The Goodwood Handicap looks set to be a wide-open contest this year. With no clear favorite emerging, horses like the speedy Vilana and the experienced I Am Me are expected to be prominent contenders. Up-and-coming stars like Amelia’s Jewel and Oscar’s Fortune add intrigue to the mix, and track conditions will play a role in the final outcome. This $1 million sprint promises to be a thrilling display of speed and horsemanship.

Race overview

• Date: Saturday, May 11th, 2024
• Location: Morphettville Racecourse
• Distance: 1200 Meters
• Conditions: Set weights
• Status: Group 1
• Prize Money: $1,000,000 AUD

Runner by Runner

1. Vilana (16) – Multiple Group 3 winner. Second run back. First-up after four months came from midfield; 2nd of 7 at Randwick in the G3 Hall Mark on April 20 over 1200m, in the wet; 0.8 len behind Mazu carrying 58.5kg at $4. Previously second-up 6th of 16 at Flemington in the G2 Damien Oliver on November 4 over 1400m, 1.1 len behind Cause For Concern with 59kg at $6.50. Should progress from that first-up run.

2. Amelia’s Jewel (9) – Northerly Stakes winner. Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 2nd of 8 at Ascot in the G3 Roma Cup on April 6 over 1100m, 0.6 len behind Oscar’s Fortune carrying 56.5kg at $1.60. Second-up sat on the pace when 2nd of 14 at Ascot Quokka on April 20 over 1200m, 0.9 len behind Overpass with 56.5kg at $3. An obvious contender.

3. Climbing Star (13) – Robert Sangster Stakes winner. Recent form sound. At the latest run settled well back; won by a neck at this track G1 Sangster April 27 over 1200m defeating Learning To Fly with 56.5kg at $26. The start before that came from the tail of the field 2nd of 14 at this track in the G3 R N Irwin on April 13 over 1100m, long-neck behind Benedetta with 56.5kg at $4.50. Last-start winner who can measure up again.

4. Sghirripa (15) – Group 3 winner. Most recently 5th of 14 at this track in the G3 Hawkes Stakes on April 27 over 1100m, 0.6 len behind Extremely Lucky carrying 59kg at $6. The run before that 7th of 12 at Flemington in the G1 Newmarket on March 9 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Cylinder carrying 52kg at $11. Wide draw too testing.

5. Extremely Lucky (6) – Group 3 winner. Second-up. First-up after five months won by a nose at this track G3 Hawkes Stakes April 27 over 1100m defeating Sans Doute carrying 54kg at $8. Previously second-up with blinkers first time; 5th of 11 at Rosehill Bm88 on September 9 over 1100m, 3 len behind Red Card carrying 60kg at $8.50. Worth consideration.

6. I Am Me (1) – Group 2 winner. Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G1 William Reid on March 23 over 1200m, 2.25 len behind Imperatriz carrying 56.5kg at $6.50. Second run from a spell 4th of 14 at this track in the G1 Sangster on April 27 over 1200m, 1.4 len behind Climbing Star with 56.5kg at $5. Should be ready to show her best. Top chance.

7. Benedetta (3) – Group 1 placegetter. Recent form sound. Most recently 3rd of 14 at this track in the G1 Sangster on April 27 over 1200m, long-neck behind Climbing Star carrying 56.5kg at $9. The run before that came from midfield and won by a long-neck at this track G3 R N Irwin April 13 over 1100m defeating Climbing Star carrying 56.5kg at $3. Excellent winning chance with the help of an inside alley.

8. Arkansaw Kid (17) – Group 1 placegetter. Last start 5th of 16 at this track in the G2 Tobin on April 27 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Skybird with 57.5kg at $3.50. The start before that 5th of 12 at Randwick in the G2 Arrowfield on April 13 over 1200m, 1.5 len behind Joliestar with 56.5kg at $6.50. Will need plenty of luck from the wide barrier.

9. Johnny Rocker (12) – Group 1 placegetter. Useful entire. Comes here off a 35-day let-up. Last start 8th of 13 at Randwick in the G1 T J Smith on April 6 over 1200m, on a wet track; 2 len behind Chain Of Lightning with 58.5kg at $26. The start before that 2nd of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G1 William Reid on March 23 over 1200m, head behind Imperatriz carrying 58.5kg at $67. Thereabouts last time and rates highly.

10. Rubamos (2) – Most recently made some head-way from midfield; 4th of 13 at this track in the LR City Adelaide on April 13 over 1527m, 3.5 len behind Chicago Storm with 57.5kg at $21. The run before that 7th of 13 at this track in the LR Matrice on March 23 over 1200m, 4 len behind Climbing Star carrying 56.5kg at $21. Low draw but others have better credentials.

11. What You Need (11) – Group 3 placegetter. Third-up today. Resuming 3rd of 9 at Flemington in the LR Ata/Bob Hoysted on March 30 over 1000m, 1.2 len behind Sans Doute with 54.5kg at $6.50. Last start ran on from midfield; 3rd of 14 at this track in the G3 Hawkes Stakes on April 27 over 1100m, long-neck behind Extremely Lucky with 54kg at $4.50. Worth thought.

12. Karacasu (4) – Multiple Group 3 placegetter. Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 5th of 14 at this track in the G3 R N Irwin on April 13 over 1100m, 3.5 len behind Benedetta carrying 58.5kg at $61. Second run from a spell eased back early on 7th of 14 at this track in the G3 Hawkes Stakes on April 27 over 1100m, 1.75 len behind Extremely Lucky carrying 54.5kg at $16. Hard to recommend on recent form.

13. Grinzinger Prince (10) – Comes here off a 49-day let-up. Last start got back early 10th of 13 at this track in the LR Matrice on March 23 over 1200m, 7 len behind Climbing Star carrying 56.5kg at $15. The start before that raced on the pace when 2nd of 14 at this track in the LR City Marion on February 24 over 1200m, 1.1 len behind Snapped carrying 54kg at $6. Not doing enough to threaten the top few today.

14. Learning To Fly (14) – Group 2 winner. Most recently ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 14 at this track in the G1 Sangster on April 27 over 1200m, neck behind Climbing Star with 54.5kg at $10. The run before that 4th of 12 at Randwick in the G1 Surround on March 2 over 1400m, slow going 1.75 len behind Tropical Squall carrying 56kg at $3.50. Wide draw makes it tough.

15. Oscar’s Fortune (8) – Group 1 placegetter. Recent form sound. Most recently raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 14 at Ascot Quokka on April 20 over 1200m, 1.1 len behind Overpass carrying 56.5kg at $6.50. The start before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 0.6 len at Ascot G3 Roma Cup April 6 over 1100m defeating Amelia’s Jewel carrying 56.5kg at $3.50. Rates highly. Big chance.

16. Skybird (5) – Multiple Group 2 winner. Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming from last on the turn 5th of 8 at Bendigo 3yo Hcp on April 13 over 1100m, 3 len behind Atlantic Spirit carrying 61kg at $8. Second-up came from midfield and won by 2 len at this track G2 Tobin April 27 over 1200m defeating Moesha carrying 55.5kg at $7. Deserves plenty of respect.

17. Stretan Angel (7) – Group 2 winner. Last start 6th of 14 at this track in the G1 Sangster on April 27 over 1200m, 3 len behind Climbing Star with 54.5kg at $26. Before that 2nd of 11 at this track in the LR Redelva on April 13 over 1100m, 0.8 len behind Sir Sway carrying 58kg at $2.60. Hard to have.

Our tips for the day!

Group 1 placegetter JOHNNY ROCKER (9) finished eighth last start beaten 2 lengths at Randwick over 1200m. Rates the testing material. Group 1 placegetter OSCAR’S FORTUNE (15) was in the money last start when third at Ascot over 1200m and peaks for this. Looks a top challenger. Northerly Stakes winner AMELIA’S JEWEL (2) finished among the placings last time when second at Ascot and should be further improved, rates one of the chances. Group 2 winner I AM ME (6) boasts a strong strike rate when third-up so expect she will be ready to show her best now. Group 1 placegetter BENEDETTA (7) finished off strongly when beaten a long neck last time here. One for consideration.

Tips: (9)-(15)-(2)-(6)-(7)