SATURDAY’S Vertem Futurity Trophy is set to be a non-event, with 11 of the 12 runners hailing from one stable – Aidan O’Brien’s.
The Ballydoyle maestro has frightened all but one of the opposition away as he bids for a record-equalling 10th victory in the race.
Only Andrew Balding’s Kameko has been left in from the British contingent.
O’Brien has entered Amory, Hong Kong, Iberia, Innisfree, Lousiana, Mogul, Mythical, New World Tapestry, Royal County Down, Royal Dornoch and Year Of The Tiger – as big players John Gosden, Charlie Appleby, Roger Varian and Richard Hannon go unrepresented.
Following on from Magna Grecia and Saxon Warrior, a third straight victory in the Group 1 contest now looks a formality for the Tipperary handler – despite the fact Kameko is no slouch himself.
O’Brien’s already had a week to remember, with both Kew Gardens and Magical striking on Champions Day – and it could well get even better.
In a year when many trainers have voiced their concerns over poor prize-money, the lack of interest is undoubtedly disappointing – particularly given the financial reward down to 6th place.
And with O’Brien unlikely to send even a handful of those he’s put forward for the race, Doncaster could be set for its smallest Group 1 field in years.
