Glorious Goodwood (15.10): Solow can sail to Sussex Stakes success
French raider Solow looks a cut above his rivals and a worthy favourite to land the feature race on day two of Glorious Goodwood, the Group 1 Sussex Stakes (15.10).
The Freddie Head trained colt has won 10 of his last 11 starts, and signalled that he was in for a big year when putting in a breathtaking display to beat The Grey Gatbsy by 4 1/2 lengths in the Group 1 Dubai Turf in Meydan back in March.
Solow followed up with an easy 1 1/2 length success in the Group 1 Prix d’Ispahan at Longchamp before confirming himself as the best older-horse miler in Europe with a smooth success in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
As in all his races, Solow cruised along in the latter before showing an instant turn of foot to put the race quickly to bed.
It was a performance which oozed class, and off an official rating of 124 Solow has 3lb and upwards in hand on his rivals.
That is going to make the son of Singspiel very hard to beat, especially as this year’s renewal doesn’t look strong following the decision earlier in the week by connections not to declare dual Guineas an multiple Group 1 winner Gleneagles.
Night Of Thunder disappointed when running flat and finishing fifth to Solow in the Queen Anne, but would be a big danger on the pick of his form.
The Richard Hannon trained colt showed a devastating turn of foot to beat Kingman by 1/2 a length in last year’s 2000 Guineas and went on to finish an excellent two lengths runner-up to that rival in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Night Of Thunder rounded off the campaign with a fine 1/2 length second to Charm Spirit in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions’ Day at Ascot, and looked as good as ever when comfortably landing the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on his seasonal reappearance.
The son of Dubawi also has proven form at the track having won on debut as a juvenile and, if Solow under-performs, Night Of Thunder looks the one most likely to capitalise.
Coral’s top tip: Solow deserves his status as a strong favourite.
