Delegator, runner-up to Sea The Stars in the 2,000 Guineas and a genuine Group One performer, can kick-start a good weekend for Godolphin by winning the Totesport.com Celebration Mile at Goodwood.
After advertising his Classic claims in the Spring with a smooth win in the Craven Stakes for Brian Meehan, Delegator chased home the world's best horse, Sea The Stars, in the first Classic and, after disappointing on the heavy in Ireland, returned to his best when a neck second to Mastercraftsman in the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot.
At that point, Sheikh Mohammed stepped in for him and he joined Godolphin, who have freshened him up after a tough start to the season.
We should not read too much into the disappointing run of Evasive in the Hungerford earlier this month, when he had his first start for Godolphin – on the whole their horses have been running well of late.
This Group Two contest looks an ideal confidence booster for Delegator.
His biggest danger appears to be Zacinto, who proved a couple of decent efforts at two were no flash in the pan when – after a hold-up in the spring which kept him out of the Guineas – he won a Listed mile race at Glorious Goodwood. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, he is in the right hands to keep progressing and the fact that connections are already looking at the QEII suggests we have yet to see the best of him. Mac Love, who likes Goodwood and is in good form, should also give a good account of himself.
One of the features of recent seasons has been the lack of competition put up to Ballydoyle by Godolphin, but tomorrow the fightback can begin with another of the Sheikh's recent purchases, Long Lashes, in the Moyglare Stud Stakes. She won the Sweet Solera at Newmarket in a fast time with a bit in hand and can beat Aidan O'Brien's Lillie Langtry, 7-1 favourite for next year's 1,000 Guineas.
Watching Brief by Marlborough
2.05 Goodwood: Pearly Wey returns to the scene of his greatest triumphs and now that he has slipped back to a winning mark makes plenty of appeal. Mujood is another that enjoys running here while Rash Judgement goes well fresh, so the 91-day absence is not a concern. Golden Desert is better over 7f and may find these rivals travelling a shade too quickly.
2.20 Newmarket: The inexperience of Russian Jar was apparent when he finished second here a fortnight ago. With the run behind him, he looks the type to progress. Audemar showed a good attitude at Kempton and is another on an upward curve. Any give in the ground would increase the chances of Eliptical, who returned a career-best last time.
2.35 Goodwood: Oasis Knight is one of the few here with a progressive profile. The combination of a visor first time and a stiffer test of stamina brought about significant improvement at Newbury earlier this month. Well regarded by his in-form trainer he is worth a chance at this level. Mourilyan and Victoria Montoya are thorough stayers and unlikely to have the race run to suit. Free Agent has proved disappointing this year and King of Wands, trained by John Dunlop who does well with his stayers, is rated a bigger threat. Urban Poet has something to prove.
2.50 Newmarket: Azizi returned a decent time when comfortably landing a Newcastle nursery and although this represents a stiffer examination, he has plenty of scope for progress. The Hannon camp has such a strong team of juveniles that their representatives are always a factor - Giulietta Da Vinca may prove their best. Damietta showed a good turn of foot at Kempton and comes into the reckoning.
BET OF THE DAY: Zacinto (3.10 Goodwood)is an exciting prospect and has done well since winning here last time
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