Jim Bolger is confident Trading Leather remains a Derby prospect despite his slightly disappointing run in last weekend's Racing Post Trophy.
Having built on an impressive maiden win at Gowran with a determined victory in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket, the son of Teofilo was considered a major contender for the final Group One of the British Flat season.
But having cut out the early running, Trading Leather weakened late on to finish a well beaten fifth.
Bolger feels the rain-softened ground was to blame.
Bolger said: "All is well. The ground was just too soft for him."
Asked if he remained optimistic Trading Leather would make up into a Derby contender, the trainer said: "Oh yes, I think so."
Trading Leather unsurprisingly drifted in ante-post lists for the Epsom Derby following his Doncaster defeat and can now be backed at 33-1 for the blue riband.
