Richard Hannon feeling confident about the Racing Post Trophy with Van Der Neer who will be challenged by the Aidan O’Brien stable
The fate of the 2012 champion trainer is almost sealed with Richard Hannon enjoying the lead. With the flat season at its end, it is hard for any trainer to over ride Richard Hannon’s success this season. He plans to draw curtains with the last of his representation
in the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster. Even though there is not much damage that trainer, Aidan O’Brien, can manage even if his entry in the race wins, nonetheless, the stable has rightly taken the decision of giving the shot to the chance.
Richard Hannon will take his chances with, Van Der Neer, and is uncertain about Havana Gold.
The trainer commented: "He is a really nice horse. He couldn't have done it any easier at Leicester, and Richard [Hughes] likes him. We supplemented him on Monday, and he is a definite runner."
The trainer added: "Havana Gold is a good horse, too. I haven't spoken to his owners yet, but there is a chance he could run at Doncaster as well."
It is not only Richard Hannon who has further options besides his definite contender, Van Der Neer, Aidan O’Brien too has Battle Of Marengo to keep hopes high for the outcome of the race.
Ever since 1999, the Aidan O’Brien team has won the Group 1 Trophy five times. First with Aristotle, then in 2011 with High Chaparral, Brian Boru brought it back in 2002, St Nicholas Abbey landed it in 2009 and then Camelot in 2011.
The ground conditions for the race have been somewhat puzzling since a while, but repeated reassurances have come in time and again.
Roderick Duncan, clerk of the course, said: "The ground is still soft. No rain is forecast for the rest of the week, and overnight
temperatures on Thursday night and Friday night are expected to be just above freezing.”
"We have lots of low cloud today, and the chance of fog tomorrow which should clear on Thursday."
Van Der Neer is taking up the challenge with an unbeaten profile through the two career outings. If Dutch Art’s two-year-old bay colt will get a chance to strike a hat-trick and that too through a Group 1 event then he will be well on his way for being considered
as the favourite for many significant races in the coming season.
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