'We know he handles the track and goes there with a good shout' - analysis and quotes for the Goodwood feature

Low-weighted, lightly raced three-year-olds are valuable assets in staying races and the market loves one in this handicap. After his desperately unlucky third here nine days ago, East India Dock is unsurprisingly popular.

That two-mile contest failed to test stamina and East India Dock found himself poorly positioned on the kick for home while also being badly hampered. The fact he got within a neck of the winner when eventually getting a run was to his credit. 

He will have only 7st 11lb on his back with title-chasing apprentice Jack Doughty taking the ride, and has previous formlines that tie in with progressive staying three-year-old handicappers such as Align The Stars and Wild Waves. 

This looks a golden opportunity, for all that East India Dock’s price could be deemed on the short side given the breadth of opposition.

Beamish and The Grand Visir were second at the Shergar Cup recently. Master Milliner, an impressive winner of the marathon handicap at the Glorious meeting last time, is unbeaten in three staying handicaps at Goodwood and this race lacks the same depth. 

Master Milliner is not the only course specialist as Aggagio has four wins (including in this race in 2022) and three seconds from ten starts at the track. It is likely he has been aimed at this in his bid to overcome a 155-day absence.

Topweight Calling The Wind is another course winner who is returning from a break (396 days), albeit one who may require assistance from the handicapper. 

Essentially, if you see frailties in East India Dock, there are ample each-way alternatives providing the eight runners stand their ground.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

Going news

The going was good at Goodwood on Monday, although there was potential for showers later in the day. It is expected to be brighter on raceday and all races will be run on the inner lines of the track. The track last watered on Friday (5mm).

What they say

Richard Hughes, trainer of Calling The Wind
It’s his first run of the year and he’ll probably improve from it. The plan is to head to the Irish Cesarewitch after this. They say it’s good ground, which will be fine for him as he doesn’t want it like a bog.

Hollie Doyle, rider of Beamish
He ran very well when just touched off at the Shergar Cup meeting last time and two miles around Goodwood should play to his strengths. Any rain would help his chance.

Gary Moore, trainer of Aggagio
He’s had some time off as he took a bad fall on his last outing over jumps and will probably need it. It’s a nice starting point back and hopefully he can give us something to build on.

Tom Ward, trainer of Diamond Bay
He needs to get back on the map after a few disappointing efforts, but a return to some of his all-weather form would give him a chance.

Tom Fanshawe, assistant to James, trainer of East India Dock
He’s due to go up for his close third there last time which is why he's running again. We know he handles the track and goes there with a good shout. After this I think [owner] Tim Gredley has a winter plan to send him jumping.
Reporting by David Milnes

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