Open Vintage

Conditioner Mark Johnston has an inkling of what it takes to win Tuesday's G2 Qatar Vintage S. at Goodwood, having saddled Mister Baileys (GB) (Robellino), Lucky Story (Kris S.) and Shamardal (Giant's Causweay) to succeed, and he sends forth the unbeaten Mildenberger (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) to contest this latest renewal. Successful in his July 7 debut going seven furlongs at Haydock, he doubled up in style over the same trip at Newbury two weeks later. His rivals include Aidan O'Brien trainee Seahenge (Scat Daddy), who took time to warm to the task at hand when an ultimately comfortable winner of a July 8 six-furlong maiden at Naas in his only start to date. O'Brien has claimed two winners of his own in the contest with Highland Reel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in 2014 and War Decree (War Front) last year. Richard Hannon Jr has yet to register success in a heat his father took on five occasions, and is represented by Sallab (Ire) (Havana Gold {Ire}), who will supply jockey Frankie Dettori with a record-equalling sixth victory should he prevail. The bay lines up off a narrow verdict at Epsom in his second start last time July 6. “He won despite the track last time and appears to have improved since then,” commented Hannon. “He's a lovely big colt, but this is a big step up and if he could finish in the first three I would be delighted.”

When a Sir Michael Stoute trainee wins at first asking it pays to sit up and take notice and the Newmarket-based trainer is represented by June 15 Newbury scorer Expert Eye (GB) (Acclamation {GB}) in a race he posted his sole success with No Excuse Needed (GB) (Machiavellian) in 2000. Eoghan O'Neill representative and French raider Cold Stare (Ire) (Intense Focus) is the lone stakes winner set to go postward and lines up off a score in the July 14 Listed Prix Roland de Chambure at Saint-Cloud. Godolphin's Zaman (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) boasts the most experience and comes back off a fourth in the July 15 G2 Superlative S. at Newmarket having previously accounted for subsequent G2 Prix Robert Papin victor Unfortunately (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}) and Sunday's Listed Prix Six Perfections heroine Izzy Bizu (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) at Pontefract in his penultimate start July 3. “Zaman is progressing with each run and has come out of the Superlative well,” said trainer Charlie Appleby. “His win at Pontefract earlier in July has received a couple of form boosts. He has to improve again and we have added blinkers for the first time to assist him.”