Looking back at Goodwood

Looking back over Goodwood the three horses I would bring to your attention are all three-year-olds.

I confidently expect Dartmouth to be competing in Group races this time next year. It is rare for Sir Michael Stoute to talk so highly of one of his horses after a race, but this son of Dubawi was still in the Derby back in the spring and he has always been well regarded. I liked the way he won a maiden at Sandown last September and he was back there to win a 1m 2f handicap off 78 in May. I thought he had got off quite lightly with a 6lb rise for beating Space Age by four lengths at Ascot in July and after winning at Goodwood on Saturday we can expect a rise from 89 to something in the high 90s. Three of his siblings won at 1m 6f or beyond, so expect further improvement when he is stepped up in trip. Dartmouth must be followed.

So, too, must Tashaar, who won the closing 1m 3f 0-90 on Friday. The son of Sea The Stars won this eased down by a length and a half, leaving the impression he was value for many more lengths. I expect him to rise to something between 98 and 102.

Finally I took a great liking to the way Gibeon won the opener on Thursday. The son of Cape Cross has run well all season and he beat a well-regarded horse in Keble, who is thought to be on the verge of Pattern class. His dam won a Group 3 over 1m 6f, from the family of Fame And Glory, so he is another that should improve for a distance of ground.

You won’t go far wrong if you stay with these progressive types for the next season or two.

Bye for now

Marten