Glorious Goodwood 2016: Goldream to dazzle in King George Stakes
Published:
David Metcalf | July 28, 2016
Goldream ready to cut a dash
Goldream looks to have plenty going form him in a wide open renewal of the Group 2 Qatar King George Stakes run on Friday over the flying 5f at Glorious Goodwood (15:45).
The Robert Cowell trained gelding showed progressive form last season, winning the Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Doncaster on his return to action before going to to land the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Goldream showed plenty of pace in the latter to chase the leaders before throwing down a strong challenge from the furlong marker to get up, close home and beat Medicean Man by a short-head.
There was lots to like about the way seven-year-old dug deep and battled on gamely, and he then lost little in defeat when a staying on 4 3/4 length fifth of 19 to Mecca’s Angel in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York on soft ground which was totally unsuitable.
Goldream went on to round off the campaign with a short-head success in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp where he had the re-opposing Muthmir 1 3/4 lengths behind in third.
Quick ground a big plus
The son of Oasis Dream has had just one run this year, at Meydan back in March, as the ground has been against him so far.
Cowell has resisted the temptation to run him on soft going, and Goldream now finally gets the quick underfoot conditions that he relishes.
Goldream also has a good record fresh, so an absence of 125 days should not be an issue, and another plus is that he looks sure to get the strong pace to aim at that he needs to be seen at his best with the likes of Cotai Glory and Take Cover in the line-up.
Muthmir bidding for repeat success
Muthmir won the race 12 months ago by a head from Take Cover, so looks sure to make a bold bid to retain his crown.
The William Haggas trained six-year-old returned to form last time out, when staying on strongly to be beaten just a length behind Marsha in a Listed contest at York having come from an uncompromising position from well off the pace.
Muthmir may well turn the tables on that rival if ridden a bit more prominently and his proven ability to act on the track is a big plus.
Easton Angel another key player
Easton Angel an intriguing contender
Easton Angel finished 3/4 of a length in front of Muthmir when runner-up at York, having looked all over the winner until collared close home and beaten a neck.
The Michael Dodds’ trained filly cruised into contention after showing bags of early dash and jockey Paul Mulrennan may well have pushed the button too early.
Easton Angel looks the type that needs to be produced at the latest possible moment, as she has only one burst of speed and downs tools when in front, but is clearly a classy sort well up to winning a race of this nature when things do drop right.
Related
Coral’s top tip: Goldream has a good record fresh and with underfoot conditions in his favour, so looks decent value to land the spoils. Muthmir and Easton Angel rate the main dangers.
