Key pointers as Coventry form comes to the fore in the Richmond

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

Almost a third of the Qatar Richmond Stakes field contested the Coventry Stakes and the four who are coming on from the Royal Ascot race dominate the betting – but which one will come out on top?

The Richard Hannon-trained Threat fared best at Ascot, finishing second to Arizona. He has not run since and nor has the Coventry fifth Golden Horde, but Guildsman and Maxi Boy have performed well in Newmarket Group races since posting third and eighth placings at Ascot.

Threat is charged with continuing the Hannon family's excellent Richmond recordCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Richard Hannon snr bagged the Richmond five times and his son is quickly building up a fine record of his own, with two wins that could become three courtesy of Threat.

He said: "We didn't go to the July Stakes after Ascot but, as before the Coventry, we are very pleased with him. That said, he is not drawn well in stall one and it would help if it dried out a bit."

Guildsman's trainer Archie Watson said: "He's in good order and I think he'll run a good race."

Be wary of Richmond winner in future

Recent history tells us that while the Richmond is a fine race in itself, it is not one whose winners are generally worth following thereafter.

Shalaa went on to land the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes after his 2015 success. However, he is an exception to the rule, as none of the other five winners from 2013 onwards ever won another race.

Last year's victor Land Force no longer even has the same name, having been sold to Australia, where he has competed as King Of Yulong.

History suggests Ballydoyle runners are outside stable elite

Aidan O'Brien waited a long time between his first and second Richmond win, indicative that the race is not one he targets for his very best juveniles. That feeling is reinforced again, with neither of his contenders being obvious members of the Ballydoyle top tier.

Ryan Moore has been placed on King Neptune, who has been out of the places in two Group races, while Wayne Lordan partners maiden Royal Dornoch.

Land Force – subsequently rechristened King Of Yulong – won last year's Richmond for Aidan O'BrienCredit: Alan Crowhurst

O'Brien, who scored with Pyrus in 2000 and then the former Land Force 12 months ago, said: "King Neptune ran quite well at Newmarket last time and we've been happy with him since.

"Royal Dornoch is a maiden who progressed nicely from his first run to his second although he was still quite green. This is a big step up, but we think he can improve."

What they say

James Tate, trainer of Dream Shot
He's a big price and needs to step up significantly, but I've always had a sneaky feeling he might improve over six furlongs. He's bred to improve for the trip and Jamie Spencer, who has ridden him twice, is convinced he will.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Fleeting Prince and Royal Commando
They are two nice young horses and each won their last race really well. They deserve to be in a race like this and I'd find it hard to split them.

Clive Cox, trainer of Golden Horde
He ran a blinder in the Coventry and has been training well since. He is a big horse with size and scope but also still a baby, so with normal progression you'd expect him to run a good race.

Michael Bell believes Maxi Boy will benefit from returning to six furlongs

Michael Bell, trainer of Maxi Boy
He's definitely improved significantly since Royal Ascot, where he got a bit lost. He then ran a very good race in the Superlative, but it was a messy contest and the way it developed might not have been ideal for a horse who probably found seven furlongs stretching his stamina. Six furlongs could prove his optimum trip and he has a good draw next to the fence.

Philip Robinson, racing manager to Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum, owner of Symbolize
He looked like the winner to me at Ascot until the final half-furlong, and I'd put that down to the ground. He'll be much better on better ground, which I'm hoping he's going to get. If the ground is right we're in with a great shout.

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