The Rematch

One-two in a high-class renewal of the G2 Superlative S., Boynton (More Than Ready) and War Decree (War Front) meet again at Glorious Goodwood on Tuesday in the G2 Qatar Vintage S. Three pounds now lies between them, with the former carrying a penalty for a 3/4-of-a-length success in that July 9 Newmarket contest which could make the difference as they re-engage. Already successful here in a hot six-furlong maiden on debut June 3, Boynton carries stable confidence into this prestigious affair which was won by the subsequent G1 2000 Guineas hero Galileo Gold (GB) (Paco Boy {Ire}) 12 months ago.

“He came out of it so well,” trainer Charlie Appleby commented. “About 20 to 30 minutes after the race, he was walking out of the box and he looked so bright you would have thought he was just walking in. The immediate plan was to wait for the [G1] National S. at The Curragh in September, but that would be a long wait with a colt who is doing so well. I feel he has come forward again. In time, I think he will get one mile, no problem, and that's where you will see the improvement. I felt he outstayed War Decree at Newmarket, and even with the penalty, he is still the one they all have to beat. He also has the benefit of the Goodwood experience, having won there on his first start, and that must also be in his favour.”

Aidan O'Brien will be buoyed by the fact that the fast summer surface that War Decree encountered at the July meeting is also available at this festival.

Kevin Buckley, UK representative for the Coolmore owners, commented, “Let's not forget that [Newmarket] was only his second start. The initial reaction after the race was to give him a little more time but, in hindsight, we would like to run him on a similar surface over seven furlongs, hence why the Vintage S. came into consideration.”

Richard Hannon won this four times in succession between 2010 and 2013 and saddles three runners with Larchmont Lad (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) looking the stable's number one. Successful on debut over this trip at Sandown at the start of this month, Michael Geoghegan's bay looked to have more than a touch of class on that occasion. He is joined by the Listed Rochestown S. fifth Hakeem (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Robin Heffer's five-furlong Salisbury scorer Repton (Ire) (Zebedee {GB}).

“I was very pleased with Larchmont Lad's first run at Sandown. I think he is a nice horse,” their trainer commented. “It didn't surprise me that he won, but it surprised me the manner in which he won. He is the sort of horse that goes about his work at home and is not flashy. He couldn't have done any more than he did first time. Hopefully he can go close from a good draw. Hakeem has been given a nice break since disappointing in Ireland. We scoped him and he seemed okay, he just ran a disappointing race. He has put weight back on since then and has been working much better than before. Repton won his maiden last time out. We were hoping to get in the nursery with him but he could not get in. He could go well from a good draw.”

Fitri Hay's colours are worn by both the Listed Chesham S. runner-up Isomer (Cape Blanco {Ire}) and G2 Coventry S. fourth Medieval (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), with the latter handed an unfavourable wide draw.

Trainer Paul Cole has won this three times and his son and assistant Oliver said, “I don't think the draw in stall 10 is ideal, but I'm sure he will cope with it. He has had a break and is 100% fit and good to go. He goes there in great form. Obviously he has only run on ground which has been a bit soft, but I don't think that will really worry him. I don't think the trip will be a problem and all the signs are good. It's quite a hot race, but he deserves to be there.”