Alphonse Le Grande is poised to leverage his stamina advantage in the 2-mile 4½-furlong Coral Goodwood Handicap, scheduled for July 31. Trainer Tony Martin’s runner returns to a rating of 87, the same mark he carried when contesting the Cesarewitch in October 2024. His recent form suggests an upward trajectory, as he finished a close fifth behind Believitanducan in the Northumberland Vase at Newcastle in June over a similar distance. Notably, Alphonse Le Grande was only three lengths off the lead after encountering traffic in the 2025 Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot. He will be ridden by Jamie Powell, the jockey who partnered him to victory in the Cesarewitch, aiming for a successful eighth run at a different course.
In the Group Three HKJC World Pool Thoroughbred Stakes, Talk of New York is favored amid a substantial drop in class from his latest fixtures. After facing strong competition from leading three-year-olds Bow Echo and Gstaad in the St James’s Palace Stakes, Talk of New York showed considerable promise when winning the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown Park by five and a half lengths. Trainer Charlie Appleby described the horse as a “work in progress” weeks ago, but the recent efforts demonstrate improvement. With Saber Strike reportedly lacking pace in recent gallops, Talk of New York, carrying a 7-pound advantage on official ratings, is expected to perform well in the upcoming race.
The Coral Golden Mile, featuring a competitive field of 22 entrants, is attracting attention with Tribal Chief expected to improve his fortunes in a big handicap. The consistent performers Indalo and Scoville, who finished just behind Royal Hunt Cup contender Tribal Chief, are also considered strong candidates for the event.
Blue Brother may be primed for a breakthrough in the 3 p.m. race, bolstered by a recent fourth-place finish in the 28-runner Buckingham Palace Stakes. Jockey James Doyle pushed for an early move when the leader shifted position late in the race, but Blue Brother, returning from a year-long absence, was unable to sustain his challenge against more race-fit rivals. The race marked his return to seven furlongs, and his performance suggests potential for improvement. His single-figure draw aligns with trends, as 12 of the last 20 winners have started from similar gate positions.
The Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Conditions Stakes on the card remains difficult to predict, with nine runners entered. Jonquil stands out as one of the more talented contenders, boasting past success at the course and proven reliability when competing under less demanding conditions. The race could ultimately turn on which horse demonstrates the strongest will to win on the day.