We are relatively quiet on the first day of the St Leger meeting but it’s always a great fixture to have runners at and we’ve enjoyed plenty of success there, although my worst memory was when Rosallion got beaten in the Champagne Stakes a couple of years ago – I couldn’t believe it! Thankfully he’s won three Group Ones since then and I’m sure he will finish his four-year-old career with another one!
He’s been terribly unlucky so far this season, but I’m pleased to say he has come out of the Moulin in good shape and, while all the cards are still on the table, we’ll look towards the QEII on Champions Day. Obviously, the ground will play a pivotal part, and we do have the option of the Breeders’ Cup, but Ascot is the most likely at this stage.
People are very quick to knock him, but let’s remember he’s been beaten a short head and a neck in two Group Ones this year, so in my book, he’s still the best older miler around.
THURSDAY
DONCASTER
1:50 Weatherbys 2-y-o Stakes
Slay Queen (Joe Leavy)
She’s an improving filly who has won her last two races, most recently at Goodwood where I thought she did well considering the ground was heavy and she pulled very hard but still stayed on to win with a bit up her sleeve.
This is a completely different ball game, and she needs to improve again, but she’s tough and genuine and is in good form so I’m hopeful she can acquit herself well.
Battle Apple (Billy Loughnane)
He ran quite green on debut at Ascot, and definitely ran better than I thought he would, so is clearly a promising colt.
That run will have brought him on again and I think this big field, where they’re likely to go a decent gallop, will suit because he can be quite free at home.
I notice that Unibet are paying an extra place each way so I certainly wouldn’t put you off having a little wager at decent odds.
DONCASTER – FRIDAY
4:45 Confined Nursery
Indigo Dawn (Kieran Shoemark)
She won nicely on debut at Goodwood and then found the Albany a step too far on her second start before running much better at Newbury last time, when the ground was still plenty quick enough. I expect her to get further in time, but a drop of rain would really suit and we’ve given her a nice break since July. This is a competitive Nursery but she’s a sweet filly who could reward each way support.
SALISBURY
3:25 G3 Dick Poole Stakes
Orion’s Belt (Sean Levey)
We’ve always thought a lot of her, and she is still a filly who could develop into a smart performer. She was too keen and then got short of room at Goodwood last time, so I’m prepared to draw a line through that, and I might have run her a bit too soon at Sandown after she won at Newmarket.
She has a great turn of foot, so the drop back to six furlongs won’t be a problem, and while she undoubtedly has to prove herself, I’m hopeful she’ll make her presence felt.
Don't forget to check out Unibet for all my other blogs throughout the season!