The prestigious Glorious Goodwood festival is set for another thrilling day of elite horse racing on its fourth day in 2025, with all eyes on Mick Appleby’s three-year-old sensation, Big Mojo, as he targets the coveted King George Stakes. This highly anticipated Group Two feature promises an electrifying display of speed and stamina, complemented by a stellar lineup of contenders including Godwinson, Fifth Column, Rising Power, Munsif, Opera Ballo, and Beauld As Brass, all vying for victory on the hallowed Sussex turf.
Big Mojo arrives at Goodwood with a formidable reputation, having already secured a significant win at this very meeting last year in the Group Three Molecombe Stakes, where he demonstrated remarkable pace over five furlongs. His impressive juvenile campaign also saw him finish second in the Group Two Flying Childers at York and a respectable fourth in the Grade One Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Del Mar, marking him as a consistent performer at the highest level.
The current season has seen Big Mojo continue to mature, with a notable victory at Ascot in the Commonwealth Cup Trial at six furlongs. Despite encountering some unfortunate traffic in subsequent races, including the Group Two Sandy Lane Stakes and the Commonwealth Cup, he recently showcased his resilience by narrowly finishing second in the Group One July Cup at Newmarket. Returning to his preferred minimum distance on a track where he has previously excelled, Big Mojo is poised to reclaim his winning form.
Beyond Big Mojo, the Coral Golden Mile presents another captivating contest, with John and Thady Gosden’s Godolphin gelding, Godwinson, emerging as a leading prospect. Under the guidance of jockey William Buick, Godwinson has enjoyed a stellar season, winning three of his four starts, most recently the bet365 Mile Handicap at Newmarket. His progressive profile suggests he is a miler on the rise, set to challenge the likes of strong competitors for top honors.
The opening race, the Coral Goodwood Handicap, features Fifth Column, a five-year-old with an impressive record of five wins from seven starts this year. George Baker’s charge recently returned to winning ways at Haydock Park and, stepping up to an extended two miles for the first time, appears capable of adding another victory to his tally, even from a career-high mark. His consistent improvement makes him a serious contender in this GBBPlus Race.
Jockey William Buick’s partnership with Charlie Appleby could yield further success with Rising Power in the Group Three Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes. This three-year-old son of Ghaiyyath has been in outstanding form, securing two all-weather victories before triumphing in the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown and the Listed Sir Henry Cecil Stakes at Newmarket. His demonstrated ability to step up in class indicates he is well-equipped for this Group Three challenge.
Further excitement is anticipated in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Conditions Stakes, where Munsif aims for a hat-trick of victories. Willie Haggas’ five-year-old has previously tasted success at Doncaster and Newcastle, and with a proven ability over extended distances and at Goodwood, he is strongly fancied to overcome rivals and secure his third win of the season. The final race of significance, the Hawes & Curtis Nursery Handicap, could see the unbeaten Opera Ballo maintain his perfect record under William Buick, capping off a day of high-class thoroughbred action.
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