Monday 25 July 2011

Goodwood : Tuesday's bet365 Molecomb Stakes Preview


Crown Dependency, who made a successful start to his career at Goodwood in May, returns to the track for a crack at the Tuesday's bet365 Molecomb Stakes.

The youngster was beaten just over two lengths by Bapak Chinta in the Norfolk Stakes last time, and represents Richard Hannon, who has won the race for the last two years with precocious sorts Monsieur Chevalier and Zebedee.


The handler told www.richardhannonracing.tv: "He broke his maiden here and course form is always a bonus, and he was a bit unlucky to finish only third in the Norfolk at Royal Ascot. He has bags of speed and won't be far away."

Vocational has been a busy filly for Mark Johnston, another trainer who loves to have a Goodwood winner, finishing second in a Listed race at York and then the Hilary Needler at Beverley before running in mid-division in the Queen Mary.

She returned to win a minor event at Chester in very easy fashion.


Johnston reported: "I think on ratings she's got a bit to find, but it's a fast five furlongs at Goodwood and that will be right up her street. She was disappointing at Ascot but it was nice to see her bounce back at Chester. She has always been aiming for this race."

It is just a week and a half since Charles The Great's pillar-to-post victory in the Super Sprint and trainer Andrew Balding believes he is feeling no ill-effects.

"There aren't many races around if you want to stick at five furlongs so we're running him again," he said.

"He seems in fine form after the race, so let's hope for another good performance."