Model Rating: 91/100 | Win Probability: 11% | Fair Odds: 8/1 | Market: ~11/1 | Grade: A+ Value
Darkness is exactly the sort of exposed handicapper the market can underestimate because his recent form figures look unattractive.
This race, however, has been his target before — and he won this exact contest twelve months ago from OR88, coming from the rear to score decisively over the same seven-furlong Goodwood course on good-to-firm ground.
He returns tomorrow from OR87, therefore racing from 1lb lower than last year's winning mark.
His most recent run is also considerably better than the bare sixth suggests. Darkness finished sixth of 18 in the Golden Mile here during Glorious Goodwood, beaten only 3½ lengths after being slowly away and doing his best work late. Dropping back from a mile to seven furlongs now looks ideal.
He also gets back onto the same fast surface over which he...

Model Rating: 94/100 | Win Probability: 39% | Fair Odds: 13/8 | Market: 2/1–9/4 | Grade: A+
Zavateri has spent most of this season competing at a level above what he faces here, and this looks a very logical opportunity to get back to winning ways.
He established himself as a high-class juvenile last season, winning the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood before defeating Gstaad in the Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh. His 2026 campaign began with a strong second in the Greenham before a setback interrupted his preparation.
His fifth in the Sussex Stakes over this course and distance was much better than the finishing position suggests. He had to wait for room entering the straight before staying on, and last weekend’s fifth in the City of York Stakes again suggested seven furlongs is now on the sharp side.
Returning to a mile is a major positive.
He is officially rated 117, the...

Model Rating: 93/100 | Win Probability: 36% | Fair Odds: 7/4 | Market: ~9/4 | Grade: A+
The withdrawal of Sergei Diaghilev changes this race significantly.
Rock Montreal was already one of the most interesting runners before that non-runner, and now has one fewer high-class rival to deal with. The 1,000,000-guinea Blue Point colt created a strong impression on debut at Yarmouth earlier this month, winning by nearly three lengths despite clearly still learning his job.
The important point was not merely the winning margin. He travelled comfortably, responded when asked and pulled clear without being subjected to maximum pressure. Timeform marked him as a Horse In Focus with a large-P improvement symbol, indicating that considerably better is expected.
Roger Varian's horses are in good form, while William Buick takes the ride.
Sonic Angel is dangerous after winning both starts...

Model Rating: 92/100 | Win Probability: 24% | Fair Odds: 13/4 | Market: 5/1 | Grade: A+ Value
Faiyum looks overpriced at around 5/1 given what she achieved last season.
Ger Lyons' filly progressed rapidly through 2025, winning three of her four starts including a Group 3 over tomorrow's 1m1f trip at Gowran. That already gives her proven ability at this exact level and distance.
Her return at the Curragh this year was encouraging, finishing third in another Group 3 over a mile, but she then disappointed when beaten at odds-on at Gowran.
That explains tomorrow's price.
I'm prepared to forgive that run rather than assume she has regressed permanently. She has been given 116 days to recover, and Ger Lyons' yard is now in much stronger form. Sporting Life/Timeform also identify the stable's improved form as a significant factor.
Colin Keane retains the ride, which is another major...