'If he returns to Hardwicke form he should go very well' - key Glorious quotes

3.45 Goodwood
L'Ormarins Queen's Plate Glorious Stakes (Group 3) | 1m4f, 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

This race is closely linked with the Princess of Wales's Stakes, both being for middle-distance horses who have not, or at least have not yet, justified their place in Group 1 company. The last two winners came directly from that Newmarket race, neither having won it.

Two of this year's runners have made the same journey. Desert Encounter won this race in 2019, the first leg in a four-timer that culminated in a second successive win in the Canadian International. He was not the best placed when third last time, held up in a steadily run race.

Alounak also suffered for how the race was run, albeit differently. He pulled too hard and weakened into fifth. Before that he had finished second in the Hardwicke, form that would be more relevant than his international efforts, which includes finishing second to Desert Encounter in Canada last year.

Communique (left): dependable Group horse for Mark JohnstonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Communique also ran in the Princess of Wales's Stakes, finishing a place ahead of Desert Encounter but failing to defend his win in the 2019 renewal. He does not qualify along the aforementioned mini-trend, as he has since been second over 1m6f at York to Eagles By Day, a clear improver for David O'Meara, who ran well in Tuesday's Goodwood Cup.

Much of Communique's best form has Newmarket in common, but just as pertinent are the small fields, in which he seems to excel. Typically positive tactics play a part in that, but be aware that dictating is unlikely to be an option here.

Pablo Escobarr and Spirit Of Appin are at least as inclined to take the initiative as Communique. Both are just a rung off the standard-setters on form, 6lb and 7lb respectively on RPRs, and it would be too dangerous for the market principals to allow them a free ride.

Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owners of Alounak
He wasn't suited to the open spaces of Newmarket last time. If he returns to the form of his Hardwicke run he should go very well. He's run well on tight, turning tracks so Goodwood should suit him.

David Simcock, trainer of Desert Encounter
It's getting towards his time of year. He ran a similar race when third in the Princess of Wales's Stakes as he did before coming on to win this last year so we're hoping for more of the same.

William Haggas, trainer of Pablo Escobarr
He's in great form and we're going to change our tactics. He's led a few times but he's back at a mile and a half and we've taken the cheekpieces off.

David Menuisier, trainer of Thundering Blue
He's had a few niggling little problems but I've been really pleased with him in the last couple of months. He'll probably look quite chubby in the paddock but he ran well at Goodwood last year and I want him to have a good, safe run then see what we do next.

Reporting by David Carr

Goodwood runners and riders on Friday

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