As the flat racing season draws to a close, anticipation builds for one of the final and most prestigious tests for two-year-old colts – the Futurity Trophy Stakes. Set to take place at Doncaster Racecourse, this Group 1 event has long served as a proving ground for the stars of tomorrow, often providing a glimpse into the next season’s Classic contenders.
Formerly known as the Observer Gold Cup and later the Racing Post Trophy, the Futurity Trophy Stakes has a storied history dating back to its inception in 1961. Traditionally run over one mile, it is open exclusively to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. Fillies are excluded, making this a unique and focussed trial for potential Derby prospects.
The race holds particular importance as the final Group 1 race of the British flat racing season, often attracting top juvenile talent from leading stables across the UK and Ireland. Winning here not only secures a hefty share of the prize purse, but also places the victor squarely on the radar for the following year’s Epsom Derby.
For those who follow the stakes on runners and riders closely – let’s take a look at who the antepost favourites are when looking at the horse racing bets.
A Bit Of Spirit
The Clive Cox-trained A Bit Of Spirit impressed in a Group 3 contest at Sandown in August, with the Irish-bred horse winning by a nose. On soft ground and against a tightly-packed field, A Bit Of Spirit showed remarkable tenacity to emerge victorious in a four-way photo finish, edging out rivals with a determined late drive that spoke volumes about his character.
That win added a valuable piece of black type to a campaign already marked by consistency. Prior to Sandown, A Bit Of Spirit had finished runner-up in a Listed contest at Salisbury, beaten by Morris Dancer over a mile. Earlier still, he was a close second in the Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot, another race that confirmed his competitiveness against classy opposition.
Can he build on those performances and justify his ‘favourites’ tag at Doncaster in November? He is more than capable of doing so.
A Boy Named Susie
The Starspangledbanner colt A Boy Named Susie has been making quiet waves this season. Trained by Donnacha O’Brien and raced in the colours of his sister Ana, the two-year-old first signalled his potential with a commanding debut win in mid-July, before encountering tougher tests in Group company.
His debut came at Killarney in July in an Irish EBF Median Sires Series race over one mile and 40 yards, on soft going. Ridden by Gavin Ryan, A Boy Named Susie quickened well in the straight, taking command inside the last furlong and coming home strongly to win by about three lengths. His performance was lauded as “impressive”, especially given the race’s pedigree as a launching pad for promising juveniles.
While A Boy Name Susie has had back-to-back fourth-place finishes since his debut, he has proven to be a thoroughbred with huge potential.
Action
The third-favourite in the antepost market is the Aidan O’Brien-trained Action. The two-year-old has been solid without being spectacular through three starts to date, with a third-place finish on debut at the Curragh in July.
The Irish-bred thoroughbred then claimed his maiden win a fortnight later at Galway, reigning supreme by just over a length from Perisher. The colt then had to settle for another place finish last time out, beaten by a length-and-a-half by Humidity and eventual winner Bow Echo.
Can Action return to the winner’s circle in November? Time will tell.
