Blue in line for Mile showdown

Illustrious Blue, a confirmed Goodwood specialist, will try to chalk up a sixth win at his local track at the upcoming Glorious festival.

Trained nearby at Patching by William Knight, the useful five-year-old has a choice of two engagements – with the totesport Mile very much a possibility.

Knight said: “Illustrious Blue is entered in the totesport Mile and there is also a mile-and-a-quarter handicap on the first day Bank Of Scotland Investment Services Handicap).

“That’s an option, but there is a definite possibility that he could go for the totesport Mile. He is also in a Listed race at Newbury on Saturday and he could run there as well as at Goodwood.

“The step back to a mile wouldn’t concern me. We have tried our hand at a mile and a half and, although I believe he stays that trip, I think his best distance is a mile and a quarter.

“Having said that, I’m sure he’ll be effective back at a mile. He has won at Goodwood at a mile and what he needs is to come off a fast pace and he should get that in the totesport Mile.”

Illustrious Blue was not beaten far when seventh at Royal Ascot last time and Knight believes it is only a matter of time before his luck turns after a series of minor frustrations.

“We took him to Taby in Sweden and he got murdered on the first bend, then he hated the ground when he was beaten at Sandown, so each time he has run badly there has been a reasonable excuse,” he added.

“Richard Kingscote has been riding him lately and he will most likely be keeping the ride.”

Illustrious Blue is one of 67 horses to have stood their ground in the totesport Mile at the latest forfeit stage.

Other interesting possibles include current top-weight Summit Surge, who is one of two Irish-trained contenders, and Roger Charlton’s Royal Ascot winner Fifteen Love.