2022 Vertem Futurity Trophy Tips - Gosden runner to take down the Irish favourite

Such is Aidan O'Brien's record in this event, Auguste Rodin has to be regarded as the one to beat. O'Brien said he was very happy with how his colt came out of the Champion Juvenile at Leopardstown. The form of that Group Two hasn't worked out particularly well, though, and the favourite has several talented rivals to contend with.

Chief amongst them is EPICTETUS, who I backed in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket last time out. 

Frankie Dettori's mount went into that contest on the back of a 92-day absence, having not been seen since an impressive maiden triumph at the July Festival. From stall one, Dettori had to sit a little wider than ideal in the opening stages. Epictetus moved into contentions smoothly and seemed the most likely winner a furlong from home, until Silver Knott came through with a late flourish to win by a neck.

Silver Knott is clearly a very classy beast, who could hand Charlie Appleby his second-straight win in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland next month. Epictetus lost nothing in defeat at Newmarket and I think there's every chance he'll come on for that outing at Newmarket.

The ground has now turned heavy at Doncaster following a deluge of rain on Friday. Aidan O'Brien is worried about the ground for Auguste Rodin. Epictetus is by Kingman, who's progeny seems to handle all conditions. His dam ran well on soft and his half-sibling, Jumbly won a Listed race on very soft ground last season. Heavy ground is unknown territory for all of the runners in this Group One, but I'm hopeful that Frankie Dettori's mount will deal with the conditions.