15:00 Goodwood

Thursday 28 July 2022

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

John Pearce Racing Gordon Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:02 | Winning time: 2m 33.80s

(9)

Deauville Legend²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J Ferguson| OR: 108

14/1

Improving gelding who went close in a big 3-y-o Royal Ascot handicap (1½m) before edging out Al Qareem in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket (13f) last month. Shouldered with a 3 lb penalty for that but it's likely he's capable of better again.

Form: 42-121

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(10)

Al Qareem²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 107| D

20/1

Pair of handicap wins this season before acquitting himself well in pattern company the last twice, latterly going down by only a head to the re-opposing Deauville Legend in Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket (13f). Ought to run his race but suspicion he'll find at least the odd one too strong.

Form: 212142

(7)

Cresta^h⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: J P Spencer| T: M Meade| OR: 104

66/1

Useful performer but has drawn a blank at listed/Group level since his Leicester debut success last August. Will need to improve for the step up to 1½m if he's to play a prominent role in this strong Group 3.

Form: 142-524

(3)

Grand Alliance^v⁴¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: D Tudhope| T: C Fellowes| OR: 106

10/1

Not entirely straightforward but he isn't short of talent. Ran a cracker in a first-time visor (retained) when second in the King Edward at Royal Ascot (1½m) but he really ought to have won, going down only narrowly despite hanging badly left in the closing stages.

Form: 311202

(1)

Hoo Ya Mal^t1⁵⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: G Boughey| OR: 116

6/1

Found a big chunk of improvement when 2½ lengths second of 17 to Desert Crown in the Derby at Epsom, relishing the step up to 1½m. Subsequently sold out of Andrew Balding's yard for £1,200,000. Tongue tied first time on debut for new yard. Sets a good standard.

Form: 312-322

(4)

Jack Darcy²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: N Callan| T: P & O Cole| OR: 98

12/1

Winner of novices at Salisbury (1m) and Newbury (1¼m) 10 months apart. The form of his win at the latter track was boosted when the second won a handicap off a BHA mark of 92 at Windsor on Monday. This trip should be within range. Lacks experience but not to be underestimated.

Form: 1-1

(5)

Masekela²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Jason Watson| T: A M Balding| OR: 108| C

33/1

Listed winner at 2 who was an excellent 8 lengths fourth (Hoo Ya Mal 5½ lengths ahead in second) in the Derby at Epsom in June. Did run poorly behind a couple of these in Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket since, though.

Form: 214-245

(6)

New London²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 109

6/4

Derby aspirations ended when he was turned over at short odds in the Chester Vase but he got his career firmly back on track after a break when defying a big weight in a traditionally very strong 1¼m handicap at Newmarket's July meeting. 1½m looks sure to suit. Group-race winner in waiting.

Form: 1-121

(2)

Sussex^p1¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: S M Crosse| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 102

50/1

Second career win when seeing off 3 rivals in a Navan conditions race 19 days ago (final start for Aidan O'Brien). Joined another leading stable but he looks to have a bit to find on form in this company. Cheekpieces go on for the first time.

Form: 01-2641

(8)

West Wind Blows¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: James Doyle| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 104

7/2

Found the Derby too much on only his third career start but he was quickly back on track when a wide-margin winner of the listed Glasgow Stakes at Hamilton (11f, good to firm) 13 days ago. Smart colt who has the potential for even better.

Form: 1-191

Forecasts

New London (6/4), West Wind Blows (7/2), Hoo Ya Mal (6/1), Grand Alliance (10/1), Jack Darcy (12/1), Deauville Legend (14/1), Al Qareem (20/1), Masekela (33/1), Sussex (50/1), Cresta (66/1)

NEW LONDON put up a pattern-class performance when defying a lofty mark in an ultra-competitive handicap at Newmarket's July meeting and is selected to improve past Derby runner-up Hoo Ya Mal, who has his first start for a new yard here after a big-money sale last month. West Wind Blows was impressive in listed company last time and is another who should have a say, while Jack Darcy comfortably beat a useful sort when making it 2-2 at Newbury and could be up to making his mark at Group level.