In her latest exclusive blog, Sky Sports Racing Ambassador Holly Doyle shares her thoughts on Friday's racing at Goodwood, which includes Spartan Arrow in the King George Qatar Stakes, and her plans for other events on the card, including the Golden Mile.
Holly is aiming for her second Group 2 triumph at the Qatar Goodwood Festival when she partners the fast Spartan Arrow in Friday's King George Qatar Stakes.
Speedy Spartan has compelling reasons to participate in King George
Promising sprinter Spartan Arrow will put his growing reputation on the line when he takes the start in the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes (3.05) at Goodwood on Friday.
My trainer Archie Watson has done a wonderful job with this five-year-old colt, who finished second in the Dash at Epsom and has won in France since being bought for just 17,000 guineas at the Autumn Sale.
Having been taken on by Crisford at 92, Archie has taken him up to 107, putting him in contention with the likes of Big Mojo and Asfura. It's a tough challenge, but he's already won races at this distance and has confirmed his love of downhill racing with a win at Epsom and a narrow miss in the Derby.
Pictured: Holly prepares for the Spartan Arrow race at Goodwood on Friday.
- Whirl highlights Arc's strengths with confident win over Nassau
- Five jockeys miss Goodwood races after light aircraft drama
After his success in France I remarked that he was the fastest horse I had ever ridden, apart from the great Bradsell, and the way he showed his tenacity at Prix Hampton showed his courage in competing with his speed.
Big Mojo missed out on winning the July Cup by just one point, while Australian mare Asfoora was beaten by just one head last year, so it will take some excellent form to win, but I'm in a good position against both favourites, which I'm pleased about.
Being a Sioux, Spartan Arrow is also very versatile on clay surfaces. We didn't expect him to do well in the tough conditions at Epsom, but he did, although the drying out of the ground on Friday may give him a significant advantage.
Sourse: skysports.com
