Oisin Murphy confident the 'thriving' Alcohol Free can match Baaeed in Sussex

Champion jockey Oisin Murphy is relishing the prospect of Alcohol Free taking on the unbeaten "superstar" Baaeed in next week's Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood after the pair featured among nine confirmations for Wednesday's Group 1.

The four-year-old landed the July Cup over six furlongs this month and steps back up to a mile as she bids to retain her title against a high-quality field, including Baaeed and Coroebus, winner of the 2,000 Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes.

Murphy, who is serving a 14-month suspension until next February but was on board when she won the Sussex Stakes last season, believes Alcohol Free is in an even better position to win the race this year, and said: "She looks great and is really thriving. Rob [Hornby] rode her yesterday and he was thrilled with her. I think the race makeup will suit her with plenty of pace in the race."

On the upcoming clash with Baaeed, for which Hornby will be in the saddle, he added: "I think it’s very interesting because she showed so much speed last time and we know she stays a mile. I have a lot of respect for Baaeed but I’m delighted she’s taking him on."

Baaeed: had Alcohol Free in behind when winning the Lockinge in MayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Baaeed has already beaten Alcohol Free in the Lockinge this season but will face a new rival in Bathrat Leon, who Murphy partnered in Newmarket last week on the Al Bahathri gallop. The four-year-old seeks to become the first ever Japanese-trained winner of the Sussex and build on his impressive win in the Godolphin Mile at Meydan in March.

The colourful Yoshito Yahagi believes his colt has adapted well during his stay in Newmarket and Murphy confirmed Bathrat Leon felt "brilliant and was in really good order" but said connections acknowledged Baaeed and Alcohol Free are "superstars".

Godolphin, which has won this race three times, have kept Coroebus and Modern Games, winner of the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, in contention. Order Of Australia, Chindit, Angel Bleu and Sacred complete the rest of the possible field in what promises to be a standout contest on day two of the five-day festival.

On the opening day, Stradivarius will reunite with Andrea Atzeni in the Goodwood Cup for what is the eight-year-old's potential swansong.

Atzeni, unbeaten in three starts on Stradivarius including two Goodwood Cups, is taking over from Frankie Dettori and sat on the brilliant stayer for the first time in years in Newmarket on Thursday.

Atzeni said: "I had a sit on Stradivarius this morning on the Cambridge Road Polytrack in Newmarket. He didn't do a lot but he felt good.

"It's a long time since I've sat on him, the last time was when he was a four-year-old as I remember. He's a chunkier model now but still has a lot of class and it was nice to be back."

Sussex Stakes confirmations

Baaeed
Bathrat Leon
Chindit
Order Of Australia
Alcohol Free
Sacred
Angel Bleu
Coroebus
Modern Games

Qatar Sussex Stakes (Wednesday 3.35, Goodwood)

Coral: 2-5 Baaeed, 5-2 Coroebus, 14-1 Alcohol Free, Order Of Australia, 20-1 Modern Games, 25-1 Bathrat Leon, Chindit.

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