Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster

The Group One Racing Post Trophy for 2yo´s over a mile at 16.50 CET at Doncaster has a deserved reputation as a guide to next year´s classics with 4 Derby winners this century, while we have not forgotten Vaguely Noble who went on to win the Arc back in 1968! In recent years it has been dominated by Aidan O´Brien who has won the race 7 times, usually with very lightly-raced juveniles.

He has 3 runners this time, with his son Joseph riding Century, easy winner of his only start a fortnight ago, and Paul Hanagan on Buonarotti and Ryan Moore on Johann Strauss, one of only 2 maidens in the field. Obviously all 3 must be respected, although Joseph has the choice and is probably on the best one. Johnny Murtagh´s Altruistic and Pat Shanahan´s no-hoper Dolce N Karama are two more Irish challengers, but we are hoping for a Newmarket victory, with both Kingston Hill (Roger Varian/ Andrea Atzeni) and Pinzolo (Charlie Appleby/ Mickael Barzalona) strongly fancied after winning both their starts in style. The former is owned by Paul Smith, not the designer but the son of Derrick Smith, a partner in the Coolmore runners, but our main hope is that Appleby can win his fisrt Group One with the Monsun colt Pinzolo. CVhief Barker (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) is also unbeaten and comes from a stable with a good line to 2yo form, while Snow Sky (Sir Michael Stoute/ James Doyle) won last time by 11 lengths and Somewhat (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) is actually the highest-rated runner, but possibly vulnerable to the less exposed types. This looks a strong renewal and whoever wins it will automatically become a leading fancy for Epsom next June.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Karinga Dancer - Mwaleshi - Liberty`S Gift
2. Race: Your Busy - Categorical - Jamsie Hall
3. Race: Wishfull Thinking - Walkon - Edgardo Sol
4. Race: Kruzhlinin - Rossini`S Dancer - Howard`S Legacy
5. Race: Cruising Bye - Vimiero - Milano Magic
6. Race: Beeves - Yesyoucan - Shutthefrontdoor
7. Race: Regal Encore - Salto Chisco - Garde La Victoire