Expert Analysis

A memorable Goodwood Cup, high on quality if not on quantity, and run on fast ground as well as at a fast pace, all the first 5 beating the recent course record easily (though Yeats’ time in this race in 2006, long before the remeasurement of British racecourses which moved the start for back by 6 yards, was just 0.02s slower). It produced a fine winner in Kyprios, repeating his success from 2 years before, and placed horses that were up to scratch. The winner’s final 2f of 23.92s means a close-to-par finishing speed of 105.0%.

KYPRIOS (117+ here, 119 previously) made it 4 in a row with his widest margin of victory in well over 2 years, clearly best when it mattered in a race that turned into a true test. He was briefly rousted to go prominent, then raced in third, was niggled along before improving steadily to lead 2f out, ridden and well on top in the final 1f. His brilliant trainer has many success stories to his name, but this one – after Kyprios reportedly nearly died as a result of an injury in 2022/2023 – must rank highly even so.

SWEET WILLIAM (112 here, 113 previously) consistently runs his race, for all his quirks, and lost no standing in defeat here, slowly away and driven early, going in snatches at times but going after the winner from over 2f out and seeing things out pretty well.

GREGORY (112 here and previously) was at home back at 16f with the emphasis on speed, leading early and briefly again over 2f out, keeping on thereafter.

TRUESHAN (107 here, 109 previously) ran respectably on ground much firmer than he has been allowed to race on normally, held up and free, improving on the inner 3f out but petering out soon after. He is probably not quite as good as he was, but he is still capable of very useful form.

AL QAREEM (106 here, 110 previously) ran respectably at a trip that was probably just beyond him, leading after 6f until over 2f out then weakening.

COLTRANE (0 here, 109 previously) went as if not himself, quickly beaten 3f out and eased (had been slowly away).