Waardah (15:00 Goodwood — Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes, Group 2, 1m 6f)
A four-year-old bay filly by Postponed, owned by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum and trained by Owen Burrows, who has always had this race in mind as the centrepiece of her summer campaign. Waardah won this race twelve months ago, beating Danielle by ¾ of a length at 7/2, and returns to defend her crown with a perfect 2-from-2 record at Goodwood and a 100% course and distance record behind her.
Her run at Carlisle in May has been significantly franked — she was beaten 1½ lengths by Estrange, who then went and won a Group 1 in Ireland. That form puts her right in the mix here. Callum Rodriguez retains the ride with a 50% win rate on her, the trip is her ideal 1m 6f, and small field conditions of just six runners suit a filly who travels well and doesn’t need a lot of cover.
Danielle, who she beat last year, lines up again — but Waardah was carrying 10lbs less than today when she beat her, so the weights are tighter. Consent is the other danger after reversing French form.
Verdict: Back to win at 9/4 — defending champion, franked form, course specialist, and Burrows has aimed her here all season. 🏇
