Kodi Bear has a progressive profile and, a front-runner, will be hard to pass in the Doom Bar Celebration Mile (3.45) at Goodwood today.
Runner-up to Belardo in the group one Dewhurst Stakes last October, he has won two of his three starts this term and looked better than ever when powering clear of his rivals in the Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury this month.
He won by four and a half lengths there, despite drifting across the track, and still seemed to be full of running crossing the line. Open to further improvement after only seven starts, Kodi Bear can prove too strong for Cable Bay, who has plenty of ability but boasts a poor strike rate and needs things to drop just right.
Hawksmoor is fancied to improve past some more exposed rivals to land the 888Sport Prestige Stakes (2.00). She looked a high-class prospect when thrashing Dutch Heiress on her debut at Kempton Park and was stepped up to group three company at Newmarket last time.
That seemed something of a shock to her system, as she looked green when initially asked to battle before staying on again late on. She was not beaten far in sixth there and, with that experience under her belt, Hawksmoor can confirm the positive impression made on her debut.
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The 888Sport Handicap (2.35) can go to Fox Trotter. He showed some classy form as a juvenile, signing off with a good second in the group three Horris Hill at Newbury, and shaped as though retaining all of his ability when fourth to Enlace on his reappearance over this course and distance.
He was arguably given too much to do there, finishing best of all, and in any case is entitled to improve for that first start in nine months. Fox Trotter is 4lb better off with Enlace for the two lengths that he was beaten there and can turn the tables.
Vive Ma Fille looks the one to beat in the 888 Sport March Stakes (3.10). Unraced as a juvenile, she has shown steady improvement this season and looks to be thriving on a busy campaign.
She might have been flattered when a close fifth in the Goodwood Cup last time, as she raced up with a pedestrian early gallop, but her previous close fourth to Aloft in the Queen’s Vase would also give her strong claims in this company and she looks sure to go well.
At Newmarket, Intense Tango can make the most of her feather weight to take the Fly Easyjet From London Southend Airport Handicap (2.40).
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She developed into a classy hurdler over the winter and would probably have taken advantage of a lowly mark on the Flat but for being hampered at Pontefract last time.
The extra furlong of this contest is sure to suit and she rates a solid bet at the 7-1 generally on offer this morning.
The fitting of headgear has revitalised Lucky Kristale on her past three starts and she can land the Stobart Club And Shop Hopeful Stakes (3.25). She failed by a head to catch New Providence at York last time, flying home having been given a lot to do, and can make the most of a drop in grade.