Goodwood Tip: Breathless Kiss

I’ve said it several times, but it is worth repeating that there is no outstanding five furlong sprinter in Europe. When it comes to Group races like the King George Stakes at 2.45 anyone could win it.

Regular readers of this column will know I’m a big fan of Breathless Kiss and the race could be set up for her. Still a relatively young horse at four years old, she dramatically improved over the winter. A drop back to five furlongs and the application of blinkers seem to be the key as she won three races in a row over the minimum.

The culmination of this advancement was a seventh place finish in the Group Three Palace House Stakes. After fluffing the start she was only beaten 1.5 lengths, finishing upsides Rain Delayed and ahead of King’s Stand winner Prohibit. She also beat Group Therapy by 1.5 lengths, a horse that is considerably shorter in today’s betting.

Considering Breathless Kiss is 50/1 it would be remiss of me not to discuss why she has got to that price. She has run poor races at Epsom and Chester in lower class competition. There were valid excuses both times. At Epsom she didn’t handle the track and at Chester she was hampered soon after the start.

It is good to see she arrives after an 85-day break, after a busy winter and a big run at Newmarket she may have started to feel jaded. With a good rest she should come back at the top of her game.

The way the race will be run should also suit. She enjoys coming off a blistering gallop and with the likes of Masamah, Noble Storm and Beyond Desire she will get her wish.

Having previously won at 16/1, this horse doesn’t owe us anything, but at 50/1 she could treat us again.