William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes (Group 1) (Str)

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 1m 43.85s

(1)

Action²⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 110| D

3/1

Close third on debut at the Curragh before landing the odds in a Galway maiden. Took a big step forward when third in the Royal Lodge at Newmarket 4 weeks ago and emphasis on stamina here is likely to suit.

Form: 313

(2)

Benvenuto Cellini⁴²

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: C Soumillon| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 110| D

7/4

Frankel colt out of a Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner. Built on debut promise when easily landing the odds in maiden at Killarney and stepped up again when 5-length winner of Champions Juvenile Stakes (1/2) at Leopardstown 6 weeks ago. Big shout.

Form: 211

(6)

Hawk Mountain²⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: Ronan Whelan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 111| D

18/5

Wootton Bassett colt out of a dam who won the Group 1 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes. Much improved when winning maiden at the curragh and looked a smart prospect when following up in Beresford Stakes there 4 weeks ago. Sure to make a bold bid.

Form: 511

(3)

Oxagon¹⁴

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: Oisin Murphy| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 112

11/4

Frankel colt who confirmed debut promise when bolting up by 8 lengths at Sandown. Improved again when length second to subsequent Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Puerto Rico in Champagne Stakes at Doncaster and similar form when fifth in the Dewhurst. Not taken lightly up in trip.

Form: 5125

(4)

Rochfortbridge⁵

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: O McSweeney| T: A Keatley| OR: 99

40/1

Winning debut at Ayr in July and useful form in defeat since, but likely to come up short at this level.

Form: 1452

Non-Runners

(5)

Item²⁵

Weight: 9-3| Age: 2

T: A M Balding J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Benvenuto Cellini (7/4), Oxagon (11/4), Action (3/1), Hawk Mountain (18/5), Item (8/1), Rochfortbridge (40/1)

Aidan O'Brien has won this a record 11 times and can dominate again with his 3 runners HAWK MOUNTAIN, Benvenuto Cellini and Action. All 3 are progressive and closely matched on form but Hawk Mountain is proven under testing conditions so shades the vote.