Retention emerged as a real live performer in the William Hill Futurity Trophy at Doncaster on October 26 with a significant win at Kempton on Wednesday. Trained by John and Tady Gosden, the youngster made his debut at Sunbury in August, winning by two lengths under a seven-pound penalty in the second division of the seven-furlong Novice Stakes. Kieran Shoemark wasted no time moving him forward early with the jockey on the horse to see what was under the hood with just minutes to go to win by seven lengths. As a result, the sponsor dropped him from 20th place to 7-1 in the final Group 1 of the British season. Speaking on Racing TV after the race, Shoemark said of the Doncaster entrant: “He’s got the right profile for a race like this, he’ll probably be a half-brother to Arrest on the day.
“He’s half the size of Arrest, he’s big, he likes a mile and a half, maybe more, he’s got a big long stride, he’s a lot cleaner, a lot tighter and he’s got more speed.” I’ve won a lot, but he’s a real stud. I don’t want to say too much about it, but it makes me feel better.Lee Phelps of William Hill said: “The Juddmonte team are now flying after their Arc win with Bluestocking last weekend and we look forward to having another very useful horse on our hands in the William Hill Futurity contender. “The Wootton Bassett colt was superbly unbeaten at Kempton on Wednesday night and as a result we’ve moved him from 20-1 to 7-1 in the Group 1 of the British Flat season.”
