Takes Stars to shine for Charlie Johnston

BELIEVE in ALIGN THE STARS (1.20) to repeat last year's win at the meeting in the 2m 4f Coral Goodwood Handicap.

- By The Scout (Melissa Jones)

A year ago Charlie Johnston's thorough stayer wrapped up a treble by sticking his neck out for Joe Fanning to beat 12 others.

The game display from the then 99-rated gelding was recorded in a class two race over 1m6f on a good to firm surface.

A full-brother to multiple Group-race winner Al Aasy, Align The Stars found life harder when the handicapper applied more pressure.

But he got closest to regaining the winning thread when beaten less than three lengths in the Ascot Stakes tackling an almost identical distance to what he faces today.

A straightforward type, the flip start should not faze him and the race setup suggests jockey Christophe Soumillon will have a chance of racing solo up front.

COSMIC YEAR (1.55) is fancied to continue the astrology-related theme in the Group Three Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes.