Flann Sunna (14:25 Goodwood — Markel Richmond Stakes, Group 2, 6f)
A two-year-old bay colt by Blue Point, owned by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and trained by Simon and Ed Crisford — a yard who won this very race in 2023 and know exactly what it takes. Flann Sunna has been impressive in both starts, winning on debut at Windsor by 3½ lengths before bolting up at Ascot on 10 July by nearly 5 lengths at 15/8 joint-favourite, showing a striking turn of foot. William Buick now takes over the ride — a powerful upgrade in the saddle — and the colt steps up to Group 2 company off the back of that dominant display.
He has a 100% win rate at today’s trip and going, and the Crisford yard’s confidence is clear — the Gimcrack at York in August is already pencilled in as the next target.
The one flag worth noting is the draw — stall 10 of 10 at Goodwood over 6f carries a significant disadvantage, and Buick will need to use all his experience to overcome it.
Verdict: Back to win at 5/4 — explosive form, top trainer, Buick aboard, and the yard won this race before. The draw is the risk but the horse is the real thing. 🏇
