St. Leger at Doncaster

The St. Leger is the world´s oldest classic and has a very open look about it this time. The clash with the Irish version, to be run tomorrow, is of course ridiculous, but they are very different races: the Doncaster race is a true classic, in that only 3yo´s are allowed to run, while the Irish version is open to all ages and in fact no 3yo´s run at all tomorrow. Irish trainer David Wachman has confirmed that his Galileo Rock (Wayne Lordan) will run at Doncaster; he was the only 3yo still left in at the Curragh.

Galileo Rock is arguably the form choiuce, having finished third in the Derby - inches behind Libertarian (Charlie Appleby/ William Buick)- and runner-up in the Irish Derby, where Llbertarian and Ralston Road (Pat Shanahan/ Tagdh O´Shea) were well behind. The going will be much softer now, but the form still looks solid. In recent years three stables have totally dominated the St. Leger - Godolphin, now represented by Libertarian, Cap O´Rushes (Mickael Barzalona) and Secret Number (Silvestre de Sousa), Aidan O´Brien, who has two runners Foundry (Ryan Moore) and Leading Light (Joseph O´Brien), and John Gosden who saddles just the one runner, the Monsun colt Excess Knowledge (James Doyle). We expect these to be to the fore again and our tentative suggestion is Excess Knowledge, who looked very unlucky when just beaten at Goodwood by Cap O´Rushes.

York´s Great Voltigeur Stakes is traditionally the best St. Leger Trial and Foundry ran a great race when runner-up there on only his second career start; obviously he has to come into calculations and we just prefer him to stable companion Leading Light, who has won his last 4 races, including the Queens Vase at Royal Ascot.

The St. Leger is a very poor race for favourites, so punters should tread warily. It is an even worse race for filles - none has won for over 20 years- so we reluctantly discard Oaks winner Talent (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley) even though she has a good chance on ratings.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Outstrip - The Grey Gatsby - Cable Bay
2. Race: Bogart - Steps - Doc Hay
3. Race: Aljamaaheer - Gregorian - Viztoria
4. Race: Excess Knowledge - Leading Light - Galileo Rock
5. Race: Greatwood - Voodoo Prince - Bishop Roko
6. Race: Extra Noble - Fire Fighting - Showpiece
7. Race: Ascription - Gabrial The Great - Pied A Terre