All the essentials as Nassau Stakes and Galway Hurdle top the bill
As it was yesterday, we have the rare double of a Group 1 Flat race and a top-notch handicap to keep everyone entertained on a mid-summer Thursday.
At Goodwood, the Qatar Nassau Stakes (3.35) headlines in its relatively new Thursday slot, with Lockinge winner Rhododendron, who inflicted a short-head defeat on Lightning Spear in May, out to avenge a poor run at Royal Ascot.
In the Guinness Galway Hurdle (4.35), Europe's richest handicap hurdle, Willie Mullins holds a bigger hand with the likes of Whiskey Sour and Max Dynamite, but Gordon Elliott is never far away these days and Cartwright looks his best chance of a Plate-Hurdle double after Clarcam's win last night.
The day's schedule is completed by Stratford and Nottingham in the afternoon, followed by Ffos Las and Epsom in the evening.
Going report
Goodwood (first race at: 1.50)
Good, good to firm in places (GoingStick: 7.0 at 8.30am). Rail movements: R1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 +10y.
Stratford (1.30)
Good (GoingStick: 7.1 at 6am). Rail movements: R1 +132y, R2 & 4 +93y, R7 +150y.
Galway (1.40)
Yielding to soft on the jumps course, soft on the Flat.
Nottingham (2.10)
Good (GoingStick: 7.4 at 8.30am). Rail movements: R3, 4 & 5 +12y, R7 +24y.
Ffos Las (5.30)
Good, good to soft in places (GoingStick: 7.3 at 6.40am).
Epsom (5.45)
Good, good to firm in places.
What to back
Maddy Playle is at Goodwood and has three selections for Thursday.
What to read
A popular jumper was in winning action at Goodwood yesterday. Here is the story.
There is also a racing festival on the south coast to get excited about. No, it's next week.
What to watch
Check out What's The Word, our preview for Galway this afternoon.
The best of Racing Post Sport
The golf postcast has landed. Check out our preview of the Bridgestone Invitational.
Final thought
The market for the Nassau looks like a classic case of the but-for-the-last-runs. Not that it invalidates misgivings, but it is hard to escape the feeling that Rhododendron would have been a warm order had it not been for a rare flop in the Queen Anne.
For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app
Published on 2 August 2018inPreviews
Last updated 15:54, 2 August 2018
- Watch: Aidan O'Brien gives us the lowdown on big 2,000 Guineas hope City Of Troy
- Saturday updates: punters siding with experience as each-way support comes for 2,000 Guineas outsider
- Cracking the Premier puzzle with Harry Wilson's tips for each of the six races live on ITV on Saturday
- 3.42 Punchestown: superstar mare Lossiemouth long odds-on for a fourth Grade 1 before possible tilt at 2025 Champion Hurdle
- 11.57 Churchill Downs: 'He's a celebrity, he's like a movie star' - Frankie Dettori wows locals as he pursues Kentucky Derby dream on outsider
- Watch: Aidan O'Brien gives us the lowdown on big 2,000 Guineas hope City Of Troy
- Saturday updates: punters siding with experience as each-way support comes for 2,000 Guineas outsider
- Cracking the Premier puzzle with Harry Wilson's tips for each of the six races live on ITV on Saturday
- 3.42 Punchestown: superstar mare Lossiemouth long odds-on for a fourth Grade 1 before possible tilt at 2025 Champion Hurdle
- 11.57 Churchill Downs: 'He's a celebrity, he's like a movie star' - Frankie Dettori wows locals as he pursues Kentucky Derby dream on outsider