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High-class possibilities for Trophy

Andrew Balding's Elm Park, impressive winner of the Royal Lodge Stakes, is one of 13 remaining possibles in Saturday's Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.

Andrew Balding
Andrew Balding Picture: HKJC

The final Group One of the season in Britain or Ireland, the one-mile test for juveniles has a fine record for unearthing champions.

Horses such as Motivator, Authorized, Camelot and this season's St Leger winner Kingston Hill have all graced the roll of honour recently.

Aidan O'Brien has left in Newmarket maiden winner Aloft, Giovanni Canaletto, a brother to Ruler Of The World and an eyecatching third on debut, Hans Holbein, Ja cobean, Order Of St George and Royal Navy Ship, impressive winner of his only start.

John Gosden's Snoano is progressing nicely and looks worth the step up, while Saeed bin Suroor's Best Of Times has won his last two and Sir Mark Prescott's unbeaten Celestial Path is another likely contender.

William Muir has supplemented Restorer after his fine run in the Autumn Stakes, but connections of Commemorative, winner of that race, decided against doing the same.

Scott Dixon's Cock Of The North and Richard Hannon's Tupi complete the list.

Muir said the decision to supplement was quite an easy one to take.

"The owner has had a great season with Stepper Point and this lad won a Bobis race so the money was in the pot," said Muir.

"He ran a great race at Newmarket and likes cut in the ground so we thought why not.

"At Newmarket I thought the ground might be a bit quick for him, so if that's the case and he was still able to run so well, I expect him to improve a good bit on softer ground.

"Certainly the way he won at Ffos Las suggested he liked getting his toe in.

"I know they think a lot of the winner (Commemorative) but he needs fast ground."

Victorious at Haydock and York, jockey Luke Morris would like to see a few dry days for Celestial Path.

The rider said: "Hopefully if the ground dries up he'll have a good chance on Saturday."


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