Goodwood Chock A Block with success (From The Northern Echo)

Goodwood Chock A Block with success (From The Northern Echo):

"GODOLPHIN have seen a major turnaround in their fortunes over the last week, and Sheikh Mohammed’s operation can continue rejuvenating in the Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood.
This Listed event closes a busy fortnight of Derby trials, although it is not noted as producing Epsom candidates any more.

Godolphin have won it three times before, including Dubai Millennium in 1999.
This year’s candidate Chock A Block already has an entry in the Derby – although Aidan O’Brien is not likely to be watching with trepidation.


Chock A Block was trained by Robert Collet in France last season, winning his only start at Longchamp by four lengths, and the son of Dalakhani has a pedigree packed full of stamina.

An agonising second in the Lockinge, an Italian Derby success, and a good Dante meeting has propelled Godolphin’s popular trainer Saeed bin Suroor back in the spotlight.
Even with Derby aspirant Free Agent lurking in the field, Chock A Block still gets the nod.

William Knight is very familiar with the rolling Goodwood course – he is based just down the road at Littlehampton – and can get on the scoresheet with December Draw in the Racing UK Handicap.

This gelding was third in a good maiden at Great Leighs during the winter before winning at Lingfield without fuss. He looked to be in need of the run on his recent return at Windsor, still doing well enough to be third behind a Sir Michael Stoute steamer, and Knight should have more of a handle on him now."