When searching for potential Goodwood winners, I look for horses having solid form on other downhill tracks, like Epsom or Chester. SUDU definitely qualifies, having sauntered clear in an Epsom handicap last time. Despite a hefty 11lb rise in the weights, I’d be disappointed if the son of Teofilo wasn’t able to play a hand in the finish, for a trainer who has won this twice in the past four years.

I rate Sing Us A Song as the main danger (for those who like a couple in handicaps), who performed with credit at Royal Ascot, even allowing for a slow start.

This is a particularly trappy contest, with numerous contenders. SAQQARA SANDS is the one I’ve landed on, for an each-way option, after a three-year-old has won each of the previous three renewals.

She scored in a Listed race over this trip at Carlisle, following a solid second at Epsom – behind the reopposing Formal, who isn’t discounted, but my selection could have further progress to come, with any rain a bonus.

LADY IMAN is an unimaginative selection, who I believe is the standout to win for Irish trainer Ger Lyons. The speedy daughter of Starman is top-rated here, after a Group Two success then a fine second to an improving Ballydoyle runner at Curragh.

The drop in trip looks a wise move and I can picture her cruising in behind runners, before unleashing a potent burst of speed to land this prize.

FIELD OF GOLD can emulate his sire, Kingman, who won this in 2014, after winning a brace of Group One contests (Irish 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes).

The top-rated and outstanding miler has already beaten second favourite, Henri Matisse, by 3.5 lengths last time, and I cannot see him reversing form – especially with the likelihood of at least one or two pacesetters in the race.

I’m reluctantly passing over last year’s second, Power Of Destiny, considering her trainer’s excellent record in the race, in favour of handicap debutante MODEL YUKO.

The Al Kazeem filly has improved with each outing, culminating in a Wolverhampton novice success over an extended mile.  She smashed a pair of subsequent winners that day and has been allotted an opening mark of 85, which may prove lenient in time. 

I will be flabbergasted if anything can lead ZELAINA in the 5f Conditions Stakes. The Mehmas filly has shown blistering pace in both starts, including when eighth at Royal Ascot last-time-out. I think the stiff track caught her out and she ought to be suited to this sharper course.

She can firmly return to winning ways, for a trainer who won this race in 2021. Our Cody would be my idea of one for the places, having had her form boosted recently. 

David O’Meara won this in 2023 and could strike again, with LEADMAN the solid option, from an each-way perspective. The Kingman gelding is a lightly-raced type, who scored on third run for this stable, in a competitive Newmarket 7f handicap.

He was over two lengths ahead of subsequent International Handicap winner, Two Tribes, that day which indicates that Leadman could still be ahead of his current mark of 87. William Buick in an eye-catching jockey booking and he could hold a good tactical position from stall three.