Nick Luck’s blog: Shelby has a Golden chance in Lennox

Goodwood, Tuesday

EAGLE’S WAY can get us off to a flyer in the first of four races on ITV from Goodwood on Tuesday (2.50pm) at 13/2. One of very few open to more progress, he arrives off the back of a strong seasonal debut the other day at Yarmouth, when easy ground looked fine for him and he went down to a well-ridden and smart rival. He’s nicely enough drawn to get a good position, perhaps in the two path near the lead. The stable has hit its customary mid-season form, and this one should be right on the premises. He stays well and this trip could well end up being the bare minimum.

GOLDEN MIND looks to have a nice chance at 4/1 in the Vintage Stakes (3.25pm). He’s a very laid-back customer, who is  looking a little more streetwise with each start, but who nonetheless is improving with each run. His Ascot effort was sound – indeed, he might have been a little unlucky not to win the Chesham – and I see him having no issues with the track or ground. Frankie Dettori takes over, and – with three runs under his belt – I can see him pushing on quite confidently and making this a genuine test at the trip.

ISAAC SHELBY is quite a strong fancy for the Lennox Stakes (4.00pm) at 9/2. He has loads in his favour: seven furlongs on softish ground looks just about perfect, and he should get a handy, ground saving trip from his draw, with only the wider-drawn Pogo likely to go forward harder from the gate. The form this season has been excellent, he’s quite genuine, and enjoys a nice three year old allowance. Big chance.

LONE EAGLE is a big swing at 18/1 in the Goodwood Cup (4.35pm), and you may as well back him each-way. Given the enthusiasm he showed at Ascot, he did pretty well to last as long as he did, with rider Rossa Ryan particularly complimentary of the feel he got from the horse, as you might expect from an Irish Derby runner-up. A drop back to the dead two miles and some ease in the ground will help no end, and a repeat of his Ormonde Stakes effort gives him a place chance at the very least. This stable is still learning about this talented animal, but you can bet your bottom dollar it will all click at some point, and conditions suggest it could just be today.