Paris On Point For Trip To Goodwood

The big staying race of the week at Glorious Goodwood is the Group 2 Goodwood Cup (3.10), a race that has favoured those at the fancied end of the market in recent times.

Another Cup For Paris?
Indeed, with each of the last 10 Goodwood Cup winners having returned at 8/1 or shorter, punters should give those at that end of the market close attention, including the Ascot Gold Cup winner, Trip To Paris.

Ed Dunlop’s 4yo captured the Chester Cup on soft ground in May (2m2f), before a close second in the Henry II Stakes (2m, good to firm).

Those efforts were eclipsed at Ascot, though, and the fact he is so versatile in terms of trip, track and ground suggests he’ll be hard to beat on Thursday.

Punters looking to take Trip To Paris on may look to the fact that although 4yo’s have won two Goodwood Cups in the last 10 years, they did so at a lower strike-rate then their elders…

Trends Summary
Of the last 10 Goodwood Cup winners…

10 returned 8/1 or shorter
10 were officially rated 107+ or had no rating (Irish)
9 won during their last three outings
9 had 1-2 runs during last 90 days
9 made the top three last time
8 were 5-8yo’s
8 ran in a Group 1 or Group 2 last time
8 were beaten no more than 1l last time
A O’Brien, S Bin Suroor and Sir M Stoute won it twice apiece

Orange’s Juicy Odds
Also looking to improve the record of 4yo’s is Michael Bell’s Big Orange who arrives having won a Group 2 over 1m4f at Newmarket several weeks ago. The question mark is the trip, as he has yet to win in two attempts over 2m (unplaced both times), suggesting there could be value elsewhere.

More Success For Quest?
One who will have no problem staying the distance is Roger Charlton’s 5yo, Quest For More, who has made giant strides during the last 12 months, culminating in landing the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle last month (2m, good). Clearly on the up, Quest For More has earned a crack in Group company and makes each-way appeal.

Another with stamina is Mark Johnston’s 7yo, Oriental Fox, who won the Queen Alexandra Stakes over 2m6f at Royal Ascot last month, a race that Willie Mullins’ 8yo veteran, Simenon, won back in 2012. Despite his age, Simenon showed he was no back number when a 2l fourth in the Ascot Gold Cup behind Trip To Paris, and his odds need respecting.

Finally, a word has to go to Amanda Perrett’s 5yo, Eye Of The Storm, a dual Listed winner over 2m who may just come up short at this level, but has place claims.

Recommended Bets
It’s hard to get away from Trip To Paris, who has both speed and stamina, handles this type of unique track, and with be full of confidence following his Ascot Gold Cup victory. It will take a good one to lower his colours.

*Prices correct at time of publication