Critical Moment (pink cap): bounced back to form at Newmarket last time
PICTURE: Mark CranhamTotesport Mile option for Critical Moment
CRITICAL MOMENT is poised to carry the hopes of the Barry Hills stable in the Totesport Mile at Glorious Goodwood after Royal Ascot winner Ransom Note was all but ruled out of the race.
The Khalid Abdullah-owned three-year-old, who is a 12-1 chance for the Totesport Mile with the sponsors, began his season with a third behind Elusive Pimpernel in the Racing Post Breezeupbonus.com Craven Stakes before meeting defeat in both the Chester Vase and Hampton Court Stakes.
However, the son of Aptitude bounced back to form with victory at Newmarket's July festival last week and Hills's son and assistant Charlie said: "Critical Moment could well head to Goodwood for the Totesport Mile. It's a tough race for three-year-olds and the draw can be a big factor, but it's certainly an option for him.
"He ran a great race at the start of the season in the Craven Stakes, but then we stepped him up to a mile-and-a-half for the Chester Vase, which he didn't stay and he didn't quite get home in the [1m2f] Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Charlie Hills: believes team have found the key to Critical Moment
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker"We spent the first half of the season learning about the horse and I think that his Newmarketperformance showed that we have found the right trip and conditions for him - a mile on fast ground suited him very well."
Hills added: "I wouldn't have thought that Ransom Note will go for the race. We were happy with his first attempt at a mile and a quarter at Newmarket when the draw didn't help him at all.
"He proved that he could get ten furlongs and we have other targets for him. Our other remaining entry Huzzah, who has run in the two previous renewals, is probably going to struggle to get into the race."
There were 61 runners remaining in the Totesport Mile on July 30 after Wednesday's forfeit stage including favourite St Moritz and Invisible Man, who was cut to 10-1 (from 12) by the sponsors along with Oasis Dancer and Sea Lord.
Acrostic and Stoic where also shortened for the race by Totepsort, who make the pair 12-1 shots (from 14).
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