held up behind, stayed on well from over 1f out, not reach leaders
tracked leaders, led 2f out, ridden and headed 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
soon led, headed 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on well inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden well over 2f out on outer, weakened 1f out
tracked leaders, not clear run 2f out and 1f out, ran on final furlong
prominent, ridden and hampered 2f out, soon weakened
held up, headway over 1f out, soon ridden, ran on well final furlong
in touch, ridden to lead 1f out, kept on well
slowly into stride, soon in touch, not clear run over 2f out, hampered 2f out, no chance after
held up, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
prominent, ridden 2f out, one pace after
A number of these hold solid claims but recent form points narrowly towards Faithful Warrior, who is just preferred over Climate and Finished Article; although a move for Gold Guest could be significant. Faithful Warrior is on a long losing run but has run well in defeat on numerous occasions. His current mark is not an insurmountable barrier and he was staying on very strongly on his only other visit to Goodwood. The presence of Irony should ensure that there is a decent pace on early and the race may just unfold for Barry Hills' charge. The Richard Hannon-trained Climate is another in good form at present, but he does need to prove that his effort over course and distance from last month was not just a one-off performance. However, he has always hinted that he is capable of winning a decent handicap somewhere along the line and it will be interesting if the four-year-old is strongly supported on course today. The likes of JR Stevenson and Commanding have claims on the pick of their form but have been disappointing on occasions and are yet to really shine this term. Therefore it may just pay to give Faithful Warrior another chance today.
