Norwegian and German raiders lay siege to Britain's Thoroughbred stronghold

Friday: 2.25 Goodwood
Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes (Group 3) | 1m, 3yo | ITV/RTV

The Thoroughbred Stakes has been run since 1986 with the prize remaining in Britain in all of the 36 runnings. Ireland has been unable to plunder this Group 3, so can Germany or Norway be more successful?

German maestro Peter Schiergen has enjoyed plenty of big-race success in Britain, most notably with Danedream, and his Rocchigiani created a good impression when fifth in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Prior to that run he set a ferocious pace in the German 2,000 Guineas and was only collared late by Maljoom, who was unlucky not to win the St James's Palace Stakes at the royal meeting. With Goodwood historically favouring front-runners, Tom Marquand is likely to play catch me if you can.

Schiergen is a name British racing fans will be accustomed to. Raphael Freire, however, is not. Brazilian native Freire is based outside of the Norwegian capital of Oslo and sends Norsk 2,000 Guineas winner Hotline Bling for a crack at the race.

He was trained by Richard Hannon as a two-year-old, climbing to a rating of 81. Although he has evidently improved since, he has plenty to find, and it will be fascinating to see how he goes.

Market leader is Bayside Boy, who was placed on two occasions at Group 1 level as a juvenile. Little has gone his way this year having been forced wide in the French 2,000 Guineas and caught on heels in the St James's Palace last time.

This is a big drop in grade for the Roger Varian-trained runner and he is the one to beat on figures, but Checkandchallenge is likely to have a big say.

He was a Listed winner at Newcastle on his second start, and although he was outclassed in the 2,000 Guineas, his unlucky latest second in a valuable Sandown handicap gives him a big chance on his return to Group company.

Race analysis by Owen Goulding

Moore's fifth, Varian's first?

Ryan Moore has won the Thoroughbred Stakes for Richard Hannon snr, Sir Michael Stoute, Andrew Balding and Charlie Hills down the years. Now he seeks to give Roger Varian a first success in the Group 3 with last season's Champagne Stakes winner Bayside Boy.

Two three-year-old outings have yielded no little frustration for owners Teme Valley and Ballylinch Stud, with the son of New Bay having been scuppered by a wide draw on his Longchamp return before enduring a luckless passage through the St James's Palace in which he finished seventh, only two lengths behind Coroebus.

Roger Varian: 'I have no doubt he has a lot more to offer than we have seen this year'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Moore now takes the mount for the first time, and Varian hopes the new partnership can kick off with a valuable victory.

"His run in the St James's Palace was good and of the principals he was probably the one who had the least luck in running," said Varian.

"He had to wait for a run at a crucial stage, but he finished the race off very strong. If he can reproduce that form he must have a chance. I have no doubt he has a lot more to offer than we have seen this year and I'm hoping we can use this race as a springboard to higher grades.

"We've toyed with the idea of stepping up to ten furlongs, but we thought he was worth one more roll at a mile. If he happens to win, the Celebration Mile back at Goodwood would likely be the target."

What they say

William Knight, trainer of Checkandchallenge
After he won impressively at Newcastle we went for the Guineas which didn't work out, and it took him a while to get over that. He was then a bit slowly away at Sandown and almost looked a bit green, but he has come out of that race well and goes to Goodwood in great form. We're now back into Group company, which is where I always thought we would be. As long as he handles the track he should go close.

Peter Schiergen, trainer of Rocchigiani
His last 100 metres in the Jersey Stakes were very strong and I think the distance of this race is going to be better for him. It is never easy when you come to England so I would be happy with a win or a place.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Sonny Liston
He didn't stay in the Derby, so we're still on a bit of a learning mission with him. He won over seven furlongs last season so has some speed, and I think a mile will suit him more. We've given him a chance since the Derby and he's done well for the time.

Friday previews:

1.50 Goodwood: Can stayer named after Jack Grealish provide Villa owner-breeder with big win?

3.00 Goodwood: Can front-runner Noble Dynasty make all from a perfect draw in stall three?

3.35 Goodwood: Appleby confident 'the best I've trained' Raasel can emerge as new sprinting ace

6.00 Galway: Blazers banker? 'She's much better over fences than hurdles. I fancy her'

6.35 Galway: More Mullins domination? Baby Zeus out to improve on last year's fourth

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