Glorious Goodwood 2017 – Wesley Ward’s Happy Like A Fool sparkling ahead of the Bombay Sapphire Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood
Happy Like A Fool was heavily backed at Royal Ascot but she could only manage second place behind Heartache in the Queen Mary Stakes when last seen
TRAINER Wesley Ward reports Happy Like A Fool to be in "good shape" ahead of the Bombay Sapphire Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood.
Ward's filly was last seen finishing second at Royal Ascot behind Heartache, and she will bid to go one better at the Sussex track.
"She was beaten fair and square at Ascot, there was no excuse. I expected her to win, but you have to check yourself and remember it's Royal Ascot," said Ward.
"She's been working in Newmarket with Elizabeth Darcy. I've seen the videos of her work and she just sits in behind and cruises on by.
"Elizabeth Darcy is a good filly and has finished second in a Group 3 in France since Ascot. I know if Happy Like A Fool is doing that to her we're in good shape for Goodwood."
Ryan Moore surprisingly rides outsider Battle Of Jericho for Aidan O'Brien, with Mike Smith coming over to ride Happy Like A Fool.
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James Tate expects Invincible Army to have improved for the experience of his first proper race in the July Stakes, where he was the beaten favourite in fourth.
He has also been declared for the Richmond Stakes on Thursday.
"We had been thinking of the Richmond for him, but the forecast is for plenty of rain on Wednesday night so six furlongs on soft probably would stretch him," said Tate.
"He's a speedy type so the five furlongs shouldn't bother him and he's absolutely flying at home. He's come on a good deal since Newmarket.
"That day he was beaten just by more street-wise rivals, the first two had had five races each and the third had won the Coventry whereas he'd just run in two maidens.
"I'd like to think he'll have improved for that experience."
Richard Hannon runs the Al Shaqab-owned Denaar, who has struggled in the Coventry Stakes and July Stakes. He now drops in trip, which his trainer thinks will suit.
"He travelled really well that day but didn't look to get the trip in the July Stakes," Hannon told his website.
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"This drop back to five furlongs is right up his street and he goes there in great form. This is a competitive looking affair but I am hopeful he can get in the first three."
Havana Grey (Karl Burke), To Wafij (Roger Varian), Sound And Silence (Charlie Appleby) and It Dont Come Easy (Richard Fahey) look others with solid claims of being in the frame.