Sussex Stakes: Can Anything Stop Field Of Gold?

Hi all,

It’s Day 2 of the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

A bit of rain on Tuesday morning on top of watered ground meant the ground was loose on top on Day 1. It looked like the juice in the ground albeit the times in the first four races didn’t suggest so. A bit more rain has been forecast and whilst it might tighten up, I’m not expecting quick ground on Wednesday.  

The Group 1 Sussex Stakes (3:05) takes centre stage on Day 2. The best of the Classic generation clash with the top older milers. Field Of Gold, winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes, faces last year’s dual Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes hero Rosallion.

The undercard lacks depth quality wise but includes two Group 3s – the Oak Tree Stakes (1:55) and Molecomb Stakes (2:30). Whilst the Goodwood card, the Sussex Stakes aside, is underwhelming there are betting opportunities which is all that matters really.

Across the Irish Sea, the Galway Plate (6:40) headlines Day 3 of the Galway Festival. A full field of 22 lines up for a first prize of €159,300. It’s a cracking betting heat – and frankly, more appealing than most of the handicaps at Goodwood.

Once again, the first five races from Goodwood are live on ITV Racing.

Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes (Group 1) – 1m

Back to the Sussex Stakes, and it looks a penalty kick for Field Of Gold. Let’s just hope he’s better at penalties than the Spanish women’s football team…

Granted a slowly run race on an undulating sharp track like Goodwood might not be ideal for Field Of Gold but a likely pacemaker in Qirat has been supplemented which should ensure we get a well-run race.

Henri Matisse chased home Field Of Gold in the St James’s Palace, beaten 3½ lengths. He’ll likely have a pacemaker in Serengeti, but it’s hard to see him reversing the form.

That leaves Rosallion as the main danger. He’s classy and should give Field Of Gold a proper race – but I still don’t expect him to beat him.

If you’re fishing for a big-priced one, consider Carl Spackler. A three-time Grade 1 winner in the USA, he’s effective on fast ground and should appreciate back going round a bend again rather than Ascot’s straight mile. Trouble is, with just seven runners, you’re playing for one place only so I can’t recommend him each-way.

Sussex Stakes Verdict:

If William Buick keeps things simple, Field Of Gold wins.

I’ve got a couple I like in the Galway Plate, plus a few more fancies for Day 2 at Glorious Goodwood – and if you want them, you can get them here.

Good luck with your Goodwood and Galway bets.

John