‘Lethal’ a strong force at Goodwood

May the ‘Force’ be with you in the group two, £60,000 Vintage Stakes over seven furlongs at Goodwood this afternoon, a good-priced ‘special’ on the second of five wonderful days, set in the picturesque Arundel estate. It doesn’t get much better and wont be, if Lethal Force reproduces recent, scintillating home work, under supervision of Lambourn trainer Clive Cox, hopeful this Dark Angel colt has now fully recovered from exertions of his ‘Coventry’ fourth at Royal Ascot last month, when he ran on strongly, in a manner suggesting further wouldn’t be a problem.

Lethal Force was beaten less than two lengths by Power, subsequently a length second to Frederick Engels in the Newmarket July Stakes. That is solid form, good enough to cause a surprise, despite confidence in both Red Duke and Chandlery. My time-handicap indicates an outstanding betting opportunity and I’m buoyed by jockey-booking of Alan Kirby, who got a real tune out of thrice-raced Lethal Force. He’s a maiden, but napped! As for the eagerly-awaited ‘duel on the downs’ it’s nigh impossible to plump for either Frankel or Canford Cliffs. Our actual best time-figure determines Sir Henry Cecil’s charge will be superior and if Tom Queally rides him similarly to the way he allowed undefeated Frankel to stride out in the 2000 Guineas, he’ll be hard to beat. Let’s hope he does and provides the racing world with a true spectacle.

Fifteen have been declared for the Classified Stakes over seven furlongs, a tough race but well within capabilities of Shamandar, mount of Ryan Moore. We were asked to scrutinise this particular race and Shamandar stood out like a beacon. Moore to shine! Far from the madding crowd and ‘boaters’ Fenella Fudge looks nigh on a cert, to finally get off the mark against a clutch of moderates at Beverley. Lincolnshire-based, James Given appears to have found the ideal slot for Fenella Fudge. If he hasn’t there is no hope for her!

SELECTIONS

RACE 3 (#6) FENELLA FUDGE
RACE 5 (#4) LETHAL FORCE (nap)
RACE 9 (#4) FRANKEL
RACE 21 (#13) SHAMADAR