Super St Nicholas Abbey destroys top Trophy field

Report: Doncaster, Saturday

Racing Post Trophy (Group 1) 1m, 2yo

ST NICHOLAS ABBEY is as short as 2-1 (from 7) with Stan James for the Investec Derby after a brilliant performance in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt, sent off the 13-8 favourite, is now also as short as 3-1 with Totesport for the Stanjames.com 2,000 Guineas after producing a blistering turn of foot to deny Elusive Pimpernel, with Godolphin's Al Zir further back in third.

Ridden with supreme confidence by Johnny Murtagh, St Nicholas Abbey, who won the Group 2 Juddmonte Beresford Stakes last time out, tracked Elusive Pimpernel towards the rear of the field and put the race to bed in a couple of impressive strides.

O'Brien, who won the race with subsequent Derby winner High Chaparral in 2001, was full of praise for the son of Montjeu.

"This is a very special horse," he said.

"He's one of those unique horses who is bred to stay but who has speed.

"When you look at that turn of toe he showed today - it was effortless.

"We will be looking at the Guineas and all the Classics next year."

Murtagh said: "He's got a great cruising speed and turn of foot. I got to the furlong pole and he quickened and it was all over.

"All the good ones have that turn of foot."

Of next year's Classics, Murtagh added: "With the speed he showed today, everything's open."

John Dunlop was thrilled with Elusive Pimpernel, saying: "I am delighted. He has run a cracking race and one can't be disappointed to finish second in a Group 1.

"The winner looks to me like a very, very good horse - the way he quickened, he looked serious - but my horse kept going well and beat the rest of them clearly."

Simon Crisford, racing manager of Godolphin, said of Al Zir: "The winner and the second were too good for us, it's as simple as that. We will see how we get on next year. He is a 1m2f horse and might even get a bit further."