Murphy has to plot winning route for Pallasator

A highlight of the year for fans of staying races takes place at the Qatar Goodwood Festival today.

The Qatar Goodwood Cup (15.10) takes place over two miles and has attracted a field of 15, including Qatar Racing's 'Cup' stalwart Pallasator (pictured below), from Sir Mark Prescott's Newmarket stable. Now a seven-year-old, and with 20 races on his CV, Pallasator finished fourth in the race 12 months ago.

This season he won the Gr.3 Henry II Stakes at Sandown in May, was unplaced in Royal Ascot's Gold Cup, but was subsequently unlucky not to finish closer when returned to Sandown for a Listed event.

Denied a clear run in the home straight he had to settle for fourth, and avoiding traffic problems will be in the mind of jockey Oisin Murphy today at Goodwood, where the undulations of the track can result in horses wandering off a straight line.

Sir Mark, who says Pallasator remains in good form, adds: ‚"The ground may be firmer than he likes, but the run of the race will be just as important and Oisin will have to try to negotiate a clear passage not easy in a 15-horse field.‚"

Last year's first and second, Big Orange and Quest For More, are but two key rivals, as is Sandro Botticelli, who won the Listed race at Sandown. Royal Ascot scorers Commissioned and Sword Fighter the latter is a three-year-old are among others with winning potential.

Sun Angel, from Henry Candy's stable, is another Qatar Racing runner on today's Goodwood card she tackles a fillies' maiden (16.20) as Candy bids to discover more about her optimum trip. She was unplaced on debut at Newmarket, but was not beaten far, and today tackles an additional furlong.