2022 Goodwood Cup Tips - 50/1 outsider could spoil Stradivarius' retirement party

Kyprios took a long time to get rolling in the Gold Cup and needed every inch of the 20-furlong trip to grind out a narrow victory. The pace of that Group One was extremely slow, which didn't seem to suit Ryan Moore's mount. There are no genuine front-runners in Tuesday's field, so I think Kyprios could be vulnerable if the Goodwood Cup turns into a dash for home.

Fast ground and a sprint to the finishing line would suit Stradivarius. Throughout his glittering career, John Gosden's star stayer has displayed a fantastic turn-of-foot, often winning his races with a quick burst in the closing stages. 

That being said, Stradivarius' change of gear does seem to have stalled. Which, considering he's an eight-year-old with 34 races under his belt, is quite understandable. Gosden's charge failed to pull away from Spanish Mission and Thunderous on his last two visits to York and failed to make any inroads into Kyprios' lead in the Gold Cup, despite finding daylight with two furlongs to go.

A prime Stradivarius would take plenty of beating on Tuesday. Yet, he's clearly not the horse he was and I can't bring myself to back this aging rockstar at 6/4.

Of the top three, Trueshan would get my vote, if he does enter the starting blocks. Princess Zoe represents decent value at 18/1 too. Instead, I'll take a wild punt on another horse who's capable of quickening up off a slow pace, and that's Ian Williams' five-year-old, ENEMY.

Having run a couple of decent races out in Meydan, Enemy returned to Britain with a statement victory in the Queen's Cup at Musselburgh. Danny Tudhope's mount scythed through the field having been held up out the back and cantered to an effortless four-length triumph, clocking an RPR of 110 without breaking a sweat. That handicap was no penalty kick, either. The five horses who followed Enemy home have won six times between them since.

William Buick attempted a late charge down the rail in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot, only to find the door slammed in his face by Princess Zoe and Enemy had to settle for a very close third. Williams' charge was then held up as Quickthorn set a fairly rapid pace in the Coral Marathon at Sandown - a track that often favours front-runners. Try as he might, Enemy couldn't work his way into contention and Tudhope allowed his mount to coast home in the closing stages.

Williams has given his five-year-old 61-days to recover after that flat performance at Sandown. Enemy's record when fresh is very good and this track, combined with the fast ground we're likely to get at Goodwood this week, should emphasise his undoubted turn-of-foot.