Motivator camp expect big Trophy run
The Michael Bell-trained colt is on course to tackle the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster and champion jockey Kieren Fallon is booked for the ride.
Motivator, a son of Montjeu, was an impressive victor under Fallon at Headquarters in August when he beat subsequent dual winner Sunday Symphony by six lengths over a mile.
Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners The Royal Ascot Racing Club, issued an upbeat bulletin on the two-year-old yesterday and is hoping for a big run.
"The horse is in terrific form, he worked very, very well on Saturday with Kieren. I saw him last week and although he was only doing a blow out with another horse, he was very impressive.
"Kieren was always very keen to ride this horse when he ran next and he really does seem to be in very good form," said Herbert.
"It's a very big step up for him but Michael feels that all his two-year-olds have been running very well and he has got some good form lines through some of his, including the one that won the Haynes, Hanson and Clark Conditions Stakes this year (Merchant).
"We've always felt this horse was a bit special and that's why we are happy to let him have a crack at a Group One.
"He may be a bit short on experience but the form of his win has worked out well and we have also seen how he's taken his work. He's a horse that just really excites Michael."
Motivator is a 40-1 chance for next year's Vodafone Derby worth Ladbrokes, although those odds would shorten dramatically if he wins in style at the weekend.
The last winner of the Town Moor feature to go on to Epsom glory was High Chaparral in 2001, although the 2002 winner Brian Boru won the St Leger the following year.
Both of those colts were trained by Aidan O'Brien, who has three entered this time around Beresford Stakes winner Albert Hall, Hills Of Aran and Scandinavia.
Mick Channon's Henrik is among the confirmations after missing the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket due to the rain-softened ground.
Henrik, who was purchased recently by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum in a private deal, has not been seen since finishing a close second to subsequent National Stakes winner Dubawi in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket in July
Doncaster maiden winner Monsoon Rain is the only Godolphin runner left in, while Frith, Elliots World, Beaver Patrol and Berkhamsted complete the field at the five-day day stage.
