Godolphin well prepared for the St Leger

Doncaster, Saturday, September 10: The Queen`s death puts English racing in the shade. Nevertheless, the Festival continues today. The highlight is the St Leger (5th race/16.30pm/800,000 pounds/2900m) with nine contenders vying to succeed Hurricane Lane, whom Charlie Appleby saddled for Godolphin twelve months ago.

The successful team has a good chance to follow up with New London (William Buick). The Dubawi son recently won the Gordon Stakes (Group 3) at Goodwood and recommended himself for today`s assignment. The Appleby protégé`s main opponent is Eldar Eldarov (David Egan), who recently ran strongly in the Grand Prix de Paris (Group 1) to finish fourth. The barely tested Haskay (Frankie Dettori) goes into the race unbeaten and is seen by many as the winner. English Derby runner-up Hoo Ya Mal (David Probert) won the March Stakes (Group 3) on 27 August to complete the group of favourites. Emily Dickinson (Ryan Moore) runs mostly placed and, like French Claim (Daniel Tudhope) who came third in the Irish Derby (Group 3), is in line for the surprise.