Varian confident of a big run from Kingston Hill in Racing Post Trophy

Richard Hannon’s withdrawal of Toormore in favour of Chief Barker due to the soft ground had been anticipated with the market leader drifting in the betting this week. Three supplemented horses now vie for the position of favourite with Kingston Hill joined by Pinzolo and Century.

Trainer Roger Varian is enjoying his best season to date but Kingston Hill has emerged as a potential stable star following his impressive Newmarket victory last time out. Under a confident ride from Andrea Atzeni, he quickened away from Oklahoma City in good style to win the Autumn Stakes by two lengths.

The son of Mastercraftsman had previously won his maiden in soft ground at Newbury and will have no trouble handling the prevailing conditions. Varian has no qualms about stumping up the £17,500 supplementary entrance fee and is confident of a bold showing on Saturday.

There are equally positive vibes emanating from the stable of Charlie Appleby regarding the unbeaten colt Pinzolo. It may be some time since the Haynes, Hanson and Clark Stakes has produced a classic winner but Pinzolo is a horse that excites Godolphin’s new trainer and he is anxious to find out how good he is.

Aidan O’Brien has made this race his own in recent years but has gone to the trouble of supplementing easy maiden winner Century in the hope of securing an eighth victory. The son of Montjeu will need to step up considerably on his Curragh victory in order to claim this Group One prize.

Richard Hannon’s Chief Barker is no forlorn hope despite being regarded as something of a substitute for Toormore. His three victories include a neck win over subsequent Cheveley Park winner Chriselliam at Haydock in September.

Snow Sky is another supplementary entry after an eleven-length win at Salisbury whilst the O’Brien team also includes Buonarroti and Johann Strauss. Mark Johnston’s Somewhat has solid form and The Great Gatsby carries the hopes of in-form Kevin Ryan.