Marcel scores upset in Racing Post Trophy

Marcel won his Group 1 debut in Saturday’s $302,800 Racing Post Trophy for 2-year-olds at Doncaster Racecourse in England, rallying wide in the final three furlongs of the race at a straightaway mile on turf and avoiding the troubled that plagued odds-on favorite Foundation.

Marcel, ridden by Andrea Atzeni, won by 1 1/2 lengths over 7-1 Johannes Vermeer, with Foundation, the 10-11 favorite, closing in the final furlong to finish third, 2 1/2 lengths behind the runner-up. Foundation, ridden by Frankie Dettori, was stuck behind runners midway through the race and did not find running room in time to pose a threat.

The loss was the first career setback for Foundation, who has made four starts and won the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket in September.
Marcel, a colt by Lawman, beat maidens at seven furlongs on turf at Newcastle Racecourse in his second start Aug. 31. Trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, Marcel races for Paul Hancock. Marcel was 33-1 with English bookmakers for the Racing Post Trophy and was sent off at 18-1 through the tote system.

Chapple-Hyam said Marcel will be considered for the French Derby at Chantilly next June. Foundation is considered a leading contender for the English Derby at Epsom next June.