With the end of the flat season not far away there was an exciting win in the Group 1 race at Newbury on Saturday when the Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained Authorized cruised home at 25 to 1 in one of the best Racing Post Trophy races in history, writes Harriet Collins.
It is rare for a maiden to win a race of this nature but he travelled best and quickened. Authorized has always been held in high regard in a stable that houses dual Group 1 winner Dutch Art, plus Hamoody, Striving Storm and others, and he was third favourite for the Derby in some lists even before the race, despite having been only third to Teslin here on his only previous start.
The trainer said: "Authorized has come out of the race brilliantly and we have high hopes he can make his presence felt on an even bigger stage next season."
The first leg of the Racing UK Order of Merit took place at Aintree on Saturday.
Five quality horses lined up for the bonusprint.com Old Roan Chase but it was the evens favourite, Kauto Star who left his opponents trailing and won in devastating style by twenty-one lengths.
Stablemate Armaturk ran a tremendous race and was second with Inca Trail finishing third.
This weekend, all eyes will be on the 3-/1 Order of Merit favourite, Black Jack Ketchum who returns for his first run this season in the John Smiths West Yorkshire Hurdle on Saturday at Wetherby.
The trainer of Kauto Star, Paul Nicholls said: "My first thoughts are to aim him at the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, and he is likely to have one more run between now and then."
The trainer hinted this could be in the Tingle Creek at Sandown. It could be worth getting on to Stan James and taking Kauto Star at 7-2 for the King George which is happening at Kempton Park on Boxing Day as it is more than likely he will go off at a very short price if he is to run there.
The forthcoming twilight racing series at Kempton Park which starts on Wednesday, November 1 is to be sponsored by Digibet.com.
They will be sponsoring 42 races over the series which will be known as the Digibet.com Twilight Series.
The first race will start at 3.50pm with the gates opening at 2pm.
Tickets to twilight racing cost £11 but to be a Winter Winner pay just £12 and get your admission, racecard, £2 bet, drink and a discounted return visit voucher included.
To book tickets to Kempton Park or Sandown Park please call 01372 470047. Booking fee applies to phone bookings.
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