Racing / Glorious Goodwood: Cape can cover Abdullah's losses

KHALID ABDULLAH'S opinion of handicap races is not on record, but after a week in which his Zafonic, Commander In Chief and Tenby have all met defeat in the highest grade, he might be glad of a little success even at this more humble level, writes John Cobb.

Not that victory in today's two big handicaps would bring paltry reward. The Glorious Stakes is worth almost pounds 23,000 to the winner, while the Leslie & Godwin Spitfire Stakes offers pounds 34,600 and a chance to loop the loop in a Spitfire.

The animal that could take Abdullah to these heights is Western Cape (next best 3.10), who shares the same sire as Zafonic, Gone West, but not much else. His sole victory has come in a maiden race, albeit one of the most valuable of the season at Ascot, but like several of the contestants he has enormous scope for development. This is what makes the race so tricky; there are half a dozen runners that have only just started to find their feet, including the favourite Teshami - and any of them could turn out to be of Group-race standard.

Abdullah's representative in the Glorious Stakes, SOURCE OF LIGHT (nap 3.45), is also on the verge of that grade, and like Western Cape should not be troubled by the soft going. Wild Invader (4.45), in the same colours, could emulate Tenby by winning the Selsey Stakes.