Scandinavia and Trawlerman declared for Goodwood Cup

Round two between staying heavyweights Trawlerman and Scandinavia is the confirmed highlight on the opening day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival following the final declaration stage.

Aidan O’Brien’s Scandinavia emerged with a thrilling victory over John and Thady Gosden’s eight-year-old in the two-and-a-half-mile Ascot Gold Cup and the pair now go toe-to-toe in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, this time over half a mile shorter.

Rahieeb was eighth at Ascot and tries again for Roger Varian, while the Charlie Johnston-trained Lazy Griff is a fascinating new rival for the big two after winning over this trip at Sandown over this trip last time out.

Queen Alexandra Stakes first and second Illinois and French Master, Amiloc and Miss Alpilles complete the eight-runner field.

Al Hudaiba will look to consolidate his status as one of the leading juveniles over seven furlongs in the Coral Vintage Stakes.

Charlie Appleby’s Dark Angel colt has won on each of three races he has finished – he was leading when he unseated Tom Marquand on his second start at Yarmouth – and was last seen recording a short-head success over O’Brien’s Abraham Lincoln in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket.

O’Brien saddles Haffner in this Group Two affair, while the unbeaten Dr Rascal represents Oliver Cole, Pikachu (Johnston), Ruler’s Control (Joseph O’Brien) and Undiscovered (Ralph Beckett) also feature in the field of six.

Qirat shone at this meeting last year with his 150-1 success in the Sussex Stakes and he is one of eight for the HKJC World Pool Stakes alongside Lake Forest, Marvelman, Witness Stand, Rogue Diplomat, Holgium, Poet Master and Lord Britain.