Molecomb preview: American ace Happy Like A Fool raring to go

Happy Like A Fool has been delighting trainer Wes Ward in her work for the Bombay Sapphire Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday.

The daughter of Distorted Humor was tagged as the American banker of the week at the Royal meeting, but despite Ward having two other winners, she had no answer to Clive Cox's Heartache in the Queen Mary Stakes.

Stabled in Newmarket since, Ward has been sent videos of her gallops and has been impressed.

"She was beaten fair and square at Ascot, there was no excuse. I expected her to win, but you have to check yourself and remember it's Royal Ascot," said Ward.

"She's been working in Newmarket with Elizabeth Darcy and manhandling her. I've seen the videos and she just sits in behind and cruises on by.

"Elizabeth Darcy is a good filly and has finished second in a Group Three in France since Ascot. I know if Happy Like A Fool is doing that to her, we're in good shape for Goodwood."

Despite Happy Like A Fool being part-owned by Coolmore, Ryan Moore surprisingly rides Battle Of Jericho for Aidan O'Brien, with Mike Smith coming over to ride the favourite.

James Tate expects Invincible Army to have improved for the experience of his first proper race in the July Stakes, where he was the beaten favourite in fourth. He has also been declared for the Richmond Stakes on Thursday.

"We had been thinking of the Richmond for him, but the forecast is for plenty of rain on Wednesday night so six furlongs on soft probably would stretch him," said Tate.

"He's a speedy type so the five furlongs shouldn't bother him and he's absolutely flying at home. He's come on a good deal since Newmarket.

"That day he was beaten just by more street-wise rivals, the first two had had five races each and the third had won the Coventry, whereas he'd just run in two maidens. I'd like to think he'll have improved for that experience."

Richard Hannon runs the Al Shaqab-owned Denaar, who won his first two starts but struggled in the Coventry Stakes and July Stakes. He now drops in trip, which his trainer thinks will suit.

"He travelled really well that day but didn't look to get the trip in the July Stakes," Hannon told his website.

"This drop back to five furlongs is right up his street and he goes there in great form. This is a competitive looking affair with a few Ascot form lines matching up but I am hopeful he can get in the first three."

Havana Grey (Karl Burke), To Wafij (Roger Varian), Sound And Silence (Charlie Appleby) and It Dont Come Easy (Richard Fahey) look others with solid claims of being in the frame.