First Group 1 for Alan King

Alan King has trained 15 Cheltenham Festival winners but the head of Barbury Castle has made an increasing impact on the Flat in recent years. David Nicholson's former assistant enjoyed his first Group 1 winner on the level on Tuesday when Trueshan captured the Goodwood Cup. A Group 2 winner at Ascot last October, the five year old had run well behind Japan in the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes at Chester in May. Withdrawn from the Ascot Gold Cup on account of the fast ground, he ran respectably under a huge weight in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle last time. Admittedly, his task was made easier by the withdrawal of Stradivarius and Spanish Mission but he still produced a smart performance to win by nearly four lengths, especially having raced keenly early on. Very much at home with ease in the ground, it will be interesting to see if Trueshan tackles the Group 1 Prix de Cadran or Prix Royal Oak at Longchamp in the Autumn. Alternatively, he could wait for champions day at Ascot once again.

Kinross has always had a lofty reputation and Ralph Beckett's four year old is finally developing into a high-class horse. Highly tried last term, he was gelded earlier this season and that has been the making of him. An impressive winner of the Group 3 John of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock in late May, he followed up in the Group 2 Lennox Stakes at the Sussex track. Partnered by Rossa Ryan for the first time, he quickened up to lead inside the final furlong and comfortably beat Creative Force by a neck. His trainer indicated afterwards that the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp in October will be his main aim in the Autumn. 

In total, there were 32 non runners on the opening day of 'Glorious' Goodwood following 33.1mm of rain on Sunday followed by another 16.1mm on Tuesday morning. The ground was described as soft by race six. With that in mind, I would expect Onassis to go very close in the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes on Wednesday (2.25). Charlie Fellowes' Royal Ascot winner races over her optimum trip for the first time this year and she is unbeaten at the track (won a Listed race over C&D last October on heavy ground). 

Finally, I am delighted to exciting new additions to the Talking Trainers section of One Jump Ahead. On Tuesday morning, I interviewed both Olly Greenall and Gary Moore. The former had a personal best campaign in 2020/2021 with 37 winners and has recruited heavily during the 'off season.' The latter is one of the best dual purposes trainers in the business and has assembled a formidable team for the winter ahead. The pair are tremendous inclusions for the new edition. I was also in contact with leading owner Rich Ricci on Monday evening and he has kindly agreed an interview, as in previous seasons. Rich informed me of a very exciting addition from France amongst others.