Windshear can breeze to success in Godolphin Stakes

Windshear can take advantage of a marked drop in grade to score a deserved success in the Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket today (3.45)

The Richard Hannon trained colt has been a model of consistency since landing a handicap at Sandown back in April, finishing runner-up in two Group 3 contests and a cracking fourth of 12 to Kingston Hill in the Group 1 St Leger two weeks ago.

Windshear kept on at the one pace in the latter to be beaten 3 1/2 lengths, and the 1m 6f trip seemed to stretch his stamina to the limit.

The drop back to 1m 4f this afternoon will definitely be in his favour, and Windshear stands out on form now pitched back into Listed company.

Judged on his run in the St Leger, Windshear should win this with the minimum of fuss if over those exertions.

The son of Hurricane Run has a profile which suggests he is a tough nut who stands his racing well, and with title-chasing Richard Hughes in the saddle this looks a glorious opportunity for Windshear to get back to winning ways.

If Windshear does underperform, then Flying The Flag or Red Galileo look the ones most likely to take advantage.

The former was a useful sort last season when trained by Aidan O’Brien, winning a Group 3 contest at the Curragh by four lengths on his final start for the Ballydoyle maestro.

Flying The Flag joined Mike De Kock after that success, and ran really well for his new handler when a two length fifth of seven to Custom Cut in a Group 3 contest at York last month after 421 days on the sidelines.
The four-year-old showed that he still retained plenty of ability and is sure to come on significantly for the outing.

Red Galileo is trained by Ed Dunlop and belied his odds of 100/1 when fifth of 16 to Australia in the Investec Derby at Epsom.

The son of Dubawi then disappointed in his next two starts before bouncing back to form at Doncaster last time out when beaten just a neck by Clon Brulee.
Richard Hannon’s colt a worthy favourite to land Listed contest on cracking card at Newmarket now eased in grade