Glorious Goodwood Friday tips: Ross Millar has a selection at 15 for the Golden Mile Handicap

3.00 Goodwood, 1m Golden Mile Handicap

Noble Dynasty will undoubtedly be popular for Charlie Appleby and William Buick, who have already enjoyed a successful week. He looked to take his form to a new level when winning at Newmarket on his first start of the season and should have more to come - the obvious favourite.

However, I think he may struggle to concede 10lb to the progressive three-year-old Jimi Hendrix. Ralph Beckett’s son of New Bay has progressed with each run, and his win last time came despite plenty going wrong. He broke awkwardly and forfeited early ground, but did well to get to a challenging position and even better to get in front as he was carried across the track. 

He’s well treated by the conditions of the race here and gets weight from the older horses. That could prove the difference in a competitive heat.

Selection: Jimi Hendrix @ 15

3.35 Goodwood, 5f King George Qatar Stakes

The progression of the Mick Appleby-trained Raasel has been one of the stories of the season. He already has a couple of Goodwood wins on his CV and will be well fancied to add a Group 2 to his already impressive record. 

While Raasel is stepping up in grade, my selection, Acklam Express, is taking a drop down, having run a career-best when chasing home Australian speedster Nature Strip in the Group 1 King’s Stand at Royal Ascot. He’s spent much of his career racing overseas but does have a course-and-distance win to his name, albeit in a lower grade. Rowan Scott doesn’t have the wealth of experience in Group races that some of his weighing room contemporaries have, but he’s built up a good rapport with Nigel Tinkler's charge. 

I’m hoping he’ll be positive from a good draw close to the stand-side rail and fancy him to put a temporary halt on the Raasel fairytale. At a big price, Clarendon House can also hit the frame. 

Selection: Acklam Express @ 8.6

4.45 Goodwood, 6f Nursery Handicap

SBK-sponsored trainer George Boughey has enjoyed another fine season with 69 winners on the board already at a solid 18% strike rate. In comparison to last year, he’s not been as prolific with his two-year-olds but there is still time for that to change. 

Given that California Gem, a daughter of Cable Bay, has won two of her three starts, an opening mark of 87 doesn’t look overly harsh. Her win at Beverley last time came over five furlongs with all of her best work coming late on at the stiff Yorkshire track. Winning under a penalty is not straightforward and marks her out as better than average. Her family contain stamina for up to a mile so this extra furlong can elicit further improvement. 

Rumstar might well prove to be the danger but I fancy that rising stars Boughey and Rossa Ryan will bag this fascinating heat.

Selection: California Gem @ 6.2

Recommended bets

Jimi Hendrix @ 15

Acklam Express @ 8.6

California Gem @ 6.2