The final British Classic of the Flat season, the St. Leger Stakes, is set to take place at Doncaster this Saturday. The 3.35pm feature race will see 11 horses compete for a prize pot of £390,000.
Runners and Odds
Daily Mail Sport's expert, Sam Turner, has provided an analysis of the contenders. Enceladus, a progressive winner at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood, is the current favorite at 2/1. Turner notes Enceladus as a sizeable horse with gears, who may see further improvement over the new trip with cheekpieces applied for the first time. He has been given a five-star rating.
Christmas Day, the Derby winner, is rated four stars and is priced at 9/4. Turner suggests the horse could bounce back after a less-than-par run in the Great Voltigeur, especially with an increase in distance. Pierre Bonnard, also rated four stars, is another strong contender at 3/1, with Turner suggesting there will be little between him and Christmas Day, as they have reversed placings before.
Hatteen and Highwayman are also rated four stars, with Hatteen at 18/1 and Highwayman at 12/1. Hatteen has shown consistent progression throughout the summer and proved effective at Doncaster. Highwayman has found success switching to staying trips with aggressive rides, and while more is required at this level, his trainer is noted as being capable of achieving it.
Other runners include Alderman and Action, both rated one star. Alderman disappointed on his latest start after a fine race in the Derby, and his effectiveness over this new distance is uncertain. Action finished runner-up in the Dante Stakes but has regressed in subsequent Group One races.
Golden Story, Galiyan, Rebel Rocker, and Amelia Earhart are also among the 11 runners, with all receiving a one-star rating from Turner. Golden Story, a juvenile maiden winner at the venue, is less exposed but may need to settle better. Galiyan's career has stalled since a maiden win. Rebel Rocker showed promise in the Derby but did not finish strongly in his last outing. Amelia Earhart is described as quirky, with a difficult challenge ahead at this level.
The current betting odds, according to Paddy Power, place Enceladus at 2/1, followed by Christmas Day at 9/4 and Pierre Bonnard at 3/1. Highwayman is listed at 12/1, and Hatteen at 18/1, marking them as potential value bets.
Trainer Insights
In other racing news, trainer Ed Walker expressed his satisfaction with Almaqam flying under the radar for the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. Almaqam is looking to reverse placings with Item, the winner of the Juddmonte International. Walker believes Almaqam is well-suited by softer ground, which has been a challenge in recent summers.
Sam Turner's top tips for other races include Moonfall and Inspired in the Doncaster 4.15pm handicap, and Sportingsilvermine (each-way) in the Doncaster 5.20pm race. Almaqam is also tipped each-way for the Leopardstown 5.00pm race.