Scandinavia returns to Goodwood on Tuesday, 28 July, with the opportunity to strengthen his position among Europe's leading stayers when he defends his crown in the G1 Goodwood Cup (3212m), the feature event on the opening day of Glorious Goodwood. Fresh from his victory in the G1 Gold Cup (3991m) at Royal Ascot, the four-year-old arrives having won his last six starts over distances ranging from 2600m to 4000m.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien has dominated the race in recent years, saddling three of the past four winners, and reports the defending champion to be in excellent order following Ascot.

"I'm very happy with him. Everything has gone well since Ascot. He never wins by far, he just does enough. He's always been that way," O'Brien said.

That observation is particularly significant given Scandinavia's racing style. Rather than producing wide-margin victories, he has consistently found enough when challenged, a trait that has underpinned his unbeaten sequence.

O'Brien also highlighted the colt's greatest asset.

"He's a horse who finds it easy to go at a high tempo for a long time."

Trawlerman Headlines the Opposition

Chief among the challengers is the experienced Trawlerman, who pushed Scandinavia all the way when beaten only a head in this year's Gold Cup. Now an eight-year-old, he remains a major force in the staying division.

Joint trainer Thady Gosden believes age has done little to diminish the gelding's enthusiasm.

"He is getting on a bit but he's certainly still full of beans. It's a tough race but he's in good form and hopefully he'll go well," Gosden said.

Roger Varian's improving Rahiebb also commands respect despite finishing well behind Scandinavia at Ascot. Connections believe the extended Gold Cup distance stretched his stamina rather than exposing a lack of ability.

Explaining that view, Varian said: "Rahiebb has always run as if he would get 3200m and we thought it was worth going for the Ascot Gold Cup. We have to believe that he just didn't stay the distance there. We've been really happy with him since. He's a very well-balanced horse and I think he will act well on the track at Goodwood."

Scandinavia's stablemate Illinois is expected to ensure an honest tempo, placing the emphasis firmly on stamina around Goodwood's demanding, undulating circuit.

Competitive Supporting Card

The G2 HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (1411m) presents a far more open contest. Lake Forest returns after finishing runner-up in last year's renewal and most recently produced a close fifth in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot. The return to seven furlongs is expected to suit.

Attention will also fall on the G2 Vintage Stakes (1411m), where Godolphin's Al Hudaiba bids to continue his promising juvenile campaign. Trained by Charlie Appleby, he has won three of his four starts, with his lone defeat coming after jinking and unseating his rider when seemingly on course for victory.

Dry Conditions Set to Influence Racing

Weather could become an important factor across the meeting after several weeks of high temperatures and minimal rainfall.

Clerk of the course Ed Arkell said: "The ground is definitely drying out. I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with good to firm, firm in places going."

The G2 Vintage Stakes (1411m) is scheduled for 13:25 GMT on Tuesday, 28 July, followed by the G2 HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (1411m) at 14:00 GMT and the G1 Goodwood Cup (3212m) at 14:35 GMT, with the staying feature expected to provide another defining test for Europe's leading stayers.

Image extraction Coolmore