Group Three Molecomb Stakes Guide 2023

Alex Dudley | @@Alex_Dudz_

Goodwood - August 01 2023
Goodwood 14:00
4(6)
Tom Marquand

Hackman

J: Tom Marquand
T: Hugo Palmer
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-3
OR: 87
Days: 26

Hackman will be among the big-priced selections in the field for trainer Hugo Palmer. Tom Marquand takes the ride on the two-year-old.

Hackman has form to find on a number of rivals, including Kylian, who he finished six lengths behind in the Dragon Stakes at Sandown on July 7.

He was also well down in the field in the Windsor Castle, finishing 21st of 23. This is a tough ask.

Goodwood - August 01 2023
Goodwood 14:00
6(1)
David Egan

Markakol

J: David Egan
T: Roger Varian
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-3
OR: 85
Days: 12

Roger Varian’s runner in the Molecomb Stakes on Wednesday is Markakol. This two-year-old was eighth on his previous start over six furlongs at Newbury on July 21. His only win was on the all-weather at Newcastle, beating Ton Rapido by a length and three-quarters.

Yet to find his best form on the turf, and this is a tough race to spark a revival.

Goodwood - August 01 2023
Goodwood 14:00
2(2)
William Buick

Barnwell Boy

J: William Buick
T: Charlie Johnston
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-3
OR: 94
Days: 42

William Buick takes the ride on Charlie Johnston-trained Barnwell Boy on Wednesday. The two-year-old was an impressive winner on debut over six furlongs at Goodwood, beating Packard by four and a half lengths.

He was out-classed on his previous start in the Windsor Castle Stakes, as he could only finish eleventh of 23. But, a return to a track that he runs well could spark a revival.

Goodwood - August 01 2023
Goodwood 14:00
5(3)
Ryan Moore

Kylian

J: Ryan Moore
T: K R Burke
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-3
OR: 105
Days: 26

Ryan Moore’s ride in the Molecomb Stakes comes on board Karl Burke-trained Kylian. The two-year-old was very impressive on his previous start, as he won the Dragon Stakes by a commanding six lengths at Sandown.

He is yet to finish outside the first three over five furlongs, which also includes a win in Novice Stakes company at Newcastle on June 21. Looks extremely solid.

Goodwood - August 01 2023
Goodwood 14:00
1(7)
Pat Dobbs

Baheer

J: Pat Dobbs
T: Richard Hannon
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-3
OR: N/A
Days: 27

Baheer is trained by Richard Hannon, and will be ridden by Pat Dobbs in the G3 Molecomb Stakes on Wednesday. The two-year-old will be taking a step back in trip after landing an impressive victory over six furlongs on his previous start.

That win scored an RPR of 87, as he finished two and a half lengths clear of Aljezur. However, a return to five furlongs may not be ideal.

Goodwood - August 01 2023
Goodwood 14:00
8(5)
Jim Crowley

Shagraan

J: Jim Crowley
T: Clive Cox
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-3
OR: 97
Days: 12

Clive Cox’s runner in the Group 3 at Goodwood on Wednesday is Shagraan. This two-year-old is competitive in this company on ratings, and was behind a progressive rival over six furlongs at Newbury on his previous start.

He has already won over six furlongs this season, landing a three and three-quarter length win over Macanudo at Windsor in July.

Goodwood - August 01 2023
Goodwood 14:00
3(8)
Jason Hart

Big Evs

J: Jason Hart
T: Michael Appleby
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-3
OR: N/A
Days: 42

Michael Appleby and Jason Hart join forces in the Molecomb at Goodwood on Wednesday. The two-year-old was a standout runner at Royal Ascot in June, as he finished three lengths clear of Johannes Brahms to win the Windsor Castle Stakes over five furlongs.

That win gives him the edge over several re-appearing rivals, and he looks like a solid contender.

DateCourseDistanceTypeWeightPosition
15/09/23DON5Sft9-31
25/08/23YOR5GF8-314
02/08/23GOO5Sft9-31
21/06/23ASC5GF9-51
29/05/23RED5GF9-42
Goodwood - August 01 2023
Goodwood 14:00
7(4)
Oisin Murphy

Purosangue

J: Oisin Murphy
T: Andrew Balding
N/A
Age: 2
Weight: 9-3
OR: 97
Days: 20

Oisin Murphy’s ride in the Molecomb Stakes comes onboard Purosangue. This two-year-old for Andrew Balding has questions to answer after finishing back in fifth at Newmarket over six furlongs in the G2 Kingdom of Bahrain July Stakes on July 13.

He was an excellent winner at Haydock in June, and back down in grade, he should be bang there.