Racing:St Nicholas Abbey is all the rage for next year's Classics after a stunning victory in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster. Johnny Murtagh brought the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt from the rear to lead over a furlong out in the Group One event and the son of Montjeu bounded clear.
The 13-8 favourite took his unbeaten record to three as he came home well clear of Elusive Pimpernel with Al Zir third.
Comparisons with departed superstar Sea The Stars are inevitable, not least as St Nicholas Abbey had won the same Beresford Stakes as the now-retired John Oxx ace on his previous start - and in truth he has now achieved more at this stage of his career.
St Nicholas Abbey was cut to 5-2 favourite from 8-1 for the Derby with Paddy Power and is 3-1 from 8s for Epsom with Victor Chandler.
O'Brien said: "That was very special, he's just an unbelievably special horse.
"He's just one of those unique horses with loads of speed and class. Trip doesn't bother him and Johnny was super-cool on him, he was very confident.
"The lad who rides him at home said to Johnny you just move once on him and he takes off."
Paddy Power also go 3-1 (from 12s) about St Nicholas Abbey for the 2000 Guineas, and Murtagh added: "He's a pretty exciting horse. He's got a great cruising speed and a good turn of foot.
"They didn't go a strong gallop. I got to the three marker, I was following Eddie (Ahern on Elusive Pimpernel). When I got to the furlong pole I asked him to quicken and it was incredible.
"He's got a great turn of foot and all the good ones have that. He's very exciting.
"He quickened well at the Curragh (in the Beresford) but he was even more impressive today.
"I think he's a good horse. Sam who rides him every day said to me he's really, really bubbling.
"It's a big step up to Group company, but this lad has taken it in his stride.
"He's a nice horse with great speed. Everything is open for him with the speed he showed today."
John Dunlop said of Elusive Pimpernel: "He has run a cracking race and I think it will prove no disgrace to have been beaten by that winner.
"You have to be very pleased with that, although I suppose I could be more pleased, but there you go."
Godolphin's Simon Crisford said of Al Zir: "He has run very well and there are no excuses.
"The winner looked very special and we are going to look forward to next year now.
"He will be a mile-and-a-quarter horse next season, although he may stay a bit further.
"I think he is a horse who needs a winter on his back."