Zavateri Remains Unbeaten with Gritty Coral Vintage Stakes 2025 Victory
Coral Vintage Stakes 2025 winner Zavateri showed guts and class to remain unbeaten in a thrilling Group 2 contest at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Ridden confidently by Charlie Bishop, the Eve Johnson Houghton-trained colt stretched out to seven furlongs for the first time and dug deep to hold off Morris Dancer in a nail-biting finish.
This win marked Zavateri’s third career victory in as many starts and confirmed him as one of the most exciting juveniles in training. Stepping up in trip and carrying a Group 2 penalty, the son of Without Parole showed versatility and maturity beyond his years.
The Qatar Goodwood Festival once again delivered top-class racing, and this edition of the Coral Vintage Stakes did not disappoint. With ten promising two-year-olds lining up, Zavateri, a well-backed 8/1 shot, stalked the pace early before launching his challenge inside the final two furlongs. Morris Dancer (22/1) rallied late under William Buick, but Zavateri held on gamely by a short-head. Do Or Do Not (7/1) stayed on for third, almost two lengths adrift.
Coral Vintage Stakes 2025: A Breakthrough Moment for Zavateri
Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton praised her colt’s courage and temperament. “He’s just so tough. He had to win his race twice—first when he hit the front, and then again when Morris Dancer came at him. He’s a lovely horse, so straightforward and easy to handle. He can get a little excited at the races, but that’s just his enthusiasm.”
The win adds to Johnson Houghton’s growing record at major festivals and sets Zavateri up for a campaign targeting elite juvenile races in the autumn. “It was a bold move to come here under a penalty, but there was nowhere else to go until the Dewhurst. He’ll have a nice break now and we’ll build towards Newmarket.”
Jockey Charlie Bishop, who knows the colt well, was full of admiration. “Zavateri has a massive will to win. William came at us late, but he just stuck his neck out. He’s really seen out the seven furlongs and handled the track well. This was a big performance under pressure.”
Runner-up Morris Dancer enhanced his reputation with a strong showing despite limited preparation. Trainer John Gosden revealed, “He had a little setback after his win at Haydock, so we brought him here off minimal work. William was impressed and said he’s crying out for a mile. That’s where we’ll aim next.”
William Buick added, “It was close at the line, but the winner found more when I got to him. Our colt has stepped up again and is on track for something bigger.”
Meanwhile, Do Or Do Not continued his streak of near-misses. Trainer Ed Walker said, “He keeps answering every question we throw at him. He might not win often, but he gives everything. Maybe we drop him into a slightly easier race to build his confidence.”
Zavateri’s connections—owners Mick and Janice Mariscotti—have every reason to be excited. A break now followed by the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes in October seems the likely route. If the colt continues on this trajectory, the 2000 Guineas in 2026 could be well within reach.
This year’s Coral Vintage Stakes was not just about the result, but the quality of the race. Several runners look capable of developing into black-type performers, and Zavateri has clearly stamped himself as one of the top two-year-olds of the season.
Coral Vintage Stakes 2025 Result
- 1 Zavateri (Mick & Janice Mariscotti) – Eve Johnson Houghton – 2-9-06 – Charlie Bishop – 8/1
- 2 Morris Dancer (Godolphin) – John & Thady Gosden – 2-9-03 – William Buick – 22/1
- 3 Do Or Do Not (TBT Racing) – Ed Walker – 2-9-03 – Tom Marquand – 7/1
- 10 ran. 13/8F Dorset finished 5th.
Explore More
