'Let's hope she's on the golden highway' - Ruby's Profit bids to justify favouritism in fiercely contested sprint

This should be fun. Ruby's Profit, who broke from the stalls at Goodwood last time like she'd been shot from a cannon, is in stall 18 of 18. That means she's right on the stands' rail, where 5f races at Epsom so often play out. Expect fireworks over Britain's fastest course and distance in the 3YO Dash.

Just be warned that, with nothing being more likely than when it's thought impossible, pace collapses happen fairly often here. The sectionals show that Ruby's Profit overdid it early on at Goodwood, but had given herself enough of a cushion to still win by half a length. In a more competitive race, on rain-softened ground, she may not have the same luxury.

Ruby's Profit no longer has a fitness edge over Goodwood runner-up Mademoiselle, either. She came through late, and although that may have flattered her to a degree given the early splits, she was 20-1 despite being on a hat-trick on her first run since August. It would be fair to assume she'll come on for the run.

There's also room to be positive about Naana's Sparkle, third at Goodwood having paid for trying to match Ruby's Profit. He didn't start as quickly as the winner, and gets a 7lb pull in the weights. He's drawn in stall 11, with plenty of hold-up horses between him and Ruby's Profit. Mademoiselle is a little out on a limb in stall five. 

The 3YO Dash has been a great addition to the programme. It already has established trials at Chester and York, and is itself a stepping stone to Royal Ascot and beyond. As it takes root in the calendar, other trials are likely to emerge. Goodwood's will hopefully get its turn this year, one way or another.
Analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Against The Wind and Cape Sovereign
Against The Wind has run two good races this season. He was unlucky at York where he showed a lot of natural speed. He’ll be suited by Epsom and goes there in great form. Cape Sovereign ran a huge race in that same York event. He was unfavoured by the draw that day when out on the wing. He has no weight on his back, likes to come from behind and the race should be run to suit him.

Jamie Insole, joint-trainer of Ruby’s Profit
The ground could be a bit of a question mark. She was very good at Goodwood the other day. It was an excellent weight-carrying performance. She’s a really progressive filly and is drawn against the rail. Let’s hope she’s on the golden highway.

Michael Bell, trainer of Gold Star Hero
This has been the target for a while. The draw has been relatively kind, but I’m not convinced he’ll like the ground if it goes soft.

Antony Brittain, trainer of Blinky
He’s done great for us, winning twice and then finishing third at Chester. It’s going to be fast and furious, and I think he’s drawn on the right side, next to the favourite. He’s in the mix.

Alice Haynes, trainer of Naana’s Sparkle
Hopefully he can handle the ground and he's drawn 11, which is not a bad place to be. We think he should be bang there if they gather on the stands' rail.
Reporting by Richard Birch

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