GLORIOUS GOODWOOD: Gordon Stakes victory would be perfect festival start for Stoute

Last season’s Derby and Arc winner was hamstrung by being struck into in the King George, after which he veered alarmingly left, eventually finishing second.

But in Fiorente, Stoute has just the horse to provide the Freemason Lodge team with a soothing pick-me-up.

The deeply progressive colt takes the plunge in the bet365 Gordon Stakes, which Stoute has claimed four times in the last 10 years.

Like Conduit, who won the race three years ago, Fiorente belongs to Ballymacoll Stud, and possesses a similarly accomplished profile as the 2008 St Leger winner.

That theory was strengthened in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot when he stayed on with real purpose from the rear of the field to take second behind Nathaniel, Workforce’s nemesis in the King George.

Although he clearly goes well with cut in the ground, Fiorente won a Newbury maiden in May on a brisk surface, so conditions on the Sussex Downs look like being just about ideal.

A strong, powerfully-reared individual, the Monsun colt appeals as the type to step up to a mile and three-quarters for the Leger.

Stoute, however, intimated at the Royal meeting that connections perhaps have even grander ambitions for Fiorente.

Such ebullience can be taken as yet another significant positive for this Group Three assignment as Ryan Moore attempts to win the Gordon Stakes for the fourth year on the bounce.

The twin highlight on day one is the bet365 Lennox Stakes, which looks a pretty open affair, lending itself nicely to those seeking value.

Dalghar, then, could be just the sort of animal to justify each-way interest at a double-figure price.

The five-year-old grey has admittedly struggled this season since being transferred to Andrew Balding’s yard, albeit in races like the Golden Jubilee and the July Cup.

His form when trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre was, however, just short of top class, as he showed when placing fifth in last season’s Queen Anne.

For one reason or another, Dalghar has refused to settle in his races this summer, pulling way too hard for his own good.

The decision to step him back up to seven furlongs - he has twice won both over this trip and a mile - looks a shrewd piece of business.

Dalghar will have greater time to settle into his task, which can only be a good thing in light of recent misdemeanours over six furlongs.

Balding will also be aware the Anabaa entire is suited by the demanding nature of this track as he finished third in the Lennox 12 months ago.

His trainer’s superb record in big races this year must also be considered.

Keith Dalgleish can secure the biggest success of his short training career when Stonefield Flyer contests the bet365 Molecomb Stakes.

The seriously quick colt has held his form really well this year, with his second-placed finish in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot now looking air-tight.

Stonefield Flyer will be fully cranked up following an easy success at Doncaster and is, crucially, a trustworthy sprinter, having yet to finish out of the first two in five starts.

He will not look out of place in Group Three company.

A favourable mention must also go to the exciting Sequoia, who runs in the Casino At bet365 EBF “Assertive” Maiden Stakes.

Truism, so impressive over seven furlongs here in June, looks one to follow in the Poker At bet365 Stakes - even with a 9lb penalty.

PA TUESDAY SELECTIONS

2.00 Our Joe Mac, 2.35 FIORENTE (NAP), 3.10 Dalghar, 3.45 Stonefield Flyer, 4.20 Sequoia, 4.50 Truism, 5.25 Secret Asset

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