Best Of Bets

Tag: St Leger Festival

  • St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day Three

    St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day Three

    It’s the final classic of the year, the St Leger Festival at Doncaster. This Festival allows us to not only crown the winner of the oldest classic, but also to watch out for the future with plenty two-year-old action too. Today on day three, it’s the big one. The St Leger might look a little subdued on paper with the lack of runners, but it’s still tricky to call.

     

    Beware The Wolf

    Embed from Getty Images

    1:50 – Betfred Champagne Stakes (Group Two) – Wolf Of Badenoch @ 7/2 (General)

    I’m trying to work out why Chancellor is favourite, and not Wolf Of Badenoch. He finished second in a Group Two at Goodwood, which is usually the form race, and has the form backed up by Cool Hoof Luke who he beat into fourth. Out of the two horses rated in the race, he’s miles clear at 106 and stands for a lot more. He’s also a C&D winner on similar ground too when he won on debut. Hard not to oppose.

     

    Love Story

    Embed from Getty Images

    2:25 – Betfred Portland (Heritage Handicap) – American Affair @ 10/1 (William Hill)

    Last week he was desperately close to winning in the Be Friendly Handicap, but American Affair could well go close again. Paul Mulrennan is back on top, who has won on him before. He keeps her mark of 92 as Shagraan now goes above 100, which gives American Affair a chance to overturn the result. He won’t mind the ground, having won at Musselburgh on a similar surface early on in the year. He’s also drawn on the rail on the far side, which can be an advantage.

    Vintage Clarets was eighth in a bunch finish at York last time out in the Symphony Group handicap, and has been lowered two pounds for the run. That puts him on a mark in between two winning marks. That should mean if conditions are to suit, he won’t be far away. He’s also drawn over on the far side, so a slight track advantage as well. 12/1 (General).

     

    Poetry In Motion

    Embed from Getty Images

    3:00 – Betfred Park Stakes (Group Two) – Poet Master @ 5/1 (Betfred, Boylesports)

    Poet Master might not be a name that has hit the heights this season, but he has been impressive. Especially in his last race at The Curragh when winning by almost four lengths. Mutasarref, third, went and won the Group Three Desmond Stakes and has a good chance in the Solonaway Stakes over at The Curragh today. With the form backed up, and a winner on this card last year, Poet Master is the one to stick with. Particularly with the price.

     

    Three Of A Kind

    Embed from Getty Images

    3:40 – Betfred St Leger (GROUP ONE) – Illinois @ 2/1 (General)

    Aidan O’Brien holds the all the cards in this race, once again. With three extremely talented colts, you could make a case for all of them. But Illinois has been bred for the race. A half-brother to Danedream and black type throughout his pedigree made him look like a Classic winner on paper. He won the big trial for this race, the Queen’s Vase, and was second in two other pointer races in the Grand Prix de Paris and the Great Voltiguer. Only beaten by a neck last time out shows that he will suit a mile and six furlongs down to the ground.

    A little forgotten about is Grosvenor Square. Many people will look at him as a pace angle, but don’t forget what he achieved this season. A 20 length win in the Irish St Leger Trial and second to Tower Of London, against older horses too, in the Curragh Cup. Whilst Jan Breughel has impressed the pundits, Grosvenor Square should not go unheard of. Worth a go at 11/2 (BetVictor).

    Click here for Irish Champions Weekend Tips.

    The very best of luck!

  • St Leger Festival 2024 | Kinross Set For Frolic in Park

    St Leger Festival 2024 | Kinross Set For Frolic in Park

    Saturday edition of this year’s St Leger Festival comes with a loaded card, but before the main event, a wide-open Betfred Park Stakes sees Kinross looking to regain what was his.

    As 10 runners line up over 7f once more, defending champion, Sandrine, remains absent with the prize of 80k up for grabs.

    Indeed, in the mare’s stead, Kinross looks ready to stake a claim at the top once more.

     

    Past glories

    For a horse of such breeding and off the hooves of such stellar fledgling years, it is hard to pinpoint just where the wheels came off for Kinross.

    As a 6yo, the son of Kingman was leaving all in his trail.

    Building on from victories in the 2021 John of Gaunt and Lennox Stakes, the gelding was the apple of Ralph Beckett’s eye.

    Going on a victorious four-race winning streak with Frankie Dettori at the back end of 2022, the City of York and Park Stakes were capped by another win on Qipco Champions Day.

    However, since then, though a second win was had in the Lennox last year – also defending the City of York – it is five trips, no wins.

    Indeed, the last time Kinross took the winning post it was against Audience on the Knavesmire in August of 2023.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Nevertheless, there look to be two factors in his favour this weekend.

    Firstly, the last runner Kinross beat, the aforementioned Audience, was a withdrawal earlier this week – he himself looking for a second crack after being beaten 12 months ago.

    Without the favourite, Kinross’ chances are significantly boosted, as they are by the rain that has arrived this week.

    The gelding can go in all conditions, but if pushed, Beckett would agree good to soft decks suit his charge.

    So, two years on from one of this big career wins, is the 2024 Park dropping into Kinross’ saddle?

     

    Leader of the pack?

    Standing in the way of Kinross and a second Park Stakes, the Gosdens’ sole remaining entry, Lead Artist will look to live up to his moniker.

    Coming here off a win in the Bonhams Thoroughbred, the colt last made the trip to Yorkshire in May, winning the Darley EBF Maiden at York, a month after impressing in the Wood Ditton.

    The field here will be of greater pedigree, but Kieran Shoemark will fancy his chances.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Meanwhile, the price angle could come in the shape of the in-form Al Shabab Storm.

    A four-time career winner, trainer Andrew Balding will look to hold onto the crown with his burgeoning 3yo Chester starlet.

    Having won three times this term, his last four outings have been blotted only by his most recent visit to Cheshire last month, but comes here with Group 3 success in Germany.

    Al Shabab was fourth on Doncaster debut at the end of last season, and will want to improve here and can at 15/2 with BetVictor.

     

    The Betfred Park Stakes takes place on Saturday at 3pm UK time.

  • St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day Two

    St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day Two

    It’s the final classic of the year, the St Leger Festival at Doncaster. This Festival allows us to not only crown the winner of the oldest classic, but also to watch out for the future with plenty two-year-old action too. Today on day two, more two-year-old in Flying Scotsman and Flying Childers Stakes. And the stayers are out in force for the Group Two Doncaster Cup.

     

    Successive Winner

    Embed from Getty Images

    1:50 – Betfred Mallard Handicap – Subsequent @ 9/4 (Betfred)

    When you’ve had three wins in your debut season, people will notice. Subsequent is looking for win number four and is impressing with every run. His latest victory at Newmarket showed he’s progressing incredibly well, and handling the steps up in trip equally well. It’s only a four pound rise, which looks fair and gives him a fighting chance.

    However, only two three-year-olds have won this race in the previous 10 runnings which means that older horses do have a slight advantage. Shadow Dance looks a particular threat after his impressive victory at York, when he switched inside and outside before turning on the burners to just overpower Lieber Power by a neck. With that much switching, and the power inside the half furlong to win, the step up in trip should be interesting. 7/2 (William Hill).

     

    Two Good To Be True?

    Embed from Getty Images

    2:25 – Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes (Listed) – Jonquil @ 11/10 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    Jonquil was incredibly impressive on debut, and showed more maturity than you would see in most two-year-old debutants. His ability to keep the power going when switched to the outside really caught the eye. However, more experienced horses do win this race more often than not.

    However the last time a one raced horse won the Flying Scotsman was Sangarius. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, ridden by Ryan Moore and owned and bred by Juddmonte. Lightning can strike twice.

    Mr Chaplin is a likeable horse and certainly has the credentials to win this race. He looks to have more of a preference to good ground, rather than good-to-firm ground after being well found out in the Acomb last time out. But with preferred ground and a win over the distance, he can certainly hit the frame. 12/1 (General).

     

    If Carlsberg did Two-Year-Old races…

    Embed from Getty Images

    3:00 – Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2) – Big Mojo @ 3/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    An extremely electric race, with pace galore, it’s all about going on form. Big Mojo was disappointing at York last time out. However, with both Symbol of Strength and Camille Pissaro franking the form, Big Mojo should go a bit better. Trainer Michael Appleby says the ground is fine for him, and he’s top rated out of the field. There’s a lot of reasons to side with him in this fierce competition.

    Tropical Storm has good each-way claims. He beat current favourite, Magnum Force, by a neck last time out at York (even if Magnum Force was denied a clear run). The form from the Roses Stakes hasn’t been tested a lot, but he came from the best two-year-old of Royal Ascot which has paid dividends since. Forget his Goodwood run and he should be up there again. 9/1 (BetVictor).

    Another Michael Appleby horse that is forgotten about is Mr Lightside. Since winning impressively at Nottingham, he’s finished within a length and half of the winner in his two subsequent runs. His impressive third at Goodwood is the form to latch onto and if he can match his Nottingham win, plus the impressive run at Goodwood, he should outrun odds of 20/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Pair Of Kings

    Embed from Getty Images

    3:35 – Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes (Group 2) – Sweet William @ 15/8 (General)

    The Gosden pair of Sweet William and Gregory look to be the one-two here, but is it that simple. I have major doubts about Gregory’s ability, with the best result this season third, three lengths behind Vauban last time out. Plus with the Doncaster Cup two miles and two furlongs, he may struggle as he did last year.

    Therefore, Sweet William has to be the pick. He was the nearest challenger to Kyprios at Goodwood last time out and did finish second in this race last year. Without the might of Kyprios and Vauban in this race, Sweet William has the potential to properly join the conversation in the stayers’ league.

    The very best of luck!

  • St Leger Festival 2024 | William Looks Sweet in Doncaster Cup

    St Leger Festival 2024 | William Looks Sweet in Doncaster Cup

    The final flat festival of the season is upon us and Friday at the St Leger sees the Betfred Doncaster Cup Stakes.

    A contest last year won by Hollie Doyle and Trueshan, this season’s renewal sees another small field but one which presents an even playing field amongst a familiar band.

    And for Sweet William, the chance to get back to Group 2 success.

     

    Term of transition

    The 2024 flat season for Sweet William has not brought the same resounding success as a 4yo.

    Winner of the Coral Summer Handicap at Glorious Goodwood 13 months back, since then just one win in seven outings have come for John and Thady Gosden’s strong hoper.

    However, that may belie the true tale.

    The offspring of See The Stars may have lacked that winning feeling, but all four trips this term have carried promise.

    Twice a bridesmaid to the returning Kyprios in both Ascot Gold and Goodwood Cups, Roger Havlin – who jumps aboard for a 14th time on Friday – has been a figure of frustration.

    Yet, with no Kyprios in sight this week, nor Royal meet runner-up, Trawlerman, Sweet William could get his moment at redemption.

     

    A True threat?

    Despite a wetter than average UK summer, the main flat festivals have been met by drier, but above all, nippy ground.

    However, this week’s omnipotent threat of rain leaves the Doncaster Cup going up in the air.

    That could bring the defending champ, Trueshan, back into the picture, which, for Alan King’s rain-seeker, will be welcome.

    Embed from Getty Images

    The defending champion, a 10/3 winner by a just over a length over Sweet William, ended last season on a high with a following Prix du Cadran, but 2024 has seen multiple withdrawals.

    After a campaign waiting in the wings, then somewhat against expectations, Trueshan was rolled out at Sandown and won the Coral Marathon, but in the Goodwood Cup again had no finish.

    Here however, If the going switches to good to soft – conditions in which the 8yo gelding has won on five occasions – Trueshan may not only be in the shake-up to place, but to retain his crown.

     

    Contenders

    After both Tashkhan and Harbour Wind were withdrawn on Wednesday morning, the field is down to six, and all but Wise Eagle have sized each other up in the stalls on more than one occasion.

    The Doncaster Cup sees Gregory with his latest shot after a disappointing term, but will have to improve in failing to step up in trip over 2m.

    Meanwhile, Point Lonsdale is starting to gain traction in the market as Aidan O’Brien’s sole entry, but like Gregory will have to stay after finishing seventh in the Lonsdale Cup a few weeks ago.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Finally, what of Coltrane? Could trainer Andrew Balding see his charge repeat victory from two years ago.

    A horse BestofBets have championed frequently, Oisin Murphy was flat last 12 months ago, but took the Sagaro Stakes in May.

    The trip would be a struggle on soft turf, but with the going set to be more leant toward good ground, it would be no surprise to see another tussle with the aforementioned Trueshan.

     

    The Betfred Doncaster Cup Stakes takes place on Friday at 3:35pm UK time.

  • St Leger Festival 2024 | January is coming

    St Leger Festival 2024 | January is coming

    After a small hiatus, the regular betting columns for Best Of Bets are back just in time for the start of the Doncaster St Leger meeting.

    When we left this column in July, the P/L stood at +15.7 points after a disappointing final few weeks.

    So, let’s dive into Day 1 of the Doncaster St Leger meeting.

     

    3:00 Doncaster – January @ 6/1 with SkyBet – 1pt EW

    Embed from Getty Images

    Ryan Moore has chosen to ride Ecstatic in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes, but Aidan O’Brien’s other runner January makes the most appeal to me.

    The two-year-old by Kingman has a smart pedigree as she is out of I Can Fly who finished a close second to Roaring Lion in the 2018 Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

    On debut, she ran a solid race behind stablemate Heavens Gate – who already had a race under her belt – which looks like good form as she has subsequently placed in two Group races and won the Ballyhane Stakes.

    Two starts later, she put in another solid performance in the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes, a race that has seen California Dreamer come out and finish behind the subsequent Group 1 winner Babouche in the Anglesey Stakes.

    Having won by a comfortable four lengths over seven and a half furlongs at Tipperary last time out, trying a mile for the first time looks like a natural step.

    Although this is her fifth race as a juvenile, I Can Fly was a highly-tried mare who continued to get better with age, so we probably won’t see the best of her until at least next season.

    Despite that, her form looks good enough to take a chance on her here.

     

    3:35 Doncaster – Night Sparkle @ 4/1 with BetVictor – 1pt Win

    Embed from Getty Images

    In what looks like a winnable Group 2 Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes, Night Sparkle has a great chance to break her run of near misses.

    Since moving to Andrew Baling from Michael O’Callaghan, she has run two solid races behind Term Of Endearment – the latest of which when finishing ahead of Ciaus Chorister who was second to Absurde at Chester recently – as well as two good runs against the boys over two miles.

    The first of which occurred in the Listed Marathon Stakes at Sandown when second to Trueshan and the second was in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup behind Vauban, Al Nayyir, and Gregory.

    Both of those races look like good form and it looks as if 1m6f is the perfect distance for her.

    As much as Sumo Sam, on her second start after a wind-op, is a danger at 12/1, I think Night Sparkle has the ability to show her class in this company.

     

    4:40 Doncaster – Jorge Alvares @ 9/2 with William Hill – 1pt Win

    Embed from Getty Images

    Jorge Alvares was a horse that caught my eye after his run in the Harry’s Half Million By Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes at York, so I want to keep him onside on his handicap debut.

    With a rating of 82 after a two-pound rise from his last run, the gelding by Cotai Glory came from the rear of the field on the wrong side of the pack to finish a good fourth.

    Arizona Blaze, who finished second, brought Group form into the race, so the form looks better than average.

    Furthermore, from his debut run at York, Yah Mo Be There (second) has won a Listed race since and Andesite (first) was chucked straight into Group 2 company on his next run.

    Having run well on good to soft and good to firm before, any ground is fine for him.

     

    5:10 Doncaster – Defence Missile @ 9/2 with William Hill – 1pt Win

    Embed from Getty Images

    From one nursery handicap to another, Defence Missile looks like a worthy bet off a mark of 79 with the first-time cheekpieces applied.

    On debut, he finished second to Mr Chaplin who has a rating of 96 having won a Class 2 handicap at Goodwood subsequently.

    Two starts later, he was a good third in a Salisbury novice stakes when trying to make all, form that looks good as Royal Playwright ran well behind Field Of Gold in the Solario Stakes and Original Outlaw chased home Mr Chaplin in that handicap at Goodwood.

    The son of Sottsass is a well-bred horse running in a 0-80, and with a run on the all-weather 22 days ago under his belt, he should be primed to go well here.

  • St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day One

    St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day One

    It’s the final classic of the year, the St Leger Festival at Doncaster. This Festival allows us to not only crown the winner of the oldest classic, but also to watch out for the future with plenty two-year-old action too. Today on day one, two-year-olds in the form of a £300,000 sales race and a Group Two. Plus the fillies’ St Leger, the Park Hill Stakes.

     

    Looking Out Below

    Embed from Getty Images

    2:25 – Scientific £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes – Caburn @ 4/1 (General)

    The form from this race always seems to come from York, whether it be a nursery, the sales race or any group race from the Ebor Festival. Caburn possesses, possibly, the best form in the race after racing in the Gimcrack. The third, Symbol Of Strength won on Saturday at Kempton when Caburn finished fifth. Caburn also won the Newbury Super Sprint, which is another tick in the formbook. He’s won two races on firm ground and won’t mind the good ground so long as there’s pace.

    Another horse coming down from group company is Victory Sound. He was in the same race as Field Of Gold, who won in impressive style. Whilst the form is untested, Victory Sound should be suited by both ground and trip and level. He clearly wasn’t good enough for group level, and this should be a nice toe-in for handicap company in the future. 20/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).

     

    Month Number One

    Embed from Getty Images

    3:00 – Betfred May Hill Stakes (Group Two) – January @ 8/1 (BetVictor)

    For this race, form seems to come from various outlets, but all are usually either Listed or Group company. The favourite for me, is ruled out on that basis having only competed in two novice races.

    Whilst Ryan Moore has elected to ride Ecstatic, I’m opting for January and Sean Levey. She won the Listed Churchill Stakes at Tipperary by four lengths, quite impressively. She’s also joint-top rated at 100, and has the breeding to match, being by Kingman. She also has ground form having broke her maiden on good ground back in June.

    However, Ashnoda has plenty to go for at a bigger price. She won the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood on soft ground, and seems to be rather versatile after winning on firm ground on debut. The form is untested and is steadily, yet impressively. Also joint-top rated she has much more of a say than her 8/1 (William Hill, BetVictor) price suggests.

     

    Midnight Glitter

    Embed from Getty Images

    3:35 – Betfred Park Hill Stakes (Group Two) – Night Sparkle @ 7/2 (General)

    It’s a tricky race the Park Hill, but one horse looks to win her first race of the season. Night Sparkle has been extremely unlucky twice this season over 14 furlongs. Her defeats in the Lillie Langtry and Bronte Cup spells out that she loves the trip and looks like opposition that shouldn’t threaten her too much. Good ground won’t bother her either, having finished second in those narrow defeats on good-to-firm and good-to-soft.

    One horse who can say she has won over the distance is the rather looked over Grateful for Aidan O’Brien. The wrong race tactics were applied last time in the Lillie Langtry, as she languished towards the rear. Her win at Fairyhouse showed her up with the pace and holding on strong towards the finish. With the three-year-old weight allowance, she should be shorter than 13/2 (William Hill, BetVictor).

     

    Rock The Boat

    Embed from Getty Images

    4:10 – Pertemps Network Handicap – Harper’s Ferry @ 4/1 (General)

    Harper’s Ferry comes into handicap company from a Royal Ascot Group Two. The form from the King Edward VII isn’t great, however Calandagan did finish second behind the best horse in the world, City Of Troy, in the International Stakes. He hasn’t been given top weight, which should play into his advantage. Plus the step down in trip back to 10 furlongs will suit once again.

    The very best of luck!

  • St. Leger Festival | Four To Follow: Classic Charge

    St. Leger Festival | Four To Follow: Classic Charge

    The winners have kept coming and coming for us in this year’s St. Leger Festival, and let’s hope the page can end on a high today with the big race itself the centrepiece of Doncaster’s season. Here’s Saturday’s Four To Follow plus St. Leger fancy.

     

    Rose Champagne

    Embed from Getty Images

    1:50 – Betfred Champagne Stakes (Group Two) – Rosallion @ 4/9 (William Hill)

    Down the years the Champagne Stakes has always been a good looking contest, but today it’s more of an open and shut case. Rosallion annihilated the field in the Pat Eddery at Ascot on his last start, and the form got a major boost with Dancing Gemini winning yesterday. Bred by Blue Point, he has the ability to go on softer ground and Richard Hannon’s record in recent years is also key to this horse’s chances.

     

    King Of Town Moor

    Embed from Getty Images

    2:25 – Betfred Portland (Heritage H’cap) – King’s Lynn @ 10/1 (Betfred)

    The Portland is always an interesting race, and this year’s renewal looks more open than ever. I’m siding with King’s Lynn, formerly of Royal ownership, for his record on soft ground. He hated the bottomless ground at Goodwood, but has better record on soft ground. He has won two Doncaster sprints before, including the 2-Y-O sales race and the Wentworth Stakes (soft) in 2021. Despite not winning a heritage handicap, the ground may play a factor to other horses who will prefer it firmer, and King’s Lynn can use the far side rail to his advantage.

    Sticking with the soft theme, Live In The Moment could make it a momentous year for De’Lemos’. The owners who won with Live In The Dream have an outside chance with this one who won a class four handicap at Goodwood last time out. He’ll want a better race here, and with the ground to a likeable soft, and with experience in top level handicaps, he can spring a surprise. Each-way shout at 16/1 (William Hill)

    One more to consider is Dakota Gold. Although you would rather be seeing him up at York, Dakota Gold and Michael Dods have a liking for any Yorkshire track. Despite Dods not winning the race, he has won a class two handicap with Dakota Gold before at their November meeting. The soft ground is to Dakota Gold’s preference, and is back to a winning mark of 100. And old reliable at 22/1 (Betfred)

     

    A Softie Spy

    Embed from Getty Images

    3:00 – Betfred Park Stakes (Group Two) – Spycatcher @ 6/4 (Betfred)

    There’s only two horses that have reliable soft ground form in the race. Spycatcher and Biggles. It would be worth having those two in a reverse forecast, but outright Spycatcher has the form to go on, after been beaten by a head in a French Group One last time out. His season started brilliantly with a win of seven furlongs at Thirsk on soft ground, and was placed in the Victoria Cup in May. It’s those kinds of results that make him the pick of the bunch here.

     

    Another Frankie Fairytale

    Embed from Getty Images

    3:35 – Betfred St. Leger Stakes (Group One) – Arrest @ 9/2 (William Hill)

    A lot of people are saying that Frankie Dettori has made the wrong choice in the St. Leger. He should have Gregory who has the ‘Group One form’. Gregory hasn’t run in a Group One, and, for me, he didn’t look like the St. Leger winner in the Queen’s Vase. He ran his worst race in the Great Voltigeur and looking back on the Queen’s Vase, he still looked quite green and inexperienced.

    But Arrest, for me, holds all the aces. He was disappointing at Epsom, because he didn’t handle the ground. The one thing we haven’t seen Gregory do is act on soft ground. Four winners in the last ten years ran in the Epsom Derby and went to win here. Arrest is the only horse in the field to have done so. His run at Newbury was a step up in distance and, albeit a warm-up, it shows that he relished the step up in trip and has more than a chance to win the final classic of the season. I say Frankie’s judgement is perfect.

    You can have a more in depth look at the St. Leger here

    The very best of luck!

  • St. Leger Festival | Desert Hero Eyes Royal Glory

    St. Leger Festival | Desert Hero Eyes Royal Glory

    So we’re under way for St. Leger week at Doncaster.

    As flat racing festival season comes to a conclusion, Saturday’s main event sees the final classic of 2023, the St. Leger Stakes.

    Now approaching its 150th anniversary, the greats of thoroughbred racing boast wins in this race; Nijinsky, Conduit and last year, Eldar Eldarov took the winning post.

    However, just once in the post-war era has a royal winner been crowned in the shape of Dunfermline way, way back when Willie Carson rode to glory in 1977.

    Some 46 years on, could Desert Hero be about to change all that?

    Embed from Getty Images

    Ascot majesty

    Winding back the clock three months to a baked Royal Ascot, one of the highlights of the week saw Desert Hero and Valiant King complete a famous royal 1-2 in the King George V Stakes.

    The first Royal winner since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the win was equally special with King Charles in attendance.

    Having backed up a memorable Royal meet with the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood last month, Desert Hero now makes the step up in both class and trip.

    Not only will the St. Leger be the colt’s first Group 1 outing, the 3yo travels over 1m4f for for the first time.

    This really is a litmus test for the 3yo, but having won three of the last four races since October, Desert Hero has real chances with Tom Marquand on board.

     

    A classic Dettori swansong?

    Standing in the way of what would be a momentous win for trainer William Haggas, lies a certain Frankie Dettori.

    Widely expected to jump on Gregory for the Leger, it is Arrest who gets the nod, perhaps due to expected tackier ground in Donny this weekend.

    Regardless, this is the veteran’s final festival appearance after a storied 35-year career, and Dettori has already enjoyed Group 1 and classics success this year.

    After one more 2000 Guineas winner in his former adopted home of Newmarket on Chaldean, victory followed in the shape of Courage Mon Ami in the Ascot Gold Cup.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Dettori was denied a Derby farewell in flaming June, but further Group 1 success came in the Queens Vase – on the shunned Gregory.

    Drawing an elite blank at Glorious Goodwood, the Italian again stormed back to win the Juddmonte on Mostahdaf.

    Seeking a remarkable 24th winner on Saturday, Dettori most recently tasted St. Leger victory with Logician four years back.

     

    The pretenders

    Come late Saturday afternoon, the 2023 edition of the classics will be written, but who will etch their name into the final chapter?

    Mawj, Soul Sister, Auguste Rodin followed in the footsteps of Chaldean with a classic win and if Arrest obliges also, Dettori will have bagged three classics as his final swansong.

    In recent days, Aidan O’Brien has seen a Continuous 11/4 antepost move for his strong hope, but is currently back to around 4/1.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Winner of the Voltigeur at Ebor, the colt also boasts a runner-up from the King Edward Stakes in June.

    Perhaps going against him will be the ground – unlikely to anything close to his four outings this term – but with that said, Continuous does have a French win in the wet to fall back on.

    O’Brien’s other three in the race, Tower of London, Alexandroupolis and Denmark, although friendless in the markets, could all see nibbles.

    Whilst the King of Ballydoyle has four entries, John and Thady Gosden have two others chances, and a scorned Gregory might have a thing to say with Kieran Shoemark in tow.

    Indeed, the 3yo’s only loss in four was last time out, albeit to Continuous.

    Dettori might be the romantics favourite come Saturday, but short of a poetic send-off from Doncaster for Frankie, Desert Hero would likely grab the bigger headlines with victory.

    Racing history beckons.

     

    The Betfred St. Leger Stakes takes place over 1m6½f on Saturday at 15:35.

  • St Leger Festival | You’re my Wonderwall – The Top Three

    St Leger Festival | You’re my Wonderwall – The Top Three

    It’s day two of the 2023 St Leger Festival and having kept my powder dry yesterday, three horses are firmly on my agenda to finish off the working week in good style.

    Hopefully, this year’s three-day event at Doncaster can prove to be as equally profitable as the York Ebor festival because if this is the case, we should have no problems.

    So, here are the three horses to consider today.

     

    1:50 Doncaster – War Rooms @ 2/1 with William Hill – 2pt Win

    Embed from Getty Images

    I’m starting the St Leger Festival with a confident play as there’s no getting away from War Rooms at 2/1 in the Listed Flying Childers Stakes.

    Trained by Owen Burrows, an operation that doesn’t waste many bullets at these big festivals, this Churchill colt is one of two once-raced two-year-olds in the contest having shown a great turn of foot over course and distance on soft ground in late July.

    What was striking from this victory was how he was able to pull nearly five lengths clear of the second within the final furlong-and-a-half in the conditions.

    Furthermore, although his sire Churchill was a ground versatile horse, the American-bred side of his pedigree initially suggests that quicker ground would be more to his liking, especially with a damsire of Aptitude.

    However, his three winning siblings – Herring Island, Rhinestone, and Aduna – all have great soft ground form; Rhinestone was even a valiant runner-up on soft in the 2018 Grade 2 Future Stars Bumper at Leopardstown.

    War Rooms’ breeding suggests that he could stay further in time, so today’s seven furlongs on rain-softened ground should be right up his street, making him a good play in the second race at Doncaster.

     

    3:20 Chester – Wonderwall @ 6/4 General – 3pt Win

    Embed from Getty Images

    Over at Chester, a horse that will be popular with Oasis fans is Wonderwall at the head of the market for the two-mile handicap.

    The multi-purpose gelding by Yeats has been a regular in the national hunt scene for the last few years, notably when successful over the now 142-rated City Chief by three lengths in a maiden hurdle at Doncaster before his fall at the last hurdle in the 2022 Sidney Banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle when looking like a winner.

    Connections gave him a 288-day lay-off from the track until the Grade 2 Coral Racing Club Novices’ Chase at Newbury in late 2022 where he travelled extremely well into the race before fading on a quick ground.

    So, in the jumps code, he is a very classy horse. Even when racing in bumpers as a four and five-year-old, he won on debut at Ascot on soft, finished third to Knappers Hill on soft in a Listed bumper at the same course and then ran a good race to finish seventh behind the likes of Sir Gerhard, Kilcruit, Three Stripe Life and Grangee in the Grade 1 Champion Bumper.

    Since switching to the Flat, all three of his runs since the start of July have been over an inadequate trip of 12 furlongs, so this hike in distance to two miles should see him to best effect.

    Wonderwall holds a Cesarewitch entry for later this year and is currently 33/1 for that, so if today goes well, connections could be packing their bags for a trip to Newmarket in October.

     

    3:35 Doncaster – Quantum Leap @ 6.1 with BetVictor – 1pt EW

    Embed from Getty Images

    Finally, the concluding race on ITV from Doncaster today is the £60,000 Mallard Handicap, a contest that should set up nicely for the slow-starting Quantum Leap under Callum Rodriguez.

    The four-year-old by New Approach must be a frustrating horse for trainer Edward Bethell – who is running at a 43% strike rate and recently won the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock – as in all four of his appearances on track, he has failed to break from the stalls with any intent.

    Despite this, the 19,000gns purchase has been successful in 50% of his races to date, most recently at Haydock on good-to-soft ground when making up a plethora of lengths to win comfortably.

    The handicapper slapped an extra five pounds onto his official rating after the run, so there seems to be plenty of wiggle room left off 87, especially when you consider that he beat Aztec Empire on debut who is now rated 93 and has good form with Sweet William.

    In what looks to be a winnable race, not many of his competitors look well-handicapped on their current mark, yet Quantum Leap does and should be feared for the in-form Bethell operation.

  • St. Leger Festival | Four To Follow: No Rane On His Parade

    St. Leger Festival | Four To Follow: No Rane On His Parade

    What a start to the St Leger Festival for the column. Two winners plus a running on second puts us firmly in the driving seat for Day Two. Today, the feature is the Doncaster Cup where we could see another dual winner in the history of the race, which dates back further than the St Leger. There’s also a couple more 2-Y-O races to cover on the card in Four To Follow.

     

    Dance Battle

    Embed from Getty Images

    1:50 – Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes (Listed) – War Rooms @ 11/4 (Betfred)

    Racing at Town Moor yesterday was slow. The 2-Y-O selling race was the second slowest in its history, which shows you the extent of how much the rain has got in. There’s a bit more rain forecast overnight but it shouldn’t’ be softer than yesterday. This will incline punters to stick with soft ground horses, and the favourite is just that. He scorched clear of C&D in June, and was pulled out at Haydock last Saturday due to the ground, and he’s got his ground here today. Trainer Owen Burrows has entries for him in the Dewhurst and the Futurity at the end of the season and is clearly one to keep an eye at three.

    Another that can perform on the soft ground is Dancing Gemini. A winner at Newbury on good-to-soft, he steps up in grade but not by much and is the perfect progression step for Roger Teal’s two-year-old. The form has been franked with two winners out of the Newbury maiden next time out, and those that raced next time out came in the top three. Dancing Gemini has a very good chance of outrunning her 17/2 (William Hill) odds.

     

    Bermuda To Brighten

    Embed from Getty Images

    2:25 – Flying Childers Stakes (Group Two) – Flora Of Bermuda @ 7/1 (William Hill)

    Looking at some of the trainers comments, some are quizzical about the ground particularly Big Evs. This news opens the door to other runners down the order and Flora OF Bermuda can put on another good showing today. She won by four lengths in the mud at Goodwood, and won’t mind the ground one jot at Doncaster on Friday. Her ground preference was evident when finishing last at York in the Lowther, but she’s back in calmer waters and can sail past those struggling with the ground.

    At a price, and a good name, Graceful Thunder has won three races this season all with soft in the title. The best of those was a class two maiden at Beverley and has gone since to win a Listed contest and was narrowly beaten in a Group Three, both in France. George Boughey enjoyed a 2-Y-O winner yesterday with Chic Columbine and has an outside chance with Graceful Thunder at 14/1 (Betfred)

     

     

    Ding Donny Battle

    Embed from Getty Images

    3:00 – Betfred Doncaster Cup Stakes (Group Two) – Coltrane @ 6/4 (Betfred)

    Coltrane has started to kick into gear this season and his Lonsdale Cup victory was mightily impressive. He was ever so tough to hold off Trueshan last year, in similar conditions. However, we just don’t know which version of him we’re going to see as it’s his first run after a wind op.

    Both will enjoy the ground, there’s no doubt, but Coltrane has to carry a penalty for this race which gives Trueshan a chance. But I have to come down on the side of the horse that has performed admirably, and that is Coltrane.

     

    Legendary Bet

    Embed from Getty Images

    3:35 – Betfred Mallard Handicap – Legendary Day @ 15/2 (Betfred)

    In terms of a handicap, it’s a poor turnout. Eight runners at this level is disappointing, but it’s what we have to deal with. But despite the lack of challengers, it’s an intriguing race. The Goat is the one to beat with his 12 length romp in the Goodwood mud still fresh in the bookies minds. He didn’t run a bad race in the Melrose, finishing in midfield on ground he’s not keen on has to go noticed.

    But I feel Legendary Day will give him a big challenge. He’s ground versatile and can stay over further, which will be crucial here. His performance at the Ebor Festival was fantastic, finishing third. Mark Winn is a jockey I have a lot of time for and take three pounds off to give him an attractive mark of 83, the same mark he won over two miles with.

    The very best of luck!