For many racing fans who follow international world-class racing closely, it was probably a bit surprising to see Pyledriver win last Saturday’s Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in such an impressive way. The multiple Group 1 winner will be heading to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and it is encouraging to know that the winning connections are considering sending the five-year-old to Hong Kong again to target the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase, in which he was narrowly beaten by Glory Vase last December.
After King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes Day, we will be simulcasting the first three days of the Glorious Goodwood, with a number of Group 1 events featuring star runners like Stradivarius, Kyprios (Goodwood Cup), Baaeed (Sussex Stakes), Nashwa and Lilac Road (Nassau Stakes) from Tuesday (26 July) to Thursday (28 July).
The Group 1 Sussex Stakes over 1609 metres is the highlight of our Wednesday night simulcast from Goodwood and the race will be run at a good tempo on ground that is expected to be good to firm.
Order Of Australia will be ridden positively by Ryan Moore and is in good form with a last start win over lesser company. He is a Group 1 winner and has regained his form this season. He will face pace pressure from Japanese runner Bathrat Leon under jockey Ryusei Sakai. Chindit will be in close pursuit under Pat Dobbs.
The favourite is the world’s highest-rated horse, Baaeed, which brings a perfect record into the race with eight wins to his credit. He is a top miler and it will take a big effort to beat him. The pace of this race may find Baaeed a bit further back than usual but he will be no worse than midfield and has a big turn of foot to pounce on the leaders. I make him a win and place chance.
Alcohol Free won this race last year and she comes in off a nice win in the Group 1 July Cup over 1200 metres with regular rider Rob Hornby. She seems to be at her best at this stage of the season and is a place chance coming from the back.
This race will be a stiff test for Order Of Australia but I make him a place chance in his current form along with last start winner Chindit with Pat Dobbs.
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