Glorious hat-trick calling for Al Aasy at Goodwood

Popular veteran Al Aasy is primed for his hat-trick bid in the Coral Glorious Stakes at Goodwood on Saturday.

The William Haggas-trained nine-year-old has claimed this Group Three prize in each of the past two seasons and having looked as good as ever when landing a Listed prize at Beverley four weeks ago, connections are anticipating another bold showing on his return to a happy hunting ground.

Angus Gold, racing manager for owners Shadwell, said: “He doesn’t seem to have lost any of his enthusiasm, which is remarkable and a great testament to him and to William and the team that they’ve kept him in such good form.

“I know they’re very happy with him at home, he’s going back to the scene of the crime and has got his conditions, so hopefully he’ll give his running.

“He’s got everything in his favour if he’s still good enough.”

One of Al Aasy’s biggest dangers is his five years younger stable Opportunity, who steps up in grade after winning the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The gelded son of Saxon Warrior lines up as one of two runners for owners Wathnan Racing alongside the Harry Charlton-trained King’s Gambit, who has his sights lowered after acting as a pacemaker for Gethin in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

Wathnan’s racing adviser Richard Brown said: “Opportunity was tremendous for us at Ascot. This is a whole new level and whole new challenge and I suppose there is a slight reservation about the track because he’s not a particularly switched on horse.

“But I do think he is growing up with racing and I thought in the end he showed a great attitude at Ascot and hopefully he can run a big race.”

He went on: “King’s Gambit is a bit of an enigma isn’t he! He’s got plenty of talent and one day he will go and do it when we least expect it.

“Jamie (Spencer) gets a brilliant tune out of him and the engine has always been there, even if the mind hasn’t been. He’s had a few hard luck stories and excuses, but hopefully at some stage he will put it together.

“Jamie is great on a horse like him and I’m sure there is a big win in him some day.”

Kevin Philippart De Foy’s Ghostwriter and Gavin Cromwell’s Irish raider In My Teens also feature, as do Roger Varian’s Enfjaar, the Ian Williams-trained Midak and Involvement from Simon and Ed Crisford’s yard.