Glorious Goodwood (14.35): Ibn Malik a Vintage Stakes market mover

Ibn Malik looked a smart prospect when scoring on his debut and can take the step up into Group 2 company in his stride to land the Vintage Stakes on day one of Glorious Goodwood (14.35).

The Charlie Hills trained colt raced prominently until taking up the running four furlongs from home and finding plenty when challenged to cosily beat Comicas by 3/4 of a length in a 7f maiden at Newmarket.

It was a most taking performance and the runner-up, and third home John Splenid, have both come out and won since.

The front three also pulled 3 1/4 lengths clear of the rest to give the form a strong look.

Although this clearly demands more, Ibn Malik looks a sure-fire improver and is entitled to come on significantly for the outing.

The son of Raven’s Pass also hails from a yard enjoying a terrific season and, with Paul Hanagan in the saddle, Ibn Malik can land the spoils before going on to even better things.

Birchwood brings the strongest form into the race, having won the Group 2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket when last seen in action.

The Richard Fahey trained colt has now won three of his four starts, but has to shoulder a penalty for his win at headquarters and may struggle to give 3lb to some unexposed types.

They include Strong Challenge, who may well prove the main danger to Ibn Malik.

The colt ran well when runner-up on his debut at Lingfield, and had little difficulty going one better when scoring over 6f at this venue last month.

That course form is a big plus, and the runner-up Gutaifan has since gone on to land a hat-trick of successes.

The last of those came in a Group 2 contest at Chantilly, so it was a very smart effort by Strong Challenge to easily brush aside Gutaifan by 1 3/4 lengths and he looks well worth a crack at this level.

Coral’s top tip: Ibn Malik is great price in the Vintage Stakes.