Get set for a whirlwind of fantastic racing in a glorious setting, as the Goodwood festival swings into action. Last year’s winner, TAKE HEART, holds genuine claims of a repeat success for his new trainer. David Menuisier landed this contest in 2021 and his runner is back on a winning handicap mark of 95. Despite there being a whole host of improving and unexposed types, Take Heart is a solid place option at a fair each-way price.

With plenty of pace expected, DO OR DO NOT is likely to appreciate coming off the speed, to play a hand in the finish. The Space Blues colt has improved with each start, including a trio of second-placed-finishes – one coming at Royal Ascot. His runner-up spot in Group Two company at Newmarket’s July festival last time was particularly impressive. He could close the gap with Zavateri, over the longer 7f journey.

In what looks a trappy renewal of the G2 Lennox Stakes, a chance is taken on last season’s winner, AUDIENCE. Wildly inconsistent, the son of Iffraaj has the quality to win this again, if displaying his best form. I think he can improve on a quiet reappearance run at Haydock, having been given time to train for this big target. John and Thady Gosden arrive in red-hot form and first-time cheekpieces could spark improvement.

I’m taking on likely favourite, Illinois, who ran second in the G1 Ascot Gold Cup last month. I prefer his younger stablemate, SCANDINAVIA, who is on a sharp upward climb. Impressive in winning the G3 Bahrain Trophy Stakes at Newmarket by 8.5 lengths, I have him going close, in receipt of a stone from his elders.

I would have been livid if I had backed JAKAJARO last time out at Ascot! The Fitri Hay-owned Too Darn Hot gelding was caught behind a wall of horses, when coming through with a well-timed challenge. He was allowed to coast home thereafter and is extremely interesting, racing from the same handicap mark. You made need to watch this from behind the soft but I’m praying for a clear run this time!

It’s best to ignore the form figure of eighth last time for NAVAL LIGHT. That came in the G2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot – keeping on well after a slow beginning. That followed an exciting debut second and he should play a leading role here if replicating either of those efforts. The rise to 6f appears a wise move, given how hard he has hit the line so far, in his short career.

PROTEST has certainly caught my eye on handicap debut. The three-year-old filly hasn’t been quite up to Listed level in three attempts, but she wasn’t beaten far in two of those – especially last time at Newbury. She was held by 2.5 lengths that day, over 1m2f, with the drop to a mile likely to suit. The winner that day, Qilin Queen, has boosted form by scoring a Longchamps Group Two subsequently. I’d be surprised if Protest was unable to prove ahead of her mark of 92 in time, but hopefully she can show that today.

LADY OF ANDROS has been a bit of a frustrating character this campaign, but she has also been a model of consistency, finishing in the first four in all starts for Ollie Sangster. She wasn’t beaten far in a recent Newmarket handicap last time, and has form on a downhill track, when placing at Chester. First-time cheekpieces may prove to be the catalyst for improvement, which may see her gain a well-deserved success. I’d be shocked if she wasn’t able to reach the placings.