Nassau Stakes tips and runners guide to Goodwood 3.35

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

Nashwa is bidding for successive victories in the Nassau Stakes – but rising star Blue Rose Cen stands in her way.

The Frankel filly, who bounced back to form with a commanding victory in the Falmouth Stakes last time out, landed the Prix de Diane before scoring at Goodwood last season. Blue Rose Cen attempts to repeat that feat and the French-trained horse will establish her status as one of the stars of the campaign if she manages to dethrone her principal rival.

Al Husn is bidding to bring up a hat-trick and has already got the better of Nashwa on one occasion this term when landing the Group 3 Hoppings Fillies’ Stakes on the all-weather track at Newcastle.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Above The Curve has Group 1 success on her CV and heads into this off the back of a decent run in the Pretty Polly Stakes.

Caernarfon brings place form from the 1000 Guineas and Oaks to the table, while Ballydoyle runner Never Ending Story has been beaten by the leading two on numerous occasions this term.

The latest Nassau Stakes odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.

Nassau Stakes tips

Timeform: A much-anticipated clash between the last 2 French Oaks winners BLUE ROSE CEN and Nashwa. The former was having her first attempt at 1¼m when bolting up at Chantilly in June and can emulate Nashwa who followed up in this race last year. Nashwa looked better than ever when easily winning the Falmouth at Newmarket last month and is clear second pick ahead of Above The Curve.

Nassau Stakes runners

Above The Curve

Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien Jockey: Ryan Moore Age: 4 Weight: 9st 9lbs Draw: 5

Group 1 winner at 3 and added another pattern success to her CV when seeing off last weekend’s Prix Rothschild winner Mqse de Sevigne in Saint-Cloud Group 2 in May. Creditable 3¼ lengths third to Via Sistina in Pretty Polly at the Curragh (1¼m, good) since. Handles testing ground. Should run well.

***

Al Husn

Trainer: Roger Varian Jockey: Jim Crowley Age: 4 Weight: 9st 9lbs Draw: 6

Smart filly who made it 6 wins in her last 7 starts when fending off a below-par Nashwa by ½ length in the Group 3 Hoppings at Newcastle (1¼m, AW) in June. Well worth her place at the highest level.

***

Nashwa

Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Jockey: Hollie Doyle Age: 4 Weight: 9st 9lbs Draw: 4

Won the Frenck Oaks and this race last summer. Back to form with a bang when an impressive 5-length winner of the Falmouth at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) 3 weeks ago. Acts on soft. Bold show looks assured.

****

Blue Rose Cen

Trainer: Christopher Head Jockey: Aurelien Lemaitre Age: 3 Weight: 9st 1lbs Draw: 1

Won the French 1000 Guineas in May and well suited by the step up to 1¼m when a 4-length winner of the French Oaks at Chantilly in June. The return to softer ground won’t be an issue. Leading claims.

*****

Caernarfon

Trainer: Jack Channon Jockey: Connor Beasley Age: 3 Weight: 9st 1lbs Draw: 3

Reached the frame in the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks on her first 2 outings this year. Respectable 3 lengths sixth of 16 to Waipiro in Hampton Court at Royal Ascot (1¼m) last time. Likeable filly who will be fine on the ground but looks sure to find a few too strong again.

**

Never Ending Story

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Tom Marquand Age: 3 Weight: 9st 1lbs Draw: 2

Smart filly who chased home Blue Rose Cen in French Oaks at Chantilly but hasn’t reproduced that form in the Pretty Polly and Falmouth since. Even a return to her best won’t be good enough.