Key pointers as London Gold Cup form is put to the test

1.50 Goodwood
Unibet Handicap | 1m2f | 3yo | ITV/RTV

The London Gold Cup, which was run at Newbury in May, is a distant memory, but it could hold the key to this handicap with four of the leading protagonists having followed home subsequent Group 2 winner Headman.

While Headman went on to land the Prix Eugene Adam in France, Sinjaari, sent off favourite at Newbury, could not recoup losses at Royal Ascot.

Relive the London Gold Cup here

His trainer, William Haggas, said: "Sinjaari ran very well in the London Gold Cup but not so well at Royal Ascot, when I asked James Doyle to take a course under the trees – that was trainer error."

Sinjaari (red and white colours): is pipped by Headman (third left) with Forest Of Dean (right) back in fourth in the London Gold Cup at Newbury in MayCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The Newmarket handler is also represented by Dalaalaat, an unexposed and improving Kingman colt who steps up in trip from a mile.

Haggas added: "Dalaalaat won well at Chelmsford last time. We're trying a longer trip but he stayed on well there."

Bentley charged with finding Forest way

Forest Of Dean has not run since the London Gold Cup and is without Frankie Dettori this time around due to John Gosden's runner carrying just 8st 4lb.

Harry Bentley comes in for just his second ride for the champion trainer this season and will bid to make it a career score of four victories from nine rides for the stable.

Forest Of Dean (Fairside): improver over 1m2f this seasonCredit: Grossick Racing

Gosden said: "He ran a lovely race behind the smart Headman at Newbury. He's been freshened up for this race and we've been happy with his preparation. You need the rub of the green in these Goodwood handicaps, but we'll leave that up to the jockey."

Hannon hoping for another top show

Walkinthesand, who was successful in a competitive Newmarket July festival handicap at the expense of the reopposing Korcho, represents another piece of solid recent form.

However, his victory resulted in a 5lb rise in the handicap to a mark of 110, which burdens him with top weight.

Trainer Richard Hannon said: "I was very pleased with his Newmarket run and we have just kept him ticking over. He'll go close."

Owner Saeed Suhail is also represented by Almania, and his racing manager Philip Robinson, who won the race on Sir Michael Stoute's Karamita in 1980, said: "He's working extremely well and has come out of Ascot as good as gold. He's a good mover and should handle the track no problem."

Johnston eyeing win number eight

This race has been a Mark Johnston benefit in recent seasons, with the trainer celebrating seven victories since Gypsy Passion in 1998. Communique was his latest victor 12 months ago.

Communique: won this race last yearCredit: Alan Crowhurst

He runs The Trader, who was brushed aside by both Headman and Walkinthesand in the London Gold Cup, and the Franny Norton-ridden Victory Command.

What the rest say

Hughie Morrison, trainer of Korcho
He's surprised us this year and has never stopped improving, but he needs to continue to do that in an incredibly competitive race. I'm not convinced this track will suit.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Coolagh Forest
He's still suffering at the hands of the handicapper, who hammered him [raised 12lb] for winning a very bad race at Musselburgh earlier in the season. He has no weight and is ready to run.

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Wargrave
He's in good order and seemed to get the trip well at Gowran last time, so we're hopeful of a good run.

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