your treble my good man and best of luck with it and I'm firmly a Frankel man (which is an about-turn from Royal Ascot). I just don't think any miler could give him eight pounds at his best and I think the A Game from horse, trainer and jockey will be brought to the table tomorrow.

1120: It seems the rain wasn't quite as heavy as I thought (it was in Arundel). We've had one millimetre here and the going remains good. Seamus Buckley, clerk of the course, said: "The rain made no difference to the ground. We are forecast pretty much dry all the way through the week now and the track is in great order."

1115: Incredible breaking news courtesy of colleagues Reece Killworth and Chris Cooper of Sky Sports News Radio. The Wildcats have a Super League licence. Now that's a 1000-1 winner before the day has even started.

1110: Plenty of money for Forte Dei Marmi as you'd expect - Stan James for example are 7s from 12s. They've also cut Linfoot's Bikini Babe to 28s from 50s. Bigger following than JLS that man.

1105: Joe From Newbury writes: "Pymans Theory can bounce back to form in the 3.45 at Ascot today. Been going down the weights and now at a reasonable mark to strike. 20/1 is a great price too."

You won't be surprised to hear I have a terrible record in the Molecomb Joe. Finjaan the only winner I've ever backed in it. I like a battle-hardened so and so for this race and Stonefield Flyer struck me as the right type. But then again that probably makes him a lay.

1100: Tony Chapple is in agreement with B Linfoot - and only on horses can that ever be a good thing. He writes: "2-00 took 40-1e/w last night on bikini babe low weight,great draw must go well. The rest looks tough."

It certainly does TC. One of the best judges in the press room thinks Soap Wars could run well back at five furlongs in our finale for anyone looking for a big price one to end the day.

1055: The breathing operation seems to have worked the oracle for Strong Suit and I'd fancy him to beat Delegator in the Lennox. Indeed Libranno to chase home his stablemate looks the call.

1050: Stopped raining now and the first panama of the week spoted. The skies are blue. God's in his heaven but the girl behind the press canteen counter was unaware at what time lunch is served. A little setback but I'll bounce back.

1045: Graeme Scott agrees with my last comment and writes: "Slumber is the one for me today. Got the 5's ew and can't see it being out of the frame. The defeat to Pisco Sour at Royal Ascot is starting to look very decent form.

"When's Ladies Day by the way Dave."

I think - and hope - Thursday GS. I have a daring new pink shirt to wear (alongside the grey suit) - but not sure tie is a perfect match. Will get advice from Gill the Premier Inn receptionist. I walked back from Arundel last night after a pleasant meal and few evening drinks - but underestimated how far it was. Uphill too.

I arrived in what's commonly known as muck-sweat to which Gill asked: "Is it raining Mr Ord." I pretended it was and went upstairs to watch Taggart on Alibi. Some people.

1040: Those darn bookies won't like it but isn't Slumber an each-way bet to nothing in the Gordon Stakes?

1035: Forte Dei Marmi very interesting back here in the opener - strong pace will be in his favour and while he'll need the luck from his draw, he's a fair poke at a double figure price. Sadly Tom Segal agrees so we need to act fast.

Ben 'Value Bet' Linfoot has put up Bikini Babe (his favourite calendar) up in the same race.

1030: Don't forget to check out Richard Fahey's guide to his Goodwood team. His comments on Warcrown in our 1625 are very interesting....Read them and you won't be surprised to see he's as low as 7-4 to make a winning debut.

1015: Still raining here - now a heavy drizzle. The clouds heading our way are more promising though. The last going update we had was at 0731 and was good with the prediction of a dry day. Where's John 'Bespoke' Kettley when you need him.

1010: Murura and Hidden Passion have also skipped breakfast and miss the 1725 and Molecomb respectively. I skip breakfast and still have to work. This blogging really is the toughest game.

1005: Good morning and welcome to the opening day of not so Glorious Goodwood. You see it was raining this morning in Arundel. Not heavy, not drizzle, the in between stuff that manages to part the three strands of hair that now represent my fringe.

This wasn't forecast and I have no rain mac with me. A naïve error but I trusted Carol Kirkwood. Never again. Never again I say.

I also missed breakfast having spent a frantic two hours trying to locate my cuff links (glove compartment of the car) so all in all tension is in the air.

It soon eases when you look over this wonderful racecourse - what a stunning place it is. So - let me know your thoughts on this opening day card at daveord55@gmail.com. I'm finding it difficult to type with cuff links on too so please forgive the odd typo.