2021 Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster: the runners, the odds, the verdict

The final British Group 1 of the Flat season can offer big clues for the first one the following season, with winners of the Vertem Futurity often prominent in the betting for the following season's Qipco 2,000 Guineas. Luxembourg, ante-post favourite for next season's Cazoo Derby, could be the star turn for Aidan O'Brien.

3.15 Doncaster: Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes racecard and betting

1 Bayside Boy

Third in the Dewhurst over 7f and respected with this step up to a mile looking a likely plus

Trainer: Roger Varian
Jockey: David Egan
Odds: 5-1

2 Bullet Force

Solid thirds in his two nurseries but he's out of his depth here

Trainer: Karl Burke
Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Odds: 100-1

3 Hannibal Barca

Others have far more substance to their form but 1m should suit; interesting outsider

Trainer: Brian Meehan
Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
Odds: 50-1

4 Imperial Fighter

Runner-up to Coroebus in Autumn Stakes and time may tell he bumped into a very classy winner

Trainer: Andrew Balding
Jockey: David Probert
Odds: 10-1

5 Luxembourg

Undeniably impressive in the Beresford and is favourite for next year's Derby; strong claims

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Odds: 10-11 favourite

6 Mctigue

Head win in Leopardstown maiden; lots to find but not written off given the Bolger factor

Trainer: Jim Bolger
Jockey: Rory Cleary
Odds: 33-1

7 Royal Patronage

Group 3 and Group 2 wins the last twice and this front-runner's form is rock solid

Trainer: Mark Johnston
Jockey: Jason Hart
Odds: 4-1

8 Sissoko

Six-length maiden win at the Curragh; remains to be seen where limitations lie but this is red hot

Trainer: Donnacha O'Brien
Jockey: Wayne Lordan
Odds: 9-1

The verdict

Preference is for , who can be expected to improve for this step up to a mile based on his strong finishes over 7f.

Read more:

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