Horsebetting.com experts’ tips for the the 2018 Vintage Stakes say Confiding is worth a bet following an impressive debut success. Trainer Mark Johnston does well at Glorious Goodwood, so his Dark Vision rates the main danger in the 7f juvenile contest on Tuesday, 31 July. Junius Brutus odds appeal each-way, meanwhile. For full details on these horses, read our in-depth 2018 Vintage Stakes betting tips preview.Confiding the answer to Vintage StakesConfiding looked a smart prospect when scoring on debut, so looks worth a bet to take the step up into Group 2 company in his stride and land the 7f Vintage Stakes on the opening day of the Glorious Goodwood meeting this Tuesday (14:25).
The Martyn Meade trained colt was sent off 16/1 when landing a 16-runner contest at Newbury, but go the job done in style. After being held-up, the son of Iffraaj made good headway to challenge at the furlong marker, then stayed on well to win by a length from Almurr without being unduly knocked about.
Confiding was well on top at the finish. He warmed to the task well after showing distinct signs of greenness in the early part of the race, so it was a most taking display which suggested he had a big future and needed keeping onside.
The form of the race has also worked out spectacularly well with the second, third, fourth, fifth, seventh, eighth and nine having all gone on to taste success. It was obviously a very hot maiden, so Confiding did well to get the job done in the manner that he did.
This demands much more, but Meade is a shrewd handler who doesn’t go tilting at windmills with his inmates and has another smart juvenile on his hands in the shape of Group 2 July Stakes winner Advertise. The fact that he is pitching Confiding into this after just one outing speaks volumes, so he is taken to prove up to the task and land the spoils en route to better things.Hat-trick seeking Dark Vision feared mostTrainer Mark Johnston has a superb record with his runners at the prestigious five-day meeting, so his Dark Vision is feared most in a wide-open renewal where a case can be made for many. This son of Group 1 July Cup winner Dream Ahead is unbeaten in two starts.
After running green before winning going away by 1 1/4 lengths on debut at Yarmouth, he followed-up in good style when capturing a 10-runner novice median auction stakes over 6f at York. Dark Vision was much more streetwise at the Knavesmire and he had to be, as he was badly squeezed at the start and found himself playing catch-up.
However, his jockey David Probert didn’t panic and the colt made smooth headway two from home to take up the running at the furlong marker. He then showed a smart turn of foot when asked to quickly put the race to bed and win easily by 2 1/4 lengths.
The way in which he hit the line hard suggested that Dark Vision would relish the extra furlong of this. It was also a visually taking performance and one which suggested he was well worth a crack at this level. With further improvement assured, Dark Vision looks sure to make a bold bid to provide Johnston with a fourth winner of this juvenile contest.Junius Brutus the each-way optionOf those at bigger odds, Junius Brutus is a fascinating contender on his first start for trainer Ralph Beckett and appeals as the each-way value in the race. This colt was formally trained in France by Matthieu Palussiere.
He won his first two starts impressively by an aggregate of 10 1/2 lengths and then ran very well when sixth of 29 to Soldier’s Call in the Listed 5f Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. Junius Brutus showed plenty of pace to chase the leaders on the unfavoured far side and kept on well to be beaten 3 1/2 lengths, but had no chance with the first two home – who both raced down the stands’ side – so in the circumstances it was a solid effort.
The son of Cockney Rebel finished just over half-a-length behind the fifth home Van Beethoven and now meets that rival – who has since won a Group 2 – on 3lb better terms. That should be enough to see Junius Brutus turn the tables, if being suited by the step up to 7f.
His breeding suggests that it shouldn’t be a problem and Beckett has a decent record with his runners at the Sussex venue. So, taking everything into account, Junius Brutus looks capable of making his presence felt and is therefore our each-way selection.Your Next Bet
