'We've frightened a few people off' - which in-form type might take the beating?

Coral Stewards' Sprint Handicap | 6f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

An unusually small field of 12 for this race, a consolation for those who missed the cut in the Stewards' Cup, makes it just another sprint handicap – and one which will not meaningfully inform the main event.

There were more than enough balloted out of the main race who could have filled this field. It is hard to see why so many went elsewhere, but there is a more valuable race at Windsor on Monday. Only Total Commitment and Full Authority appear to have chosen the Windsor race.

What we do have in this event is ostensibly a good opportunity for Lethal Levi. He won the three-year-old handicap at Newmarket's July meeting which has produced two of the last three three-year-old winners of the Stewards' Cup, then followed up at the same course last week. As a result, and given how early the weights are published for the Stewards' Cup and by extension this race, he is 9lb well in. Maybe that scared a few more off.

However, Goodwood is not Newmarket and Lethal Levi's aggressive tactics are better suited to the July course than here. He is drawn in stall three, plenty far enough from the rail if that happens to be where the action ends up being, as has been the case in a few sprints this week.

There is definitely room to look behind him, especially with some firms offering five places each-way. That is far more generous than seven in the 28-runner Stewards' Cup.

Have a good look at Many A Star, who is drawn nearest the rail in 12. He seemed firmly on the up when winning at Ascot in May and has paid for chasing strong gallops the last twice. Lethal Levi for one ought to give him a lead this time.

Also note the jockey booking. Tom Marquand steps in for Mohammed Tabti, a 7lb claimer who shows genuine talent but also clear inexperience on occasion. The trade is more than fair on balance.

Whether or not you can see the case for Many A Star, do not be scared off in a race that shapes up better for each-way bettors than it does for Lethal Levi's running style.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

Abate bids to give Nicholls a win at meeting his father loved

The Stewards' Cup consolation race attracted 25 runners last year, but only 12 will face the starter this time and, while many have expressed their disappointment at the low turnout, Adrian Nicholls is not one of them.

Nicholls, whose father David was a legend for many years at Glorious Goodwood with his results with sprint handicappers, sends Abate on the trip to Sussex hopeful of a big run.

"I am absolutely delighted there are only 12 runners!" Nicholls said. "The smaller field obviously gives him more of an opportunity, and he's going down in good form."

Abate, who won at Newmarket on his penultimate start, is a talented sprinter on his day. "If he's on his A-game he can be very competitive in that field," Nicholls predicted.

"His rider Hollie Doyle is in great form, and I'm very hopeful."

Adrian Nicholls: 'I am absolutely delighted there are only 12 runners!'Credit: David Carr

What they say

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Digital
He came back to form when fifth in the Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle, and we're pleased with him going into this race. A sharp six furlongs is the key, and he finished third to Whenthedealinsdone over five furlongs at this meeting last year. He's in great order.

James Evans, trainer of Dream Composer
He's been in really good form this year and likes it at Goodwood – he has course figures of 21 there. We're hopeful of a good run, although the favourite will take a lot of beating. I don't think we've reached the ceiling yet in terms of his handicap mark. He ran well at Pontefract last time in a race which didn't quite pan out for him, and I hope there's a bit of mileage left in a mark of 88. He's enjoyed a little freshen-up since his last run, and hopefully he can produce the personal best he'll need.

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owners of Stone Of Destiny
He ran okay over five furlongs at Goodwood on Tuesday when the gaps didn't really come for him. He's dropped a lot in the weights this year, but hasn't really been firing.

Karl Burke, trainer of Lethal Levi
He's on a big upward curve and is well in at the weights. We have to give it a go. It appears we've frightened a few people off. If he reproduces his last run he's the one they've got to beat.

Oliver Cole, joint-trainer of Many A Star
We've given him a long break since his last run. He just looked a bit light after his defeat at Newmarket, and he's a horse who is best fresh. He loves Goodwood, and I'm hoping he'll run a really good race under Tom Marquand.

George Baker, trainer of The Lamplighter
He loves the place and loves fast ground. He ran in this race last year, but the rain that came was against him. It's not going to rain until 2030 so we'll be okay and we're looking forward to it.
Reporting by Richard Birch

Saturday previews:

2.10 Goodwood: 'We've got him in a very good place' – who has high Summer Handicap hopes?

2.45 Goodwood: 'She wasn't far behind Sea La Rosa at Haydock' – Lillie Langtry quotes

3.20 Goodwood: 'We've got the right man on top' – who is keen on their Stewards' Cup runner?

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