Festival Stakes preview: Vintager bids for first win since joining Godolphin

1.55 Goodwood
Betfair Best Odds On ITV Races Festival Stakes | Listed | 1m2f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Vintager's progress in the handicap ranks was noted by Godolphin last season, as they purchased the four-year-old after he signed off for David Menuisier with a dominant four-and-a-half-length success at Newmarket.

Although Vintager failed to fire in two starts for new connections in Meydan and then at the Craven meeting, last time out represented a return to form as he finished third in a decent contest behind Elector over a mile and a furlong on the Rowley Mile.

Trainer Charlie Appleby is hoping the son of Mastercraftsman can build on that encouraging effort and provide the trainer with a second win in the race after his success with French Navy in 2014.

Could it all come together for Willie John?

Like Vintager, Willie John moved yards last year when joining Roger Varian from William Haggas. The colt made a winning debut at two at Yarmouth, and fetched 1.9m gns at Tattersalls last February.

He started out for Varian with a five-length stroll at Doncaster, but then finished last of seven in a Group 3 at Longchamp before starting this campaign with a fourth back at Doncaster in a conditions race.

That came over a mile and a half, and Varian thinks these conditions will be more suitable for the son of Dansili.

The trainer said: "He's in great form, I don't think he got home at Doncaster. He's still got a lot to prove but we're keeping the faith believing he's quite a smart horse.

"I think a mile and a quarter on good to firm ground are his optimum conditions. We'll learn plenty about him and there won't be many excuses."

Is Thundering Blue ready to rumble?

Thundering Blue bridged the gap between handicap and Pattern company in style last season, graduating from an opening fifth in the City and Suburban at Epsom off a mark of 93 to winning the Group 2 York Stakes and a Group 3 in Sweden as well as several other fine efforts.

He did not make much of an impression when last of seven behind Crystal Ocean in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown last month, but trainer David Menuisier is not unduly concerned.

The six-year-old takes a while to hit peak form, and Menuisier is confident he will be hitting the heights again during summertime.

"He always needs a run to do himself justice and he needed the run very badly at Sandown," the trainer said.

"He looks fitter now and has come on for that run. Whether he's fit enough to do himself justice I'm not sure."

Can Francis Xavier continue winning run?

Although Francis Xavier is the lowest-rated and outsider of the eight runners, the five-year-old comes into the race chasing a five-timer.

Twice a winner for Hugo Palmer, the son of High Chaparral continued that habit when moving to Kevin Frost with another pair of victories, and now moves into Listed company for the first time.

Frost said: "He was very immature when he came to us and has filled out a lot. I'm hoping and think he's a better horse this year. I'm hoping he will be Listed class but we'll find out."

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