Classic pointer: Vertem Futurity has rich history of unearthing Guineas heroes

While the complexion of the Vertem Futurity Trophy this year is unusual with just two stables represented, it is likely to be a race worth bearing in mind for next season’s Classics.

For the past two years the winner has gone on to win the following season’s 2,000 Guineas, adding to the race’s rich history of producing quality three-year-olds.

In 2017 Saxon Warrior prevailed over Roaring Lion, whose owners Qatar Racing field the only non-Coolmore runner in the Group 1 at Doncaster on Saturday. Saxon Warrior went on to score at Newmarket under Donnacha O’Brien while Roaring Lion subsequently landed four Group 1s, ending the year as Cartier Horse of the Year.

Another future Classic winner took the Vertem Futurity last year when Magna Grecia defeated Phoenix Of Spain with, among others, Circus Maximus in fourth.

Magna Grecia landed the 2,000 Guineas in the spring, the highlight of what proved to be a truncated three-year-old season for the O’Brien runner, who was retired to stud this week.

Phoenix Of Spain, who has also gone to stud, won the Irish 2,000 Guineas, while Circus Maximus has two Group 1s to his name in the St James’s Palace Stakes and Prix du Moulin.

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