Goodwood Festival Thursday Tips – Dan James Racing

Merchant comes into this ultra-competitive handicap as one of the more progressive runners in the field. A consistent type who rarely runs a bad race, he has placed, or won, in five of his last six starts and seems to be peaking at the right time. He’s shown particular affinity for undulating tracks and is expected to be well suited to the Goodwood layout.

With strong sectional times in his recent races, he’s likely to be held up early and produce late off with what’s expected to be a strong early gallop. The step up in class is manageable, especially with a favourable draw and ground conditions to suit. The jockey booking suggests connections are going for it, and recent work reports from the yard are positive. With race fitness, tactical speed, and a turn of foot in his favour, Merchant represents a serious win threat and a good betting proposition at current odds.

Best Secret made a highly encouraging debut, finishing second after showing strong mid-race speed and holding on well in the final furlong. Trained by a yard known for improving second-time starters, she’s expected to come forward significantly with that experience under her belt. Her breeding suggests she’ll appreciate the ground, and the step up to seven furlongs looks ideal.

Drawn well and partnered with a capable jockey, Best Secret has shown enough to suggest she can go one better in what looks a winnable novice contest. The form of her debut race is already working out well, and she holds a class edge over several lesser-exposed rivals. If she breaks smartly and settles early, she’ll likely sit in a handy position and have every chance to assert late.

Connections are confident, and the market support overnight is notable. A solid win contender and the one to beat in the opener.

In a race dominated by flashy names and proven Group 1 stars, Cercene enters as a fascinating dark horse. She may not yet boast a top-level win, but she’s bred for ten furlongs and has been quietly progressing through the ranks. Her last outing in Group 3 company was full of promise—she travelled well, quickened briefly, and stayed on behind rivals with far more experience. Stepping up in class here is a bold move by her connections, who clearly feel she’s capable of better.

What makes Cercene interesting is the potential for tactical pace in the race—she stays well and may be the one finishing fastest if the principals go too hard up front. She’s drawn well, has a no-nonsense jockey aboard, and crucially, arrives fresher than several reopposing fillies. While not the obvious choice, Cercene could spring a surprise and is worth backing each way at a generous price.