Foundation aiming to cement Classic claims Foundation bids to confirm his place as favourite for next year's Derby by rounding off an unbeaten juvenile campaign with victory in Saturday's Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster. Representing the formidable combination of trainer John Gosden and jockey Frankie Dettori, the Highclere-owned juvenile made a huge impression on his Haydock debut in early August and was similarly impressive on his return to Merseyside for a Listed heat a month later. It was in the Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket that he really showed off his talent, however, knuckling down well to earn himself a shot at the final Group One of the season in Britain and move to prominence in ante-post lists for next year's Classics. Highclere's managing director Harry Herbert said: "I saw him work on Wednesday morning and John and the team are very happy with him. "He seems to be in good form coming into the race and we've all been very impressed by what he's done so far. "He's always shown plenty of ability at home. After he won his Listed race at Haydock, I remember Frankie saying he didn't even know he was a racehorse and that can happen from time to time - sometimes it's just their talent getting them through. "But then he went to Newmarket and had to knuckle down and have a real race to win his Group Two. "Hopefully he's continuing to improve and if he is, hopefully he's the one to beat on Saturday." One potential worry for connections is the forecast of heavy rain on Saturday morning, but Herbert is hopeful it will not scupper Foundation's participation. He said: "I haven't spoken to John about it, but I doubt it (soft ground) would stop him running. "Very extreme ground would be a concern, but I know we'd definitely rather have it soft than too quick. "He's shown he can handle good to soft ground. Strange things can happen when the ground gets very soft, but what will be will be." Herbert has been involved with a Racing Post Trophy winner before, with the Royal Ascot Racing Club-owned Motivator prevailing in 2004 before claiming Epsom glory the following summer. Foundation's owners include former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who is expected to make the journey to Town Moor this weekend. "It's more than exciting for everyone involved, we've got a good team going to Doncaster and we'll see whether he's up to winning a Group One at this stage of his career," said Herbert. "It would be amazing if he can end the season as an unbeaten Group One winner, that would be fantastic, but Group Ones are always very hard to win. "Our jockey is in brilliant form and John's horses have just been in incredible condition all year. "Whatever happens this weekend, we know we've got a very nice horse to look forward to."
