The Group 1 Goodwood Cup is the feature race that kicks off Glorious Goodwood week. The Sussex track will deliver its usual midsummer treats, with a staying showdown in store on the opening day.
GG tipster Joe Napier previews the Gold Cup rematch, giving his verdict, as well as running through the runners.
2026 Goodwood Cup Runners
This is a Gold Cup rematch between Scandinavia and Trawlerman. The pair provided us with a super Ballydoyle vs Gosden showdown, with Aidan O’Brien’s stayer getting the better of his older rival. Scandinavia no longer receives 1lb in weight here and took a long while to get the better of the Godolphin horse over 2m4f at Ascot. However, he is probably the quicker of the pair and has Goodwood form, winning this last term.
Trawlerman was returning from a long layoff at the royal meeting though. He should not be passed over lightly and will surely set the fractions from the front once again. Scandinavia’s stablemate Illinois may have something to say about that, ironic given he was the number one string above Scandinavia 12 months ago. Either way, this race should play to Scandinavia’s favour.
Both Lazy Griff and Rahiebb were placed in Classics last term. The former marked himself a stayer when winning Sandown’s Listed Marathon last time out, though 2m may be his maximum trip visually. Rahiebb flopped in the Gold Cup, but had previously shown form comparable to Scandinavia.
Amiloc could prove a bigger danger than either. His pedigree is full of stamina and he twice won well at this track last term. He ran no race in the Yorkshire Cup behind Rahiebb, but was an eyecatcher in the Hardwicke Stakes, as well as finishing fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf last November. If any can interrupt the expected duel, it is Ralph Beckett’s charge.
Miss Alpilles ran a belter when fifth in the Gold Cup, but 11 lengths behind Scandinavia is her level. French Master disappointed in this a year ago and is not up to stablemate Trawlerman’s standard.
2026 Goodwood Cup Racecard
15:35 Goodwood
GoodAl Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1)
- Flat Turf
- Turf
- 2m 0f 0y
- Class 1
- 8 runners
- Win time: 3m 23s
- First Prize: £283,550
6/5 (Won)
- Win: £2.20
- Place: £1.10
prominent, pushed along when led over 2f out, clear over 1f out, went further clear inside final furlong, readily
13/8
- Place: £1.20
anticipated start, led, slightly hampered by loose horse over 6f out, against far rail when badly hampered by loose horse over 2f out, soon headed, weakened over 1f out
14/1
- Place: £2.65
in touch with leaders, switched left and bumped rival 3f out, soon some headway on outer but edged left, went third 2f out, kept on but not pace to challenge
33/1
took keen hold, in rear, dropped to last over 6f out, headway over 2f out, weakened final furlong (jockey said gelding was slowly away)
25/1
in touch with leaders, carried head awkwardly over 2f out, soon weakened
80/1
slowly away, held up in rear, headway over 6f out, on outer when bumped 3f out, soon hampered and weakened (jockey said mare was very slowly away)
18/1
took keen hold, prominent, lost position over 6f out, weakened over 2f out, eased inside final furlong
14/1
ducked left start, prominent as rider caught his leg on the stalls and became unbalanced and unseated
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £4.40 |
| Straight Forecast | £3.24 |
| Tricast | £13.92 |
| Trifecta | £19.40 |
Selections
The Times:
ScandinaviaGoodwood Cup Trends 2026
Here are some select trends that could help point towards the winner of the 2026 Goodwood Cup.
- Five of the last seven winners have been five or older
- The favourite has won seven of the last ten editions
- The Gosden and O’Brien yards have claimed seven of the last nine renewals between them
- The Gold Cup winner at Ascot has followed up here in five of the last eight runnings
2026 Goodwood Cup Tips
Though it took the best part of 2m4f for Scandinavia to best Trawlerman, it feels likely that last year’s St Leger winner can best the Gosden runner at any trip. He has the better turn-of-foot and can land back-to-back Goodwood Cups. Trawlerman is always a danger setting the fractions and should finish second again. Amiloc looks the most likely to have a say against the top two in the market.
FAQ
When and where is the Goodwood Cup?
The Goodwood Cup will take place at Goodwood racecourse on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 3.35pm.
How can I watch the Goodwood Cup on Tuesday?
The Goodwood Cup is live on ITV Racing at 3.35pm on Tuesday.
When were the Goodwood Cup tips published?
The tips for the Goodwood Cup were published at 7.15am on Tuesday 28 July.
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