Thursday 245 Audi Richmond Stakes

                                                                   Richmond Stakes
                                                         Colts and Geldings 6 Furlongs


The final leg of the trio of Goodwood juvenile races which has been won by the likes of Dick Turpin, Libranno and Harbour Watch. As this roll call suggests it is another race that Richard Hannon has a strong recent record in. This years renewal doesn't look particularly strong with one stand out candidate

Andhesontherun- Useful sort from the Roger Varian stable who has won 2 out of his 4 races to date. Won on debut when taking an age to pick up before flying late to collar Atlantic Affair on the line. He was stepped up to listed class next time running respectively to finish 2nd to subsequent Queen Mary winner Rizeena. Then disappointed when midfield in a muddling Windsor Castle, only beaten 4 lengths, before winning a 4 runner novice stakes last time. That performance, his 1st run over 6 furlongs, should not be underestimated as the 2nd Zaraee looked a useful tool on debut. Definite place claims

Bahamian Heights- One win from from 5 starts when he beat Mappa Mundi, listed placed since, at Yarmouth. Failed to cope with the rise in class when only 7th in the July stakes at 80/1. Looks exposed and is another example of Clive Brittain setting the bar too high

Ben Hall- Maiden winner from the John Gosden stable who comes here having finished 7th in Windsor Castle. Was noticeably short in the betting that day but didn't seem to have any excuses. Although connections are well respected this son of Bushranger will have to improve a chunk to have pretensions of winning here

Cable Bay- well bred maiden winner from the Charlie Hills stable who is making a massive step up in class here. However he did beat Whaleweigh Station, now rated 98, and the trainer has had a productive time with his juveniles this year. Will have to improve on what he has shown so far but is still unexposed and not without a chance

Figure of Speech- Godolphin raider who comes here on the back of an excellent 2nd in the July Stakes at Newmarket. Drifted across the course that day and was unlucky that the eventual winner made his run on the other side of the course. Slammed Whaleweigh Station by 4 lengths on debut and that form alone would stand up to close scrutiny here. Very much the one to beat for rookie trainer Charlie Appleby

Jallotta- busy and useful juvenile from the Mick Channon stable. Ran creditably in both the Coventry and the July stakes. Was therefore slightly disappointing when only 4th in a group 3 at the Curragh last time. Possible that his busy period is catching up with him and would probably need a career best to win

Miracle of Medinah- Cheaply bought Milk it Mick colt who has been improving at a rate of knots lately. Bolted up in a listed race at Sandown last time but hard to take form seriously as the clear form pick bombed out. This will likely prove a bridge too far and unlikely to extend his winning streak in this

Parbold- Coventry 2nd who is engaged in the Vintage Stakes on Wednesday. Very unlikely to head here but obviously well respected if he does

Saayerr- Useful sort who won his first 2 races before finishing a creditable 8th in the Coventry. Bested the useful Sacha Park on debut at Sandown before then just getting up to nail the super sprint runner up Lilbourne Lass on the line on his 2nd start. Form entitles him to respect and his trainer and jockey are both enjoying a fine period of form. Genuine each way possibilities

Salford Red Devil- Richard Fahey juvenile who has ran exclusively at the Roodeye so far. Consistent sort who did well to win from a unpromising position last time. His trainer has a poor strike rate with his two year olds here, 1/23, and this one  unlikely to be aiding that record here

Thunder Strike- from the all conquering Richard Hannon stable who has a terrific record in this race. A winner of his first 3 races including the listed Woodcote Stakes he then went to the Coventry. Ran well that day finishing 4th having been in the firing line throughout. Blotted his copybook when finishing last at heavy odds on when dropped back to listed class last time. If you can forgive that run then he is a big player

Verdict- Obviously a lot depends on the participation of Parbold but if we presume he is a unlikely runner this looks best left to Figure of Speech. He looked like a horse to follow when smashing a decent sort on debut and was possibly unlucky not to take the group 2 July Stakes last time. Thunder Strike would be a big player on his best form and his trainer has won this in 4 of the last 5 years, but he has to bounce back from a poor run last time. Andhesontherun was impressive on his first run over 6 furlongs and he and Saayerr are respected as dangers

1 Figure of Speech
2 Andhesonthrun
3 Saayerr