Goodwood Tuesday Preview – Aljamaaheer to star on opening day

The Sussex Stakes is the highlight of the five day festival at the picturesque Sussex track but Roger Varian has elected to swerve the Group One event with Aljamaaheer in favour of the seven furlong Lennox Stakes on the opening day.

The consistent chestnut son of Dubawi enjoyed a well deserved victory here in the Summer Mile last time out and can follow up at 3.05. Richard Hannon’s Producer could give him most to do having edged him out at Leicester first time out this season.

The meeting gets under way at 1.55 with a highly competitive handicap over a mile and a quarter. The William Haggas-trained Fast And Free has missed a number of tempting engagements in search of better ground whilst Nabucco won well at Newmarket last time out.

The one to get punters off to a good start could be David Simcock’s Whispering Warrior. He has won five of his last six races and could still be a couple of pounds ahead of the handicapper.

The Group 3 Molecomb Stakes at 2.30 brings together the second, third, eighth and ninth from the Windsor Castle Stakes. Richard Hannon’s Anticipated disappointed in France last time but can bounce back to form at the expense of Supplicant.

The handicap at 3.40 sets another poser for punters with the red-hot Mark Johnston saddling the blinkered first time Sir Graham Wade and Northumberland Plate runner-up Oriental Fox. The latter could gain consolation for being touched off in the final stride that day with Silver Lime looking a big threat under Ryan Moore.

Richard Hannon’s Sacha Park looks a clear form choice in the maiden race at 4.15 but the meeting ends with two wide open handicaps.

Johnston’s Desert Revolution could be one to watch out for in the betting as he could be let in lightly with just 8st 13lb to carry. Albaqaa regularly performs well in these types of races and could reward each-way support at a nice price.

There are several in-form sprinters set to clash in the closing race at 5.25 including course winner Hamoody and recent Catterick winner Lost in Paris. Another with each-way claims is Kevin Ryan’s Hopes N Dreams from stall 13.