Hot Royal Ascot form on show as Royal Scotsman bids for Richmond glory

Thursday: 2.25 Goodwood
Richmond Stakes (Group 2) | 6f | 2yo colts and geldings | ITV/RTV

Paul Cole has an exceptional record in the Richmond Stakes and he will hope Royal Scotsman can add his son Oliver's name to the roll of honour.

The father-son combination is yet to have Group success but Paul has targeted this race to great effect, winning in 1985 (Nomination), 1991 (Dilum) and 1994 (Sri Pekan).

Royal Scotsman, much like his Classic-winning sire Gleneagles, has caught the eye by the way he travels. He tanked his way to success in a course-and-distance novice on his second start and perhaps found himself hitting the front too soon in the Coventry last time, finishing third behind two smart rivals.

That asset will serve him well back at Goodwood, as the venue tends to favour those who like to race handily, especially in these smaller-field races. It is a tricky track and his experience of its quirks will hold him in good stead, as will the 2lb he has in hand on Racing Post Ratings.

Just one runner brings winning Pattern form into the race and that is Chateau, who built on a fast-finishing fourth in the Windsor Castle to win the Rose Bowl at Newbury, beating a reopposing Legend Of Xanadu.

Interestingly, nine of the last 12 runnings have gone to a horse with two or more wins in their career, and the Rose Bowl pair are the only horses in the field who fit that trend.

Conversely, the last horse to win the Richmond having their second start was Hamoody in 2006, which does not bode well for debut winners Marshman and Al Karrar.

The most experienced horse in the field is the sole Irish challenger, Crispy Cat, and his unlucky third in the Norfolk gives him a solid each-way chance.
Race analysis by Owen Goulding

'Very quick' Scotsman ready to fly

Oliver Cole believes warm favourite Royal Scotsman could be even better than his latest third behind Bradsell in the Coventry Stakes, when he split subsequent Group 2 winners Persian Force and Blackbeard.

"Ideally, he would have liked to have had a bit of cover in the Coventry as he probably did a bit too much on the far side and would have preferred a lead," said Cole.

"He's in great form and hopefully he should run a really big race. He's very quick and has won at Goodwood before."

Should Royal Scotsman prove successful, it would be a first victory at the meeting since the stable moved to a joint-licence two years ago.

"Whatcombe has always done well at Goodwood and hopefully he'll put his best foot forward," added Cole. "We had a second with Highland Chief in the Gordon Stakes [in 2020], but I've yet to have a winner at the meeting and it would be nice if he could do it."

What they say

Tom Clover, trainer of Al Karrar
He won nicely on debut and the form looks strong. He's an exciting prospect as he was quite green. His work has been good and we felt it was worth having a look at him in a race like this. He's in good form and you'd like to think he'd be in the three – and with a bit of luck a bit better.

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Bluelight Bay
He's a really nice horse who goes well and is ready for a step up in class. He finished second to Royal Scotsman here on his debut but that was on soft ground and the winner was having his second start. I'm not saying we're going to beat him but he won't beat us by five lengths this time; we'll definitely get closer to him. I think he'll go well.

Mick Channon, trainer of Legend Of Xanadu
His only disappointment came in the Chesham at Royal Ascot, but you can draw a line through that. I'm not saying he's going to win, but he should be competitive.

Karl Burke, trainer of Marshman
He's in great form and worked very well last week. Stall one doesn't do us any favours looking at how the track rode on the first day. It's a big step up in class, but he deserves a chance at it.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Swift Asset
He ran a great race in the Super Sprint despite being drawn on the wrong side, so I think that can be marked up, and a sharp six furlongs around here should be right up his street. We've always liked him and he has a serious chance in this.
Reporting by Andrew Dietz

Thursday previews:

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3.00 Goodwood: Which horse has leading trainer Charlie Appleby 'always held in high regard'?

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5.05 Galway: 'This has been on my mind for a while' - Galway Hurdle insight and quotes

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