Keith Melrose is taking a chance on Derby form being reversed in Gordon Stakes

English King
2.45 Goodwood
Buy at 2.25 in a match bet with Khalifa Sat

If the Derby were run again a week later – same horses, same draw – who would be favourite? Not original favourite Kameko, who didn't stay. Second favourite English King shaped at least the best of those who chased Serpentine home and it would probably be between him and the winner, for all that he finished fifth.

Ed Walker swerved the King George with English King, and he runs in the John Pearce Racing Gordon Stakes instead. It is an easier shot at redemption and also ensures the services of Frankie Dettori. That he has shown his form at Lingfield, and hinted at acting perfectly well around Epsom, gives little reason to doubt him taking to Goodwood.

English King is the likeliest winner of the Gordon, but buying him at 29 does not make a great deal of appeal. Only winning would do in terms of making a profit. It looks more attractive to take him in a match bet with Derby runner-up Khalifa Sat.

The winner, second and third at Epsom got the first, second and third-best rides. In all likelihood Khalifa Sat was flattered, having got a start on the main body of the field. He won the Cocked Hat here in preparation for that race, but that was a four-runner affair in which he dictated. A red-hot Gordon Stakes is a different matter.

Khalifa Sat's Derby performance of 112 on Racing Post Ratings could easily be seen as his ceiling for now. If you believe English King would have gone close in an evenly-run race, and duly is worth something more like 120, then he should have little trouble covering the distance he has been asked to give to Khalifa Sat.

2.15 Goodwood
Sporting (50-25-10): 21-24 Yazaman, 17-20 Qaader, 11-14 Admiral Nelson, 10-13 Supremacy, 7-9 Gussy Mac, Lauded, 2-4 Talbot

Match bet: Yazaman/Qaader 0.25-1.25

2.45 Goodwood
Sporting (50-25-10): 26-29 English King, 14-17 Al Aasy, Khalifa Sat, 13-16 Mogul, 6-8 Subjectivist, 4-6 Highland Chief

Match bet: English King/Khalifa Sat 1.25-2.25

3.15 Goodwood
Sporting (50-25-10): 20-23 Fancy Blue, 19-22 Nazeef, 13-16 Deirdre, 12-15 Magic Wand, 6-8 Queen Power, 4-6 One Voice, 2-4 Lavender's Blue

Match bet: Deirdre/Magic Wand -0.25-0.75

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