The last classic of the season, the St Leger, is run at Doncaster today. The field has, unfortunately cut up with only 7 runners going to post. Scorpion should start favourite but the ground may not suit him. Also Fallon has decided to stay in Ireland to ride Orotario in the Irish Champion stakes. However, he has a good blend of speed and stamina and I think his class will see him through. Hard Top could give him most to do as he tries to end Michael Stoute’s 20 year wait for a winner in this event with even SHERGAR losing here. Anyway Hard Top won the Great Voltiger well and he is definitely improving. The Geezer can fill the third spot.
Indian Maiden looks to have been found a decent chance in the Henry Gee Fillies Stakes at Chester 3.15. She looks to have a few pounds in hand of her opponents and has won over the course and distance. If she gets a reasonable draw she should go well.
I also think that James Bethell’s horses are worth a second look at this time of the year and Stretton goes in the 4.50 at Chester. He can be a bit in and out but again he is a course and distance winner who shall find that the pace should be run to suit. If the gaps come at the right time for him then he would have every chance.
The Starlit Stakes at Goodwood 4.10 gives Ashdown Express another chance to win. He ran well last time but he had a good many chances this year. However, he is probably due a win and he can get it here. He would appear to have most to fear from Boogie Street but I expect him to cut down that rival close home.
There are also two excellent Group 1 races at Leopardstown on Saturday. The Matron Stakes for fillies at 2.40 sees Attraction try to get her season back on track after two below par runs this season. Alexander Goldrun and Chic are very decent fillies who will take advantage if Attraction is unable to discover her best form. However, I’m hoping that Attraction will lead Alexander Goldrun and Chic.
The Irish Champion stakes at 3.55 is the race of the day. Azamour has been in excellent form this year winning at Royal Ascot at York and The King George run this year at Newbury. He will prove very hard to beat. However Grey Swallow has beaten him before and although Azamour holds more victories over Grey Swallow but conditions may suit Grey Swallow better tomorrow. However, I think that the Derby winner Motivator can beat them all. He can return to his best form on easier ground and redeem his reputation after Oratario beat him at Sandown.
SELECTIONS
DONC 3.25 SCORPION
CHEST 3.15 INDIAN MAIDEN
CHEST 4.50 STRETTON
GOOD 4.10 ASHDOWN EXPRESS
LEOP 2.40 ATTRACTION
LEOP 3.55 MOTIVATOR