Lion goes down fighting in Racing Post Trophy

Qatar Racing's Roaring Lion ran a cracker to finish second in the Gr. 1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster and is now among the favourites for the 2,000 Guineas...

Roaring Lion was one of only three unbeaten horses in the 2017 Racing Post Trophy and went down narrowly to another of them - the favourite Saxon Warrior - but not before looking a seriously talented colt, displaying a turn of foot that saw him cruise to the front over a furlong out.

Roaring Lion still showed signs of inexperience in the closing stages, edging left, which left the door ajar for Saxon Warrior who ultimately hit the line a neck in front of Roaring Lion. It looked a very strong renewal of the historic Gr. 1 beforehand, and with The Pentagon two and and a half lengths away in third and Gr. 1 winner Verbal Dexterity in fourth, the race did not disappoint.

Roaring Lion had gone into the race following wins at Newmarket, Kempton and Newmarket again, beating another Ballydoyle colt, Nelson, in the Gr. 2 Royal Lodge Stakes (pictured) in late-September.

The John Gosden-trained grey couldn't quite give Qatar Racing a second Racing Post Trophy - after Elm Park in 2014 - but he emerged from the race with his reputation enhanced, certainly one of the most exciting prospects in Britain and now as short as 8/1 for the 2,000 Guineas back on the Rowley Mile next spring.

Roaring Lion was purchased by David Redvers for $160,000 and is by leading US turf sire Kitten's Joy. Kitten's Joy has sired 11 Gr. 1 winner but only two came as two-year-olds, which adds to Roaring Lion's performance. His dam is Street Sense mare Vionnet, who finished third in the Gr. 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes over a mile and a quarter in 2013, which gives hope that Roaring Lion will stay further than a mile next year.