Zavateri (8/1) maintains unbeaten record

Bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley endured the ups and downs of horse racing on the opening day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Zavateri was purchased for 35,000gns as a yearling and the Without Parole colt followed up his victory in the Group 2 July Stakes when defying a penalty in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes. Trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, he overcame traffic problems before leading over a furlong out. Involved in a protracted duel with Haydock winner Morris Dancer, he prevailed by a short head with nearly two lengths back to the third. The Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket is likely to be his end of season target. Regardless of how he performs on the Rowley Mile in October, he has been a tremendous purchase.

Just over an hour later, another of Bromley's buys the high-class stayer Trueshan suffered a fatal injury shattering his pastern in the Group 1 Goodwood Cup. Successful in the two miles event in 2021, the nine year old was purchased for 31,000gns at the breeze-ups in 2018. Alan King's gelded son of Planteur won 16 of his 35 races earning total prize-money of £2,035,217. A triple Group 1 winner, he formed a terrific alliance with Hollie Doyle (10 from 21) and will be sorely missed by everyone at Barbury Castle. 

Aidan O'Brien and the Ballydoyle team dominated the finish of the Goodwood Cup claiming the prize for the third time in the last four years. Three year old Scandinavia followed up his impressive win in the Bahrain Trophy getting the better of stablemate Illinois scoring by three parts of a length. The St Leger at Doncaster looks tailormade for the winner, although dual Derby winning stable companion Lambourn is also being considered for that. Next year, one would imagine Scandinavia will be steered towards the Ascot Gold Cup. He is a fast improving young stayer and it will be a surprise if he doesn't add to his Group 1 tally in future.