Boynton and War Decree do battle again
Appleby's two-year-old got the better of War Decree at Newmarket in the Superlative Stakes, the two meet again but Boynton must give 3lb to his rivals
CHARLIE APPLEBY believes Boynton is the one to beat in Tuesday's Qatar Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.
Despite the two-year-old having to shoulder a 3lb penalty for his win in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket's July Festival, the Godolphin handler is confident he can maintain his unbeaten status with a win in the Group Two event.
Appleby said: "He came out of it (Newmarket) so well. 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 National Stakes 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 (3lb), 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."
In what promises to be an intriguing renewal of the seven-furlong contest, Boynton will renew rivalries with the Aidan O'Brien-trained War Decree.
Kevin Buckley, UK representative for owners Coolmore, said: "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 Stakes came into consideration."
Richard Hannon saddles three runners with Larchmont Lad shortest in the betting having made a winning debut at Sandown earlier this month, while he will also be represented by Hakeem and Repton.
Hannon said: "I was very pleased with Larchmont's Lad's first run at Sandown. I think he is a nice horse. 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 OK, 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."
Medieval caught the eye when staying on into fourth behind Caravaggio in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and despite being housed in the widest draw in stall 10, connections of the Paul Cole-trained runner are hopeful he can make his presence felt.
Oliver Cole, the trainer's son and assistant, 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 per cent 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."
While Thunder Snow finished two places behind Medieval in the Coventry, trainer Saeed Bin Suroor expects the additional furlong to be in his favour.
He said: "He has worked really nicely at home. It is a tough race for him, but I believe the distance suits."
Jackhammer made his winning debut at Salisbury on soft ground, but the switch to a faster surface is not expected to cause any problems according to his trainer William Knight.
He said: "It was soft ground when he won at Salisbury. I don't think he actually needs soft ground but he does want genuine good ground.
"I think Jackhammer is a smart colt and he should be a mile-and-a-half horse next year. He has definitely got a bit of class about him."
The field is completed by the Andrew Balding-trained Isomer and Pleaseletmewin from the yard of Ralph Beckett.
