The Racing Post Trophy
October 22, 2011
The last Group 1 in England is guaranteed to have an enormous effect on the Derby picture.
A small field of six go to post with the most inexperienced runner being the highly touted Camelot. Ante post favourite for next years Epsom classic, it was not on the back of his maiden win but on the speculation prior to his racecourse début.
There is little to examine. The run was impressive over 4 other rivals yet the rivals have told us little about this individuals ability. Three have run since meeting him, two twice and one three times and all have failed to to reach the winners enclosure. Hype precedes him here.
John Gosden’s Fencing has run twice, the last being in Listed company. An easy winner the trainer has expressed concern about his development at this stage. He doesn’t doubt his colt, it’s just immaturity that concerns.
Goldophin’s Encke won his maiden after a promising debut in good style. He easily managed to distance himself for a comfortable 3 1/2 L success and there is more to come.
Learn’s form of 321 reads like one who certainly improving and going the right way. He will be sacrificed at the alter of pace or at least thats the bookies script.
Talwar boasts the most experience having seen the track six times already. Three wins set him up at for a crack at top level when Jeremy Noseada supplemented him for the National Stakes. He was sent off joint second favourite with Power at the Curragh so clearly well considered by both market and trainer. He trailed in last and next time out in the cash race at Newmarket he failed to handle the fast ground.
Zip Top wears the famous maroon and white silks we don’t see much in England these days. In Ireland they have become more familiar in the the last couple of years as two year old’s have reintroduced. Carried to success in this race last year by Casamento a similar destiny may befall this one at least in graduation to the the light blue silks.
On a day to shake up the Derby market, hype will turn to substance. The 8/1 pre race will be 3/1 post race. Camelot to be king of the castle.
