Leather takes next step up ladder
Friday 26 October 2012
Jim Bolger admits the Racing Post Trophy has more strength in depth than the Newmarket race Trading Leather won recently.
The son of Teofilo sprang to prominence for next year's Derby by winning the Autumn Stakes on Future Champions Day and steps up to Group One company at Doncaster on Saturday.
"He's very well. It's an attractive Group One and as he came out of the Newmarket race very well, he deserves a shot at a race like this. Kingsbarns won his maiden at Navan well, but they are all dangers," said Bolger.
Another Irish raider is Andy Oliver's First Cornerstone, purchased by American-based Team Valor after winning a Listed race on his second start.
Oliver then supplemented the Hurricane Run colt for the Futurity Stakes and while that race may not have been as strong as in previous years, he was impressive in winning by a length and a half.
First Cornerstone was due to run in the Beresford Stakes at the end of September, but he met with a little setback and Oliver is a little concerned he may not be quite at his peak.
"There are some progressive horses in there, the sort you would expect from a race which has a history of producing stars of the future. It's competitive, but we've nothing to fear and his form is as good as any of them," said Oliver.
"I only have two concerns. It is the first time he has travelled away from home, so we have to hope he settles in well. Secondly, I wanted to give him another run in the Beresford, but it didn't work out. I'm still happy with him and ground isn't an issue. He has run on heavy ground, but I think good ground could suit him even better."
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