Al Hudaiba (14:25 Goodwood — Coral Vintage Stakes, Group 2, 7f)
A two-year-old grey colt by Dark Angel, owned by Godolphin and trained by Charlie Appleby — in superb form at 37% over the last fortnight — and ridden by William Buick, who has a 100% record on him across their two starts together. Al Hudaiba has won three of his four starts this season, most recently landing the Group 2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket on 11 July, getting the better of Abraham Lincoln by a short head in a race where he ran around under pressure but still found plenty when it mattered.
Connections fit blinkers for the first time today to sharpen his focus and straighten him up — a positive signal that they believe there is more to come from a colt already rated 108. His 75% win rate on similar ground and 100% record at Class 1 level tell their own story, and at Goodwood on a summer Tuesday this is the standout two-year-old race of the day.
Verdict: Back to win at 2/1 — smart colt on the upgrade, Appleby and Buick in top form, blinkers the key to unlocking even more. 🏇
