Opinion Poll tops 16 in Goodwood Cup

Godolphin’s Ascot Gold Cup runner-up Opinion Poll will bid to secure a deserved first victory of the campaign in the Artemis Goodwood Cup on Thursday.

The former Michael Jarvis inmate has failed to find the target since winning at York in August but he has been running some tremendous races in defeat.

After placing three times at the Dubai Carnival, the five-year-old has shaped equally well since returning to Europe, most recently chasing home Fame And Glory at the Royal meeting.

He will face 15 rivals on the Sussex Downs, with Donald McCain’s Overturn lining up here instead of bidding for back-to-back wins in the Galway Hurdle on the same day.

Red Cadeaux is a major contender for the Ed Dunlop team following a runaway victory in the Curragh Cup, while the hat-trick seeking Chiberta King steps up in grade for Andrew Balding.

The talented but injury plagued Geordieland, Fox Hunt and Manighar are other notable runners.