Charlie Appleby has revealed that Boynton emerged so well from his epic battle to win Newmarket's G2 Superlative Stakes that the colt has made a return to the racecourse much quicker than originally expected.
Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby has revealed that Boynton emerged so well from his epic battle to win Newmarket's G2 Superlative Stakes that the colt has made a return to the racecourse much quicker than originally expected.
Now, the More Than Ready juvenile looks the one to beat in Tuesday's G2 Vintage Stakes, one of the features on the first day of Glorious Goodwood.
Boynton got the better of Ballydoyle's War Decree in a prolonged head-to-head struggle over the final furlong and a half of the seven-furlong Superlative. But he appears to have thrived on the experience.
"He came out of it so well," Appleby reported. "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 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," the trainer added.
A total of 10 have been declared for the Vintage, with Boynton drawn wide in 8, while War Decree, again seen as the danger, drawn on the rail in gate 1.
Saeed bin Suroor saddles the other Godolphin runner in the Vintage, Thunder Snow, who is to be partnered by James McDonald. Saeed said: "He has worked really nicely at home. It is a tough race for him, but I believe the distance suits."
There is plenty of confidence behind Godolphin's three-pronged attack on the G2 Lennox Stakes if comments from the three respective trainers are any guide.
Hugo Palmer, who sends out tough campaigner Home Of The Brave, believes everything has fallen into place for his four-year-old, who is tackling his pet distance of seven furlongs.
"He likes the ground (fast), and he's in good shape. He has only ever been beaten once over this trip - and I have no doubt this is the right race for him," Palmer said.
Richard Fahey saddles Birchwood for Godolphin and he believes he has the three-year-old back in good form.
"His win at Chester has done him the world of good," Fahey said. "He has never been an exceptional worker at home, but his win seems to have had the desired effect and has sparked him up a bit.
"He has run well at this meeting - in the Vintage last year. He will have to be at the top of his game, but I am very happy with the horse going into the race," Fahey added.
Charlie Hills has long had the Lennox in mind for Dutch Connection, who is another suited by conditions. "He wants fast ground, in fact the faster the better, so I am hoping there is not too much watering for the first day," Hills said.
"I was pleased with his run at Ascot, and he is going to find this race and trip ideal," he added.
