the INSIDER
The Racing Post Trophy is a top race that is regularly won by a leading contender for next June’s Epsom Derby. I’m not sure we have the top two-year-olds running in this year’s renewal, but we do have the ante-post favourite for the Derby in the field. St Nicholas Abbey, a 200,000 Guineas purchase as a yearling, has done nothing wrong so far and will improve with a step up in distance next season but I’m not convinced that he is the horse to be on tomorrow.
ELUSIVE PIMPERNEL has solid form in the book, has run good time figures and will improve for the step up in distance. His win in the Acomb Stakes at York over seven furlongs was a very good display and a line through the useful yardstick Party Doctor gives him a fair chance against this field. Big Audio who beat Party Doctor at Royal Ascot came back to form last time out and could go close.
Inler was very impressive at Newmarket last week and whether he runs at Doncaster in the 2.55pm or Newbury in the 2.05pm, he will definitely have a chance but he could be biting off more than he can chew at both courses. The Group 3 Horris Hill at Newbury looks very competitive. Once time out winners Burnett, Inler, Pastoral Player and CLASSIC COLORI could be anything and money for any of them may prove significant. But my preference is for the latter who beat a useful field on his debut at Windsor.
Ralph Beckett rarely over faces his two year olds and to see his useful filly TROPICAL TREAT (e/w) line up for the 2.55pm at Doncaster says a lot. There are a number of very useful colts in the field but I think this daughter of Bahamian Bounty could win at a nice price.