Day one @ Goodwood

The Goodwood Cup lived up to expectations and some with a thrilling finish which saw Kyprios follow up his win in the Ascot Gold Cup. The four year old fended off the sustained challenges of Stradivarius, who was seeking his fifth victory in the Group 1 event, and last year's victor Trueshan to prevail by a neck. A son of Galileo, he has always been held in high regard at Ballydoyle but has really found his niche over staying trips this term. The Irish St Leger was mooted as his next most likely target and it is not difficult to envisage him returning to the likes of Royal Ascot and Goodwood for many years to come with time on his side. One gets the impression he only does enough and will keep finding.

Both the runner-up and third ran cracking races - John Gosden felt Stradivarius was inconvenienced by racing on his own on the far side in the latter stages with the main action happening more towards the middle of the track, while easier ground would have benefited Trueshan. Indeed, I think Alan King's stable star would have gone even closer had he been held on to a bit longer and produced with a late run but it is pushing it to say he was unlucky. All three horses are top class stayers and even the fourth, Coltrane, didn't look out of place in such company. The second, third and fourth could all reoppose in the Group 2 Lonsdale Stakes at York (19th August).

The Group 2 Lennox Stakes also produced a terrific finale with Sandrine returning to winning ways for Andrew Balding. A high-class juvenile, the daughter of Bobby's Kitten wasn't disgraced in either the 1000 Guineas or Falmouth Stakes earlier this year but benefited from dropping back to seven furlongs here. Track position was important with David Probert enjoying a smooth passage down the outside and scoring by a neck. Supporters of Kinross (2nd) and Sacred (5th) will claim the result could have been different had their respective fancies been closer to the pace throughout. It is not a given that the form will be confirmed in the Group 2 City of York Stakes on the Knavesmire (20th August).

Another horse from Tuesday's action on the Sussex Downs who could be York bound next month is Lord Protector. A stablemate of Kinross, Ralph Beckett's four year old was spotted staying on strongly in the opening Chesterfield Cup Handicap over ten furlongs. Drawn wide in stall 17, he was five pounds higher than when winning at Sandown on his previous start. He could be tailormade for the Sky Bet Finale Handicap at York (20th August), a race his stable won a few years ago with Lucander. 

On Tuesday afternoon, I interview Grand National winning trainer Lucinda Russell for OJA. The Perthshire based handler tasted Cheltenham Festival and Grade 1 glory last spring thanks to Corach Rambler and Ahoy Senor. The stable sent out 46 winners last campaign and their already strong team has been bolstered by some expensive purchases earlier this year. These are exciting times for everyone connected with Arlary House Stables and Lucinda's interview is an excellent addition to the book.