INSIDE TRACK

This Saturday, Doncaster hosts the Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes ( formerly the Racing Post Trophy) – a Group 1 for two year old colts and fillies over one mile,

writes Julie Williams. Last year’s winner SAXON WARRIOR went on to land a Classic in the 2000 Guineas.

The favourite this year, a stablemate to SAXON WARRIOR, is MAGNA GRECIA ( 11/ 4).

He heads a paddock- full of entries for Aidan O’Brien.

Foaled in late February, the colt has a whole month’s worth of growing over some younger rivals.

In racing terms for a two year old that is a big deal, given that 13 of the last 16 winners were foaled in February.

With just two races the son of INVINCIBLE SPIRIT could - to repeat a well worn phrase - be anything.

His first win was a bloodless victory in a maiden at Navan, the second he was beaten a neck by an Andre Fabre hottie by the name of PERSIAN KING at Newmarket.

MAGNA GRECIA posted decent speed figures that day but there is enough depth to the race to risk looking elsewhere.

John Gosden’s TURGENEV

( 9/ 2) has progressed steadily in all three starts, the first at this track in which he acquitted himself well against more experienced horses.

With the ground currently riding soft, while it won’t necessarily play to the strengths of this DUBAWI colt, it should not hinder him either.

Progeny of this multiple Group 1 winner have a 30 per cent strike rate on slow ground.

There will be the usual tactical battle against the Ballydoyle battalions but TURGENEV can, we hope, prevail.

• It sits cradled in a natural amphitheatre, cushioned from the elements by the Cotswold and Cleeve Hill and on its big days, when the mighty chasers and hurdlers of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales gather to contest the best jump races it offers comfort to near 67,000 race fans. It is of course Cheltenham.

This Friday and Saturday it hosts The Showcase with seven Class 2 races which sets us all off on the long road to the Festival next March.

Gordon Elliot will be looking to emulate or exceed his record achieving eight victories at last year’s festival.

For good measure he saddled TIGER ROLL to win the Grand National too.

Elliot sends out PENNY JANE ( 9/ 2) in the two mile Handicap Chase at 3.10pm against last year’s winner FOXTAIL HILL

( 6/ 1) and current market leader MODUS ( 9/ 2). In an open field my money is, however, on BIGMARTE ( 6/ 1) to follow up on an impressive Grade 2 victory at Ayr in April.

He goes well fresh and even off a big weight could and should make all.

Further down the weights THEO ( 10/ 1) for Dr Richard Newland has place claims.

Follow Julie @ RacingJulie