15:05 Goodwood

Tuesday 29 July 2025

All13:2013:5514:3015:0515:4516:2016:5517:30

Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1)

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 3m 27.96s

(6)

Dubai Future^h,p⁴⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 9-12| J: C Soumillon| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 116| D

28/1

Won the 2022 Wolferton and made a most remarkable return to the track after an absence at Meydan this year, winning twice. Shaped as if amiss on first start in Europe since September 2022 at Longchamp but firmly back on track when third in Ascot Gold Cup, albeit ridden to pick up the pieces.

Form: 04/1193

(1)

French Master^b⁴²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: James Doyle| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 108| C

9/1

Well-bred individual who continues to go the right way, doing well to win handicap here (14f) before following up in good style in Copper Horse at Royal Ascot. Taking a big step up in class now but he's an exciting prospect who could well prove up to it.

Form: 911-211

(8)

Illinois⁴⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 116

7/4

Very smart performer who won Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot and Prix Chaudenay at Longchamp in 2024. Looked better than ever when making a winning return in Ormande at Chester and lost little in defeat when second in Ascot Gold Cup, clear of rest. The one to beat.

Form: 2221-12

(2)

Military Academy^p⁵¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: W Buick| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 112

17/2

Quickly progressed into a smart performer at 3. Solid reappearance second in the Winter Derby on return before excuses in Saudi Arabia. Resumed with a good second in 12f listed race here 7 weeks ago but this represents a significant step up in class and distance.

Form: 121-272

(4)

Sunway^b,t³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Oisin Murphy| T: D Menuisier| OR: 114

12/1

Smart performer who finished runner-up in last season's Irish Derby and right back to that level when third in St Leger. Slow start to this season but looked back to his best fitted with headgear when fourth in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot. Could benefit from this marathon trip.

Form: 430-354

(3)

Sweet William^v⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-12| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 116| C| D

4/1

Very smart stayer who has his quirks but usually always runs his race, including when runner-up in this last year. Emphasis on stamina didn't play to his strengths in Ascot Gold Cup last time but this test will be more suitable.

Form: 3212-34

(7)

Trueshan⁶⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 9-12| J: Hollie Doyle| T: A King| OR: 114| CD

22/1

One of the leading stayers of recent years (won this in 2021). However, has been steadily on the decline for the last 2 years now and will do well to better last season's fourth in this.

Form: 14223-4

(5)

Scandinavia^p¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 103

4/1

Justify colt who is firmly on the upgrade now. responding well to this headgear when a wide-margin winner of the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket 19 days ago, shaping as if this marathon trip will suit. His handy weight-for-age allowance makes him a very interesting contender.

Form: 327-151

Forecasts

Illinois (7/4), Scandinavia (4/1), Sweet William (4/1), Military Academy (17/2), French Master (9/1), Sunway (12/1), Trueshan (22/1), Dubai Future (28/1)

SCANDINAVIA shot to near the head of the market for the St Leger after his dominant display in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket and, with a handy-weight-for-age allowance, he looks the value call over stablemate Illinois, who should find this test more suitable having been outstayed by Trawlerman in the Ascot Gold Cup. The exciting French Master has the profile of one who will develop into a leading Cup horse so needs considering, too.