The Goodwood Cup, the second leg of Britain’s stayers’ Triple Crown and a Group 1 contest, takes centre stage at Goodwood, with the spotlight once again falling on the leading stayers representing Aidan O’Brien and John and Thady Gosden.
Aidan O’Brien has won three of the past four editions of the Goodwood Cup and is represented this year by defending champion SCANDINAVIA. The four-year-old staying star defeated TRAWLERMAN in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on his latest start and has now won his last six races over distances ranging from 2,600 metres to 4,000 metres, leaving little doubt about his stamina. With Ryan Moore again in the saddle, the in-form combination remains the one to beat.
The biggest threat is undoubtedly the Gosden-trained TRAWLERMAN. Although now eight years old, he showed that he retains all of his ability when going down by only a head to SCANDINAVIA in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Dropping back to around 3,200 metres, and with Goodwood’s undulating and turning track likely to suit his strong staying style, he has every chance of reversing the form if able to establish his preferred rhythm.
The third major contender is William Haggas-trained RAHIEBB. He won a Group 2 contest over 2,771 metres earlier this season before disappointing over 3,991 metres in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, but his stable believes the longer distance may simply have stretched his stamina. Back over 3,200 metres, and with his good balance expected to help him cope with Goodwood’s unique track, he has the credentials to spring an upset.
SCANDINAVIA is out to extend his dominance, TRAWLERMAN is seeking revenge, while RAHIEBB waits in the wings to challenge the leading pair. This year’s Goodwood Cup promises to be another genuine test of stamina.