Approval

Approval was game in winning the three-year-olds’ 10-furlong handicap at Goodwood last Thursday. Settled in mid-division early on behind a moderate pace, he had to be switched over to the inside rail by Tom Marquand in order than he could deliver his challenge, and he stayed on really well through the final furlong to get up and win by a neck.

This was a race in which they didn’t go a great pace, as evidenced by Approval’s finishing speed percentage of over 109%. Three of the first four home raced prominently from early, Approval was the only one who was able to come from mid-division or worse and get into the race, and he won it. He made all the running when he won a 10-furlong handicap on fast ground at Windsor in June but, unsurprisingly, similar tactics were not as effective in the Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot next time. A prominent racing style might not have been a disadvantage at Goodwood, but he proved there that he is versatile in terms of tactics. The handicapper raised him by 4lb to a mark of 92, but that was not harsh. William Haggas’ horse has raced just six times, and just four times on turf. There could be much more to come. Ten furlongs and fast ground suits him well, and he will be of interest wherever he goes now.

Goodwood, 1^st August 2024