14:35 Goodwood: Gordon Stakes to come alive with Slumber

Nathaniel’s win in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last Saturday has upped the interest from a punting point of view for today’s Gordon Stakes.

Fiorente was well beaten in second by Nathaniel in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot but having seen the subsequent form of Nathaniel, Sir Michael Stoute’s horse is in with a great shout today and this is reflected in his 11/10 price.

Like Fiorente, Slumber has also taken on Nathaniel finishing three lengths behind him at Chester, a race won by Treasure Beach, the Irish Derby winner.

Fiorente’s race was run at a faster pace than the meeting between Slumber, Nathaniel and Treasure Beach at Chester and that is the reason for his short odds today, but Slumber took on some very strong horses at Chester and there’s an argument to be made that Slumber’s form is stronger.

Both horses look certain to finish in the top four and at 4/1, punters are getting a free each-way crack at Fiorente with Slumber and so the preference is for Barry Hill’s three-year-old.

This race will have a huge bearing on the St Leger odds and it’s worth keeping an eye on how these are affected as the race draws nearer.

Nathaniel is unlikely to run in the St Leger following his win last Saturday leaving the field wide open and today’s race will provide plenty of clues for punters looking to find the final Classic winner of the season.

Slumber is currently a huge 50/1 for the St Leger while Fiorente is available at 8/1.

If either of those two win today, it’s highly likely one of them will, their St Leger odds will shorten dramatically and it may be worth a little nibble at Slumber’s 50/1 before today’s Gordon Stakes starts.