Glorious Goodwood: Dave Nevison’s tips for day one

Trueshan is a great horse but his ground requirements make it a tough call betting in the big Cup races until his participation has been confirmed or otherwise. All the same, the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup is once again going to be a cracking affair on an excellent first day of the meeting.

1.50 Goodwood: Bell Rock

It's difficult to imagine a more competitive handicap than this one that traditionally opens Glorious Goodwood but, unlike last year - when in a smaller field everybody latched on to a highly progressive type who won at 2/1 - it is very difficult to find a horse going forward at a rapid rate.

I am looking at back form and yard form in selecting Bell Rock, who was third (from a similar draw) two years ago in this race off just 1lb higher, so he is clearly well suited to the demands of such a race.

Trainer Andrew Balding is in tremendous form and the final positive is the absolute gift of the 5lb allowance that wonderkid Harry Davies is still able to claim.

Bell Rock disappointed last time and needs to do better, but he has presumably been freshened up in his six-week absence and after he was previously placed here since ran well at Group level. If he turns up in form he has a clear chance.

3.00 Goodwood: Sacred

She is unbeaten in two Group races over seven furlongs so far and, judged by her reappearance, has a really strong chance of extending that run to three back at this trip.

Sacred reappeared in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and was backed to go very close, but she shaped as if that six-furlong trip was too short when staying on really well after a slow-ish start. She wasn’t in any way knocked about to be beaten less than a length in fifth and she does look as though she might be able to win at Group One level one day.

This looks the perfect race and track to just sit off what will be a decent pace and Sacred is definitely worth a bet.

5.20 Goodwood: Crystal Caprice

She might well end up better than a handicapper judged by her illustrious pedigree and seven-length win last time and she certainly looks the dot on the cards.

Nothing has since run from the small-field Yarmouth to confirm the form, but her opening mark of 87 definitely looks generous and the fact Crystal Caprice has a favourable low draw also adds to her attraction.

Given the colours she carries and with Ryan Moore in the saddle for Sir Michael Stoute she will not be anything other than a hot favourite, but this looks a good stepping stone to better things.