Goodwood reflections: what we learned on day four of the festival

Horses who relish quick ground to dominate despite watering

Clerks of the course often incur the wrath of trainers and punters when turning on the taps during a festival. However, there can surely be few complaints about Ed Arkell deciding to water after three course records fell at Goodwood on Friday.

The irrigation will just replace the water which has evaporated so expect conditions to remain quick and for horses who are effective on fast ground to hold sway once again.

Having a summer festival take place on quick ground is no bad thing, however, and leads to stunning contests, such as Friday's King George in which Battaash was clocked at a top speed of 48.63mph.

Three-year-olds to be feared against their elders

In 2017 changes to the weight-for-age scale were implemented as statistics showed three-year-olds were outperforming their elders.

The difference was most stark over long distances, but at a mile the allowance was not altered.

Beat Le Bon, one of just two horses from the Classic generation in the Golden Mile field, took advantage of this potentially generous concession when scooting clear of his rivals to win at Goodwood.

However, regardless of the intricacies of weight allowances, three-year-olds are always of interest in open handicaps as they are usually more unexposed and open to improvement.

They often struggle to get in the most valuable handicaps but are always worth a second glance if making the cut.

Mirage Dancer has reached his peak

Sir Michael Stoute is famed for his ability to conjure improvement from horses as they develop with age. However, every horse has a limit and Mirage Dancer appears to have hit his.

The five-year-old appeared an obvious candidate to reach a higher level this season but he has plateaued, failing to beat last year's best RPR in four starts this campaign.

He is relatively consistent – even if he failed to run up to his best behind Desert Encounter on Friday – but has been priced as if there's plenty left in the locker. It appears there is not.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just clickRaceday Live atracingpost.com or the mobile app