Charlie Hills’ William Hill blog: Very happy with Iberian ahead of the Vintage

Goodwood is always a great week and one we all really look forward to. The weather doesn’t look great which will probably suit some of my horses and not so much some of the others, but they seem to be holding their form nicely and that always bodes well.

Goodwood, Tuesday

We run both Robbo and Rockytherockstar in the maiden (2.15pm). It’s as good enough a place as any to start them off at and both will certainly come on for the experience. They’ve done things nicely enough at home and should hopefully be two decent horses.

It will be interesting to see how Ancient Rome goes in the Chesterfield Cup (2.50pm). He hasn’t been with us for very long, but everything he’s shown suggests he’s a nice horse. The draw in 16 doesn’t make things easy, so we’ll probably have to ride him with a bit of patience and just see how we go. His form in France does have some substance to it, though.

I’m really looking forward to running Iberian in the Vintage Stakes (3.25pm). He’s a really nice horse and everything he’s done at home makes me hope that we’ve got a pretty good one on our hands. I was really pleased with the performance at Newbury and we’re hoping he can take the step up in class in his stride.

Pogo runs in the Lennox Stakes (4.00pm). We’ll take a check on the ground for him as he wouldn’t want it too soft, but if we do take our chance he’s in good form. He rarely runs a bad race and has been a real star for the yard over the years.

It’s the same story for Lady Alara in the fillies’ handicap (5.05pm). She wouldn’t want the ground too soft but has been going nicely enough at home.

Goodwood, Wednesday

We run Sydneyarms Chelsea in the Oak Tree Stakes (2.25pm) and I’ve been really pleased with her in recent weeks. She had a little setback at the start of the season which is why we haven’t seen her out yet, but she’s ready to go now. She had some good form last year, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her outrun her odds.

The drop back to five furlongs should suit Looby (4.10pm). She just hasn’t been getting home over six, so the shorter trip here should help her.

Harry Magnus should have a solid chance in the seven-furlong handicap (5.20pm). He looks really well in himself and his work has been great, so providing the ground isn’t too bad he should be in the picture. I’d be hopeful that the track will suit too.