From Notable Speech’s taking 2000 Guineas success to Anmaat’s surprise Champion Stakes win, we’ve seen 35 fascinating Group 1 races on the flat in Britain this year. Still, there is time for one more before the jumps season kicks in.
The Futurity Trophy is run at Doncaster over the mile, and that means a tough shift for some classy juveniles. Places in next year’s 2000 Guineas and Derby could be up for grabs as well as a share of the £215,500 prize money.
Who is in Contention for the 2024 Futurity?
A field of eight has been declared this year and it’s a very high-quality octet. The calibre of this line-up is outstanding considering that the race comes right between the Dewhurst and Autumn Stakes, as well as the Breeders’ Cup.
Though it may be difficult for Nebras second time up, the others all have the potential to run to a mark of 110 and over, which is great to see.
Wimbledon Hawkeye (James Owen) and Royal Playwright (Andrew Balding) represent the Royal Lodge form, while Delacroix (Aidan O’Brien) won the Autumn Stakes. Hotazhell (Jessica Harrington) represents the usually reliable Beresford Stakes.
Less experienced in terms of grade but chock full of potential are Anno Domini (Charlie Appelby), Detain (John & Thady Gosden) and Seaplane (Paul & Oliver Cole).
What the Result Will Mean
Naturally, as a Group 1 in its own right, this is a race plenty of owners and trainers want to win. For future stud fees, winning at the top level also brings its obvious rewards for owner/breeders.
Given that this is a juvenile contest, we always have half an eye on the future too. The result of this race will most certainly produce a change in the betting for the 2000 Guineas and, pedigree allowing, the Derby as well.
What Will Be the Deciding Factor?

This is a Group 1 race so class, naturally, is the most important element. All things being equal, the best horse will win this race and then go on to further top-level success.
There is the spectre of stamina here, however. The Futurity is run over a mile, long enough for two-year-olds when run at Group 1 pace, and at Doncaster that can take some getting if the ground is soft.
That brings in the next major factor: the ground. As of Thursday, the going at Doncaster is ‘soft’ with a going stick reading of 6.0. That being said, there are drying conditions so we should be talking about the horses getting their toes in without conditions being bottomless.
These factors often mean that pedigree as much as form is in question. Those having seen out seven furlongs or an easy mile, coming from families that tend not to stay more than a mile should be avoided if possible.
Assessing the Top Contenders
As mentioned earlier, just about all of these contenders can, in theory, run to a mark of 110+. That’s competitive. Still, something must separate them.
Seaplane is inexperienced but looks very classy. As a Golden Horn out of a Lope De Vega, he shouldn’t be found wanting for stamina either based on pedigree.
Royal Playwright is a son of Lope De Vega meaning the trip and ground should be ideal, but despite being very close up he was beaten fair and square in the Royal Lodge by Wimbledon Hawkeye (Kameko/Sea The Stars) and it’s hard to see a turnaround in that form.
That is the best form though. It shows up better than that of Hotazhell who won the Beresford, while that horse may not be guaranteed to see this out as well as one or two. Delacroix did win the Autumn Stakes over a mile, but the form of the Royal Lodge is better and again there are no guarantees.
Anno Domini is interesting. Two from two now, on a line through Windlord he should be at least at the same level as Hotazhell, possibly higher, while being by New Bay out of a Galileo mare is also positive. The only negative there is how long he’s been off the track (113 days).
This all leaves Detain, also two from two, this time on the all-weather. He is all class this one. He’s by Wootton Bassett whose top progeny have all stayed a mile properly at two and gone on to middle distances later.
He is also a half brother to Arrest, a confirmed mud lover, and while his all-weather form is hard to quantify, he has made mincemeat of his opposition so far. On a line through Silver Peak and others he is right at the top level, while his stable clearly has a knack for training genuine top-class talent.
Race Tip – Detain
All things considered we can consider Detain to be good value. Not proven yet, there is enough evidence to suggest he will have the class, will stay the distance and will handle the ground.