Racing Post Trophy: Chasing The Dream

Name a class two-year-old horse race? In truth it could be one from a vast list but come the end of the season I'd take a punt the Racing Post Trophy will be one of your favourites. 

This Group 1 flat horse race is open to colts and fillies racing over a distance of 1 mile. 

Make a note in your diary: 3.50 Doncaster, Saturday, 24th October.

Why? Because this year's winner will be fancied to go well in the Classics: Guineas, Derby, St Leger. 

The Racing Post Trophy has a rich history. Established in 1961, it was called the Timeform Cup, founded by legendary professional gambler, Phil Bull. The inaugural winner name Miralgo, trained by Harry Wragg.

In 1989 it was renamed the Racing Post Trophy by its present-day sponsor.

It is the last Group 1 race of the British Turf season. 

Many equine talents have won this race before literally touching the stars. Five went on to win the Derby including: Reference Point (1986), High Chaparral (2001) Motivator (2004), Authorized (2006) & Camelot (2011). 

The record books detail that Lester Piggott (1966 - 84) & Pat Eddery (1976 - 92) have five wins each. 

(Sir) Henry Cecil has an outstanding ten wins: Approved (1969) - King's Theatre (1993). 

Reference Point was particularly memorable in 1986. Sent off 4/1 second favourite to Cecil's first string, Suhaillie, this bay colt, a son of Mill Reef, ran out an impressive five-length winner and that year named the highest rated two-year-old in Europe. Priced 6/4f, he went on to win the Derby, ridden by Steve Cauthen, by one and a half lengths, in the familiar yellow and black polka dot silks of owner Louis Freedman. Later that season, he won the St Leger at odds of 4/11.   

Sue Magnier is the leading owner with six winners (1999 - 2012) including two future Derby winners: High Chaparral & Camelot. 

Aidan O'Brien has trained seven winners in the last eighteen years. 

The fastest time for the Racing Post Trophy is set at 1:37:03 by Casamento (2010), trained by Michael Halford and ridden by Frankie Dettori.

Last year's winner, Elm Park, pictured, trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Andrea Atzeni has since proved disappointing in the Derby when finishing second from last. 

Who will win this year's contest? Now there's a question? At present there are 104 entrants. All colts/geldings bar two fillies, both trained by Mark Johnston.

Out of interest, can you imagine how many two-year-olds Aidan O'Brien has earmarked for this race at the first entry stage? 

An incredible 30 horses. This shows the true wealth of talents at BallyDoyle. Nearly a third of all entrants from one training establishment. 

Deauville - A P O'Brien  4/1

Foundation (John Gosden) 1/1

Johannes Vermeer - A P O'Brien 8/1

Marcel - P W Chapple-Hyam 50/1 

Mengli Khan - Hugo Palmer 11/1

Port Douglas - A P O'Brien 20/1

Tony Curtis (Richard Hannon) 10/1

Just a small field of seven star two-year-olds. The winner will be a top-class juvenile with Classic race aspirations. Will this year reveal the sixth Derby winner? O'Brien sends three in an attempt to beat the progressive Foundation, trained by John Gosden. The favourite will take some beating. 

A race to enjoy come win, lose or draw. Take a look at the history of this great race by clicking the video (below). It details the trainer with the most win, the horse with the fastest time, leading owner plus much more. Did you know this race was first founded by a legendary pro gambler? Do you know his name? Take a look now. This video has been made exclusively for High Class Equine & Eric Winner. Share with race fans as I'm sure they will enjoy it.