Racing Post Trophy [Group 1]

                                                         Racing Post Trophy


The most reliable of trials for providing Derby clues in recent years. With Motivator, Authorized and Camelot all doing the double since 2004. Aiden O Brien has been the dominant trainer in recent times taking out three of the past four renewals and he has three Colts entered. This years field looks a cracker, even with absence of Toormore, with numerous unexposed juveniles looking to make the step up to Group One level

Altruistic- Ridden and trained by 'Saturday kingpin' Johnny Murtagh, this Galileo Colt arrives here with one win from his two starts. That was on debut but he improved on that last time when beaten 2 lengths by the impressive Geoffrey Chaucer at the Curragh. Finished just behind useful yardstick Oklahoma City on that occasion and judged on that form he will have to improve to take a hand at the finish

Buanorotti- Third foal from the Group 2 winning sprinter Beauty is Truth, who has already produced 2 Group winners from her 2 runners to date. This one will likely keep that record intact judging on his nine length romp from a subsequent winner  at Tipperary last time. Possibly not in this company though and the early betting suggests he is the third string of the O Brien team. Cannot be totally dismissed but has to be considered an unlikely winner

Century- Looks to be the Ballydoyle chosen one as they look to improve their superb recent record in the race. His dam was a Group Three winner over six furlongs for Alan Jarvis, but judging on his debut a mile will prove his minimum distance. He impressed many that day, when bounding clear of a well regarded John Oxx Colt. Has a very attractive profile for this and has to enter calculations, bidding to give his sire a 5th winner of this race since 2004

Chief Barker- Unbeaten Colt who arrives here seeking a 4 timer for owners Middleham Park. Always seem to do just enough, he has won his three races by a total distance of a length, and had to re rally to keep his unbeaten record intact last time. However that form has since been well boosted by the runner up that day since bolting up in the Group One Fillies Mile. Still the suspicion is that he will need to improve if he is to join his team mate Toormore in becoming a top level winner this year

Dolce N Karama- Thistle Bloodstock maiden who is running here primarily to show off the owners Stallion The Carbon Unit. Will most likely do this by finishing last under Tadgh O Shea

Johann Strauss- High Chapparal colt whose coveted name and eye catching entries ensured he was hyped well before he made his debut in a Newmarket maiden. Was only 4th that day but was a massive eye catcher, coming from well off the pace to finish a never nearer 2.25 lengths in arrears. Was long odds on to break the maiden next time at Naas, but took an age to pick up before rallying late and was narrowly denied by the 96 rated Sniper. Really hard one to judge and he has been sneakily backed over the past few days, couldn't rule out a massive run but also couldn't rule out a terrible one. Definitely the enigma of the race

Kingston Hill- Unbeaten Colt from the in form Roger Varian stable who arrives here having won the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket in impressive fashion. That was a really likeable display, having been nudged along at halfway, he was brave in finding the gaps and came away for a ready success. The runner up Oklahoma City is decent, but would not be in the higher echelons of the O Briens juveniles. Respected, but looks plenty short enough in the market

Pinzolo- Monsun Colt who has made a tremendous impression on his two runs to date. Appeared to be the stable second string on debut when hosing up at Newmarket, runner up a winner by 8 lengths in a conditions race on Thursday. And then travelled all over his rivals in a decent five runner conditions event at Newbury last time. Only narrowly got up that day under a poor ride, and the collateral form through Pupil would have him behind Kingston Hill, but he can be rated a fair bit better than the winning margin. Looks to have a touch of speed about him despite his stout breeding and looks a massive runner here

Snow Sky- A wide margin winner of a Heavy ground maiden at Salisbury last time who has been supplemented for the race. That was a poor enough race, the runner up has since been beaten by further, and this looks far too tough. Priced up on connections rather than form and can be readily discounted

Somewhat- Consistent juvenile from the Mark Johnston team who ran a career best last time when narrowly going down to Berkshire in the Royal Lodge. That was a good run, although likely that it flattered him and it would be something of a disappointment should he prove good enough to win. Trainer form also a massive concern

The Grey Gatsby- Impressive winner on debut but has had his limitations exposed in better company since. Readily put in his place by Dewhurst also ran Outstrip last time and it would be a surprise if he could add to his trainers victory in 2005

Verdict- Super race in store and more than likely a massive pointer for next years classics. The selection is Pinzolo who has looked potentially top class is his two runs to date. The runner up from his debut performance payed a handsome compliment to the form on Thursday and he looks to have the correct blend of speed and stamina required to take this race. Century has to respected as the apparent number one from Ballydoyle, but he seems to lack the 'quotes' of some of their previous winners. Kingston Hill was impressive in the Autumn Stakes whilst Chief Barker beat a Group One winning filly on his most recent outing and both are respected . Of the rest Johan Strauss has had more column inches than his shorter priced stablemate and could go well at a price

1 Pinzolo
2 Johan Strauss
3 Century