Significantly out to break duck in Molecomb

Ashley Iveson
July 29, 2020 12:00 am

Burke colt faces strong opposition from either side of Irish Sea.

Significantly will be gaining rich consolation for previous fine efforts in defeat if he can emerge victorious in the Markel Insurance Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood.

The son of Garswood has filled the runner-up spot on each of his three starts to date – going down by a neck to the high-class Muker on his Newcastle debut before suffering short-head and half-length defeats at Doncaster and in the Dragon Stakes at Sandown respectively.

Trainer Karl Burke believes racing downhill over five furlongs will bring out the best in his colt in Wednesday’s Group Three contest.

“I think he could have and maybe should have won all three races he’s contested, to be honest,” said the Spigot Lodge handler.

“He’s a high-class horse who certainly warrants his place in a race like this.

“He’s got a huge cruising speed and will love the fast pace he’ll hopefully get to run at.

“Hopefully he’s going there with a big chance.”

There are two challengers from Ireland in Aidan O’Brien’s Chief Little Hawk and the Michael O’Callaghan-trained Steel Bull.

Chief Little Hawk won on his introduction at Navan, but disappointed in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and has failed to land a telling blow on either of his two further Listed starts.

O’Brien said: “He’s by Air Force Blue, and we think five furlongs is probably their thing. We think five furlongs on a fast track on fast ground would suit this horse well.

“We rushed him a little bit. He won his maiden just before Royal Ascot, and we might have brought him back a bit quick.

“Then he went to the Curragh and got caught out on a wing, and it was a similar thing at Cork last time, but he went to the line very well.”

Steel Bull steps up in class just seven days after making an impressive start to his career at Naas. Colin Keane, who travels to Goodwood to partner Siskin in the Sussex Stakes later in the afternoon, takes over in the saddle from Leigh Roche.

“He came out of Naas well, and it was just like a piece of work for him really – it was no more than a half-speed, and he quickened up very well,” said O’Callaghan.

“We’ve always thought a lot of him at home, so it was no surprise to see him win the way he did. I think he could be very, very good.

“He’s a very fast horse and he should he take a bit of beating, I hope.

“It’s very handy Colin is there to ride him. He’s as good as anyone in the world, and I hope we can give him a winner to give him a bit of confidence before riding Siskin – not that he’ll need it.”

Other hopefuls include Roger Varian’s Sardinia Sunset – winner of a Listed prize at York on her latest appearance – and Mark Johnston’s dual scorer Army Of India.