Which of the Mark Johnston-trained five will flourish in opening contest?

Thursday: 1.50 Goodwood
Unibet "15 To Go" Kincsem Handicap | 1m2f | 3yo | ITV/RTV

Mark Johnston's Glorious Goodwood record is extremely well documented and is largely due to his unlimited firepower for these types of middle-distance handicaps. Such is the depth in the Middleham team that Johnston is able to field five of the 12 runners for this three-year-old contest.

With 42 per cent of the field, it is hard to rule out a fourth winner in the last nine years in this race for the trainer, especially when his runners are predicted to set the pace on a track that favours forwardly placed horses over all distances.

Soft underfoot conditions have catapulted London Gold Cup runner-up King Frankel to number one string, proven by the booking of stable jockey Joe Fanning. That Newbury contest is usually a good form guide for this race but King Frankel has largely disappointed in three subsequent starts, most notably on quick ground at Newmarket last time. However, his two runs at Goodwood last year resulted in a couple of runner-up finishes, including on heavy on his final outing.

The hat-trick-seeking Mr Excellency, who is unbeaten at this trip, will probably dictate the pace alongside regular front-runner Naamoos, a dual winner over a mile who drops in grade after Group 1 and Listed assignments. Given his lofty mark of 107, Naamoos's inclusion in the final field means stablemate Forest Falcon (1lb wrong), Fast Steps (2lb wrong) and Pure Bubbles (7lb wrong) have to compete from out of the handicap – making their task considerably tougher.

Able to carry just 8st courtesy of being rated 86, the well-drawn pair of Patient Dream and Taraashoq warrant respect after last-time-out victories. Bred to handle testing conditions by heavy ground-winning sires Al Kazeem and Maxios, the unexposed pair could cause a minor shock in a race where the market leaders could prove vulnerable.

Alfaadhel is open to improvement after just four starts but disappointed when ninth, five places behind King Frankel, last time on soft ground at Royal Ascot. While Aerion Power will attract support given his latest run was brought to media attention by rider Mark Crehan's failure to ride to the finishing line. Don't overlook his wide draw in stall 12 and that he is yet to encounter ground slower than good.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

Aerion Power 'looks a worthy favourite'

Aerion Power should be coming into this race off the back of three wins from four starts this season but an unfortunate error by his rider cost the Sir Michael Stoute-trained runner certain victory at Doncaster less than two weeks ago.

Apprentice jockey Mark Crehan was banned for 28 days after mistaking the winning post on that occasion, easing right down in the final half a furlong and handing the race to Colony Queen.

Mark Crehan gets backing of Stoute and Dettori following 28-day Doncaster ban

Silvestre de Sousa takes over from Crehan and although Aerion Power has been raised 4lb for finishing second at Doncaster, there is no mistaking his upward trajectory.

"He's a progressive horse," said Alastair Donald, racing manager to owners King Power Racing. "It was obviously an error on his last start but he would have been a convincing winner. He does have a tricky draw in 12, so will need some luck to get a good position from there.

"He's tackling some ease in the ground but from his action we don't think that will be a problem. It's an open race but he looks a worthy favourite."

What they say

Angus Gold, racing manager to Shadwell Estates, owners of Qaader, Alfaadhel and Taraashoq
Qaader is stepping up in trip but my concern is if the ground is on the soft side, are we going to learn if he gets the trip or not? Hopefully the ground has dried out a bit and Mark and Charlie Johnston are keen to try it. Alfaadhel is a very nice horse and has been improving. We think the soft ground probably went against him at Ascot but Roger Varian is not convinced he was at his best that day anyway and it will be good to get him back on track. He has lots of ability and hopefully the ground does not go against him again. Taraashoq is improving and I wouldn't think he'd mind some ease in the ground. Whether he's streetwise enough to act at Goodwood I don't know but he's going to improve as time goes on.

Philip Robinson, racing manager to Mohamed Obaida, owner of King Frankel
Nothing came to light after his run at Newmarket last time and it was just one of those days. We'll put a line through that run and the conditions here should be fine. It's just a matter of whether he's good enough.

Philip Robinson, racing manager to Saeed Suhail, owner of Fast Steps
His best run was probably when he won at Epsom, which is why I think this track will suit him well. He's out of the handicap, so has a bit to do but he's lightly raced and carries a light weight.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Dingle
I've been looking forward to stepping him up in trip because he looks as though he could improve for the extra couple of furlongs. He's very talented but yet to really show it on the track, however, if things go his way I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him go very close.
Reporting by Lewis Porteous

Thursday's race previews:

2.25 Goodwood: can Gubbass make the jump from Super Sprint success to Group-race glory?

3.00 Goodwood: Tom Collins is keen to follow golden thread of Derby form in the Gordon Stakes

3.35 Goodwood: this time it will be tears of joy if Lady Bowthorpe can land famous Group 1 win

3.35 Goodwood: the big threat from the three-year-olds in the Nassau is not the one you think (Members' Club)

5.45 Galway: Gin On Lime seeks fantastic four-timer for Henry de Bromhead in novice chase

6.15 Galway: 'He's in brilliant form' – who is primed to run a big race in the Galway Hurdle?

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