Al Aasy Eyes Redemption Against Phantom Flight at Goodwood

Al Aasy has the chance to avenge his loss to Phantom Flight at Newbury when he aims to deliver back-to-back victories in the Coral Glorious Stakes for William Haggas at Goodwood on Saturday.

Trainer William Haggas claimed the Group Three prize with Hamish last year and with Pablo Escobarr in 2020. Now, he relies on the seven-year-old stalwart Al Aasy, who recently demonstrated his enduring capability after reappearing just 14 days ago.

Over the years, Al Aasy has been a reliable performer for his connections, achieving multiple wins and narrowly missing out on the Coronation Cup by a neck.

Second last year, a winner this year! 🥇

Phantom Flight wins the Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Steventon Stakes! ✈️#ITVRacing | @NewburyRacing | @CallumSheppy | @GScottracing pic.twitter.com/bLKg2sqZWF

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) July 20, 2024

George Scott's Phantom Flight initially got the jump on the Shadwell-owned Al Aasy in that methodically-paced 10-furlong race at Newbury, securing victory by a length. However, Al Aasy’s team is anticipating a different outcome in this mile-and-a-half contest.

'I think he was beaten fair and square on the day and he came from far back in a race that wasn't particularly strongly run,' said Shadwell's Angus Gold.

'It will be interesting to see him back and that was his first run after quite a layoff. I would like to think he will come on for it just in terms of getting back into the groove so to speak.

'I thought he looked like he retained his enthusiasm at Newbury and the moderate pace was never going to suit. Hopefully he will have come on for that and hopefully we can get him back on track – he's been a good old servant for us and hopefully he will run a good race.'

Phantom Flight has yet to secure a win over 12 furlongs, and Scott is keen to see him confirm his stamina for that distance, filling the gap left by the injured Isle Of Jura in his Newmarket stable.

With plans to race in Bahrain this winter, this event offers the five-year-old a chance to collect another significant prize on the way to the Persian Gulf.

'We've been very pleased with him since Newbury and this looks a really nice spot for him,' said Scott.

'There's still a question mark over a mile and a half with him, but with only five in the race it could turn into more of a mile-and-a-quarter type race.'

'I've been delighted with him and it looks the right next step for him. He was bought for Bahrain and took a step in the right direction at Newbury and we just hope he can continue that ascent.'

'Isle Of Jura paved the way for that type of horse and I'm certainly not going to put him in the same bracket as Isle Of Jura just yet, but he pleased us immensely at home.'

Roger Varian's Aimeric finished second to Charlie Appleby's King Of Conquest in the Tapster Stakes over course and distance, before chasing home the same rival in the Fred Archer Stakes at Newmarket.

John and Thady Gosden's Lion's Pride has always shown useful ability and now makes his first start in Group company.

'Lion's Pride has always been a talented colt,' said Thady Gosden.

'He's come forward since his last run and top of the ground over a mile and a half will suit him well.'

Andrew Balding's one-time Italian Derby third Relentless Dreamer has been in good form this term and completes the five-strong line-up.