G1 Vertem Futurity Trophy S.

Coolmore and Westerberg's 'TDN Rising Star' and G2 Golden Fleece S. victor Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}--Rhododendron {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) allayed any and all concerns that his ability may be blunted by the heavy going and powered through the mud at Doncaster to register a record-breaking 11th renewal for Aidan O'Brien in Saturday's G1 Vertem Futurity Trophy. The trainer admitted a late scratching might be on the cards if conditions were not suitable for the July 2 Naas maiden winner, but was pleasantly surprised by the state of...

Royal Patronage (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who finished last of eight after being struck into in the G1 Vertem Futurity Trophy S. at Doncaster on Saturday, will not race again this season and will return for a 3-year-old campaign. The Highclere Thoroughbred Racing-owned colt won the G3 Acomb S. at York in August and added the G2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge S. at Newmarket on Sept. 25. Harry Herbert, managing director for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said, "Unfortunately he was struck into and returned with a nasty gash just above his...

Two-time group winner Royal Patronage (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) will take part in the Oct. 23 G1 Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster. The Mark Johnston trainee won the G3 Acomb S. two starts back on Aug. 18 and defeated subsequent G3 Autumn S. victor Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G2 Royal Lodge S. at Newmarket on Sept. 25. "We're heading to the Vertem Futurity," said Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. "Mark and Charlie [Johnston] are very happy with him--I've seen them at the sales--and the...