Ron, I can't understand why so many members seem opposed to Camelot and favouring Born To Sea. Do they think Camelot is St Nicholas Abbey and Born To Sea is Sea The Stars?
Firstly, the stats for the Racing Post Trophy seem irrelevant to me. It's never been a popular race with trainers- being 'end of season' -and has lacked the prestige of races like The Dewhurst. Another mile race , The Royal Lodge Stakes, has devalued in recent years- although both Royal Palace and Mr Baileys won it years ago before going on to win the 2000 Guineas.
For me, this is a weak renewal of the Classic. Examine the second Favourite's form, Born To Sea. Whatever impression he created, he beat a horse (Pearl In The Sand) which has never won a race. Even if you accept his lameness when beaten by Nephrite, the latter hasn't exactly advertised the form by being turned over at 4/9 in his subsequent race.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think Camelot's beaten too much either but Fencing and Talwar (his R.Post victims) seem better horses than Born To Sea's victims.
Of the English and other Irish entries, Power seems much the best on form, but his price of 14/1 has to reflect that his stable feels Camelot is far superior. If indeed he is, then this race could be a formality.
Yes, Top Offer could be anything but he's only won a maiden, and we have no real lines to the French horses who seem to have been beating each other. Nonetheless, they could pose a big threat.
Overall this looks one of the poorest Guineas and that could presage a shock result.
Given that the overall form is weak, I feel Camelot created a more favourable impression at Doncaster than any other horse in this race. For that reason alone, he would be my choice- given the second rate form of most of the opposition.