'Luxembourg looks your 2022 Derby winner - there was plenty left in the tank'

Our experts on the Classic claims of Saturday's juvenile Group 1 winners

Luxembourg: the son of Camelot impressed in victory at Doncaster

Luxembourg: the 4-1 favourite for next year's Derby after his Vertem Futurity winCredit: Edward Whitaker

'Luxembourg may be cut from similar cloth as Camelot'

Social media has been awash this week with memories of winners of the Vertem Futurity and it would be interesting to run the film of Luxembourg’s success next to that of his sire, Camelot.

Ryan Moore began to wind his partner up early enough but he had the race won before giving Luxembourg the gentlest of taps deep inside the final furlong and, while he may not be the finished article, he was more professional than in the Beresford.

'He's exciting' - Ryan Moore impressed as Luxembourg lands Vertem Futurity

Camelot was seen as a Derby horse but that didn't stop him starting off in – and winning – a Guineas, and Luxembourg may be cut from similar cloth.

Angel Bleu is the apple of his trainer’s eye and while he won’t be going anywhere near a fast-ground Rowley Mile, the son of Kodiac will be the toughest nut to crack should Newmarket, the Curragh or Longchamp run their Guineas with some cut in the ground.
Scott Burton, France correspondent

'No way talk of next year’s Classics don’t centre on Luxembourg'

You just had to be impressed with Luxembourg, didn’t you?

There is no way talk of next year’s Classics – be it the 2,000 Guineas, the Derby, or maybe even the St Leger – doesn’t centre on him after the commanding performance he produced at Doncaster.

DONCASTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Ryan Moore riding Luxembourg win The Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster Racecourse on October 23, 2021 in Doncaster, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Luxembourg: 'a tremendously exciting horse for next season'Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Winning Group 1s is hard. Winning them when you have no cover, when you hit the front too soon and when you have a good look at the crowd makes it harder still, unless you are Luxembourg. He is a tremendously exciting horse for next season.

El Bodegon and Angel Bleu both turned in excellent performances in France, and their prospects of big-race success next year rest on getting soft ground.
Peter Scargill, reporter

'Luxembourg looks like your 2022 Derby winner'

Yes, Luxembourg looks like your 2022 Derby winner. He's like a lanky teenager so you can only imagine what he is going to be like next year when he grows up and fills out his frame.

Ryan Moore knew he was the best horse and rode him like that. He took the possibility of meeting traffic completely out of the equation and found himself in front sooner than he would have liked.

Luxembourg wasn't doing a stroke in front and I'd say there was plenty left in the tank. Seamie Heffernan is a terrific judge and he thinks he's the real deal. I won't argue with him on what we've seen so far.
David Jennings, deputy Ireland editor

Read more race reports:

First Group 1 for James Ferguson plus Angel Bleu thrills as Brits rule in France

'It was an anxious wait' – State Of Rest survives inquiry drama to win Cox Plate

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Published on 23 October 2021inReports

Last updated 20:11, 23 October 2021

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