St Leger Weekend Preview

The final flat classic of the year is upon us with the Betfred St Leger taking centre stage on Saturday. With top-class racing taking place throughout the weekend, here are a few horses to keep onside:

Friday

2.25 Doncaster

A fascinating renewal of this year’s Flying Scotsman Stakes sees seven runners heading to post and there are a few in here with plenty of potential as we head into the closing stages of the flat season. Jonquil won from a remarkable position after traffic problems on his Sandown debut in what will probably prove to be a quality Maiden in time. However, SYMBOL OF HONOUR can give the boys in blue a winner and show everyone why he is the highest-rated horse in this field. The form of the Coventry Stakes, in which he finishes a close-up sixth, is working out phenomenally well so if he follows suit, he can get back into the winner’s enclosure here. Mr Chaplin can prove best of the rest for Ralph Beckett who remains in terrific form. q

3.00 Doncaster
Last year’s winning connections go for back-to-back successes in this race with Big Mojo, who finished a close fourth place in the Gimcrack Stakes, last time out. After hitting the front, he still looked extremely green and that would not be ideal coming to Doncaster, so preference is with MAGNUM FORCE. His performance at York last time out was promising given the certain track bias at the Ebor meeting and that run can certainly be upgraded coming into today. The winner of that particular race, Tropical Storm, must be respected given his strong form and he should give another good account of himself.

3.35 Doncaster
Trueshan put in a remarkable performance last year and is back to defend his crown, lining up against some familiar faces. His performances this season, however, have been somewhat lacklustre and after a narrow defeat 12 months ago, SWEET WILLIAM is capable of getting his head in front. Rab Havlin gets on extremely well with his mount and the partnership finished best of the rest behind the remarkable Kyprios in the Goodwood Cup. Point Lonsdale has it all to prove after a terrible run at York whilst Coltrane will also need to perform wonders to get his head back in front.

Saturday

1.50 Doncaster

Despite winning a four-runner Novice over course and distance last time out, the form of that has worked out relatively well with the second place coming out recently to score comfortably. His unbeaten record at Doncaster will bode well but it will need to when facing opposition such as AOMORI CITY. Charlie Appleby’s impressive Vintage Stakes winner put away a good field on his first step up to seven furlongs and with the yard looking to have plenty of good chances, this colt might be another winner for the team. This has been a good trial for the Dewhurst in years gone by and Aidan O’Brien’s Bernard Shaw could be the answer if either of the principles don’t fire.

2.25 Doncaster

Elmonjed has picked up two valuable pots in August and arrives here searching for the hat trick. A mark of 96 will be tough to win off I feel, given his form isn’t too strong but he is a progressive three-year-old. Shagraan came fast and late to land a gamble at Haydock last weekend and if he was to be declared, he would certainly be of interest. But preference is with POCKLINGTON who suffered a terrible trip in a valuable handicap at the Ebor meeting and off the same mark, he should be running well given he doesn’t face traffic problems. The winner of that race JM Jungle had the benefit of the far side rail which proved to be valuable, but is respected nevertheless.

3.00 Doncaster

Kinross was a late scratching at York last time out and must be respected given he won this race in 2022. That, however, was following a string of wins and he has now gone without success for over a year and at the prices, he is worth taking on. NOBLE DYNASTY’s Goodwood run can be excused, as he anticipated the start which completely backfired and ruined his chances. Charlie Appleby’s gelding isn’t getting any younger, but he certainly has the ability, as he proved on his penultimate start, so he gets the nod. Lead Artist has never run over seven furlongs and looks a horse who needs every inch of the mile, but he would be interesting if this turned into a dour test of stamina.

3.40 Doncaster – St Leger

The final British classic is upon us and what can be guaranteed is a test of speed and stamina will ensue. Illinois looks to be the main runner for Aidan O’Brien who will run a few after finishing a close up second behind stablemate Los Angeles in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York. He will be tough to beat and certainly poses as the class act, but JAN BRUEGHEL looked to be incredibly green at Goodwood last time and still managed to win. There is certainly plenty under the bonnet for the Ballydoyle colt and despite him having only his fourth career start in this, it’s a big statement from O’Brien to run him. You Got To Me was recently supplemented for £50,000 and that is a statement of intent in itself whilst Christophe Soumillion comes in for the spare ride on Sunway who has a cracking each way shout.