The fourth day of Glorious Goodwood opens with S4-1, a handicap for three-year-olds and older over a demanding 4,125 metres, a race that places a major emphasis on both stamina and a jockey’s judgement of pace. Alan King-trained BELIEVITANDUCAN has been in outstanding form since returning to the Flat, winning his last three starts. William Buick retains the ride as the gelding steps up in distance again, and if he handles Goodwood’s undulating track, he has every chance of extending his winning streak.
The main attraction of the day is S4-4, the Group 2 King George Stakes over 1,000 metres. NIGHT RAIDER has shown marked improvement since being gelded, winning a Group 3 contest at Newmarket before following up in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock. His latest defeat in Group 1 company at Royal Ascot came under less favourable circumstances, and the drop back to Group 2 level gives him a strong opportunity to bounce back. With James Doyle again in the saddle for trainer Karl Burke, he remains one of the leading contenders.
TIME FOR SANDALS also commands plenty of respect. The 2025 Commonwealth Cup winner proved her effectiveness over Goodwood’s fast downhill straight when finishing third in this race last year. With Kieran Shoemark taking the ride this time, she has every chance of playing a major role once again.
Another Group 1 winner, AMERICAN AFFAIR, captured the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2025. Although his recent performances have been below his best, his proven top-level ability is beyond doubt, and Goodwood’s sharp 1,000-metre course could help bring his finishing speed back into play.
The King George Stakes has long been an important stage for elite sprinters. With no clear-cut dominant force in this year’s field, the race looks particularly open, and whether NIGHT RAIDER can continue the progress he has made since being gelded will be one of the key questions.