'He looks very progressive' - can Migdam break Johnston handicap stranglehold?

Coral Kincsem Handicap | 1m2f | 3yo | ITV/RTV

There is no better advertisement for the dominance of Charlie and Mark Johnston in Glorious Goodwood handicaps than the Coral Kincsem Handicap and they rely on just one this year to make it nine victories in the race.

The yard scooped last year's renewal with 8-1 shot Qaader and other winners include Communique (2018), Lyn Valley (2014) and Broughton (2013) in the last ten years.

Whitefeathersfall flies the flag this year and was a comfortable winner at Carlisle over 1m2f this month in his first start since September. That run suggested he would relish an extra furlong and given the yard he hails from, he can be expected to step forward from that in terms of fitness.

He sits a long way down the market, however, as he needs to make a notable improvement on this step up in grade. The top of the market is dominated by lightly raced types, including the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Migdam.

Winning two of his three starts as a juvenile in novice company, Migdam made a seamless transition to handicaps at Doncaster last month, beating subsequent winner Adjourn on his first try over 1m2f. He is now 6lb higher, but he looks like a classic improver for the yard and needs the utmost respect.

Godolphin launch a three-pronged assault and William Buick's presence on Warren Point would suggest he is the first string. The way he stayed on late in a tactical three-runner affair at Ascot on his handicap debut suggested he could easily be suited by a strongly run race off a fair mark.

Mr Professor defeated Westover to win the Silver Tankard at Pontefract last year and after a solid campaign in Meydan holds excuses for a defeat on his return to Britain. He could be lurking on a dangerous mark back in handicap company for in-form trainer Alice Haynes.
Race analysis by Owen Goulding

What they say

Alice Haynes, trainer of Mr Professor
He beat Westover last season and has good form from Dubai earlier this year. He's had a break and has thrived for it and I'm interested to see him over this trip with a view to the rest of the season.

Alison Begley, racing manager to Al Shaqab, owners of Migdam
Sir Michael [Stoute] has been very happy with him and this has been the target. It's an important meeting for Sheikh Joaan, so hopefully he can run very well. He's a talented horse and is your typical Michael Stoute middle-distance three-year-old. He looks very progressive and is in the right hands.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Warren Point
Dropping back in distance from a mile and a half will suit him. He finished a good second to Wild Crusade at Ascot last time and the experience he has gained so far will hopefully see further improvement. I'm very pleased with him.

Ed Crisford, joint-trainer of Court Of Session
He bounced back to form on his last run and we're stepping him up in trip, which I think he's crying out for. I don't think he's [strictly] an all-weather horse. He trains well on the turf and if he gets the rub of the green he should run a good race.

Tom Ward, trainer of Asgoodassobergets
We were delighted with his run at Ascot when he just bumped into one. He's improved from that, so in what is a competitive race he shouldn't be far away.

Hollie Doyle, rider of Vee Sight
He won at Sandown nicely over nine furlongs and should appreciate the step up in trip. He's very well related and he's shown a big improvement for being gelded. He's been drawn badly here [13] but he was well on top at the finish at Sandown, so I hope he can take another step forward and I don't see why he won't run well.

Brian Meehan, trainer of Royal Rift
He's on the up, but the draw [12] could be a little better. The trip is good for him, it's what we've thought he's always wanted.
Reporting by Andrew Dietz

Thursday previews:

2.25 Goodwood: Hot Royal Ascot form on show as Royal Scotsman bids for Richmond glory

2.45 Galway: 'It was always the plan to come to Galway' - a quality novice chase in store

3.00 Goodwood: Which horse has leading trainer Charlie Appleby 'always held in high regard'?

3.35 Goodwood: Can she improve again? Nashwa all the rage for Nassau, but this is no tap-in

5.05 Galway: 'This has been on my mind for a while' - Galway Hurdle insight and quotes

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