Latharnach is a genuine graded prospect and should prove it in the group three, �100000, Thoroughbred Stakes over a mile of good ground during the fourth stage of Glorious Goodwood this afternoon; talk about being progressive!
This Charlie Appleby-trained Iffraaj colt left all previous form way behind when runner-up to unbeaten Gleneagles at Royal Ascot last month in the group one St James's Palace, beaten just over two lengths; Latharnach stayed on strongly under Godolphin contract jockey William Buick and comes out clear best-in against nine useful rivals.
When scouring the race earlier this week Latharnach looked one of three special bets but, unfortunately, two were withdrawn on account of ground conditions; judged on race-times, in relation to reliable, long-standing averages the surface has been absolutely superb, perfect for easy-moving thoroughbreds.
Rest of this seven-race programme looks too difficult including the only juvenile event, a six furlongs nursery, but over a similar distance Jessie B Goode represents a stand-out for the Selling Stakes at soft Thirsk, trained locally by Richard Fahey and mount of his useful apprentice, Jack Garrity.
Providing Jessie isn't completely averse to underfoot conditions and gets this extra distance (Fahey wouldn't be wasting his time, believe me!) this Approve filly shouldn't be extended never mind beaten; get on!
The obligatory summer-time Friday-nighter at Newmarket will also be run on a soft-ish surface but it surely wont be a problem for John Gosden-trained Alkawn, despite an 81 day(s) absence, in the Maiden Stakes over a straight mile; just a question of going down, and coming back!
SELECTIONS
9.50 JESSIE B GOODE
10.35 LATHARNACH
4.05 ALKAWN