Glorious Goodwood: Altano can prove Germany's staying power

The author of a stunning rebuke to insular punters last Saturday is back in Britain to discover whether they been taught due respect for horses from Germany.

Andreas Wöhler, who saddled Novellist for that runaway success in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, might well have made an earlier Group One statement at the same course had Altano been ridden with rather less ambition in the Gold Cup there in June. As it was, having been set an awful lot to do off a steady pace, the horse did very well to snatch fifth.

In fairness, he could have hung fire somewhat on the firm ground, struggling to maintain a straight course in the straight, and he may do better still on easier terrain in the Artemis Goodwood Cup.

Provided that he is kept closer to the action, Altano (3.15) can prove the value against two rock-solid home candidates in Mount Athos and Brown Panther. The latter has long shaped as though he will relish the step up to this kind of trip.

Figure Of Speech (2.45) and Wild Coco (3.45) set a clear standard in the other Group races, the Richmond Stakes and Lillie Langtry Stakes respectively, while Mushaakis (2.15) should be suited by the sharp track in the opener.

Turf account

Chris McGrath's Nap

Missed Call (5.00 Nottingham) Has very fair rating for her handicap debut after beating three subsequent winners at Doncaster last time.

Next best

On Stage (8.15 Ffos Las) Still very few miles on the clock and has excelled in both starts since being raised in distance.

Where the money's going

Dance And Dance is 8-1 from 12-1 with the sponsors for the Betfred Mile at Goodwood.