Racing Post Trophy 2011

3.00 Doncaster

Racing Post Trophy (Group 1) (Str) (Class 1)  (2YO only)

Winner £131,567

Camelot: Impeccably bred colt who’s not been seen since making a winning debut at Leopardstown in July, barely coming off bridle to do so; This a step up and been off for a long time but stable’s strong record in this along with heavy market support, make him one to watch closely today.

Encke: Debut form got a boost when winner was second in Autum Stakes and then ran out a really impressive winner of backend Newmarket maiden; That form amounted to little but well worth a place in this company and could go very well.

Fencing: Did well to come third on debut considering he was slowly away and badly drawn in grand scheme of things at Newmarket, making decent late progress behind taking winner; Even better when coming away late on for convincing win in Washington Singer Stakes at Newbury; Likely to have come on mentally and physically for that and with extra furlong sure to suit, should go nicely here.

Learn: Encouraging debut behind David Livingston and ran into good sort when trying to make all around Galway; Easy maiden win confirms his usefulness but stamina doubts about a mile (had a large advantage decrease rapidly) remain and this better company.

Talwar: Impressive when winning maiden and followed that with gutsy Listed win at Ascot; Deeply impressive win at Sandown over 4 useful rivals not been followed up since and it’s hard to think that he’ll do better here without cut in the ground. 

Zip Top: Looked one to follow when getting better of subsequent group placed Tenth Star on debut; Ground scuppered his chances on next occasion before back to form third (Crusade has since come out and won Middle Park Stakes) in Newmarket Group 3; Will have his supporters.

VERDICT: A renewal that’s light on runners for some, although there’s potential in this field for Derby contenders. None have attracted more attention than Camelot, who is very well regarded basd on heavy market support. The prices about his are very short given his lack of form and 100 day absence, and it’s hard to think that FENCING can’t do better over a mile, and at least give him a good race, along with Encke and Zip Top.