Picture : Rosallion has been selected by the At The Races tipster to win the opening event at the Doncaster St. Leger meeting, the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes. (Racing TV)
At The Races
(SA Times)
1 2:50 PM – Betfred Champagne Stakes (Group 2)
This year’s Champagne Stakes is all about ROSALLION, who hasn’t put a foot wrong in his two starts to date and this looks a good opportunity to continue his winning thread. Richard Hannon’s colt was very impressive when making mincemeat of a Listed field at Ascot and is expected to continue his ascent towards the top. Iberian might pose him the most questions after a good second in the Vintage Stakes. Mountain Bear was just behind Charlie Hills’ youngster at Glorious Goodwood and heads the remainder.
Top Tip: ROSALLION (4)
Watch out for: IBERIAN (1)
2 3:25 PM – Betfred Portland (Heritage Handicap)
CALL ME GINGER arrives on a hat-trick after wins at Chester and Ascot, and he can defend his crown. Jim Goldie’s sprinter is running off a 2lb higher mark than when he was promoted to first in this contest last year, at the expense of Chipstead, and that may not halt his progression. Better can be expected from Intrinsic Bond after he struggled to land a blow when sent off a well-backed favourite at York, while Stewards’ Cup hero Aberama Gold commands respect with cut in the ground likely. Throw Happy Romance, Makanah and Get It into the mix too.
Top Tip: CALL ME GINGER (19)
Watch out for: INTRINSIC BOND (8)
3 4:00 PM – Betfred Park Stakes (Group 2)
SPYCATCHER has been a model of consistency this term and he appears primed to offer another bold bid. Karl Burke’s charge was only just touched off in the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville last month and this extra yardage seems likely to see him to even better effect. Audience is the highest rated of these and ranks as the biggest danger after a close second in the City Of York Stakes. Sandrine, who finished a head behind in third on the Knavesmire, should also be challenging at the line.
Top Tip: SPYCATCHER (5)
Watch out for: AUDIENCE (1)
4 4:35 PM – Betfred St Leger Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)
The recent rain on Town Moor sees Frankie Dettori switch from Queen Vase’s hero Gregory to beaten Derby favourite ARREST and that factor is likely to make a big difference. The former lost his unbeaten record when a one-paced third to Continuous in the Great Voltigeur, and the York winner also has questions to answer, with the combination of softer ground and the extra couple of furlongs potentially not suiting Aidan O’Brien’s colt. Arrest bounced back from failures on ground faster than ideal in the Derby and at Royal Ascot when taking the Geoffrey Freer at Newbury. Testing conditions are clearly important to the son of Frankel and the extra yardage promises to yield further improvement. Desert Hero has progressed nicely this season, with victories at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood, the latter occasion seeing him get the better of Chesspiece. Melrose winner Middle Earth, who was supplemented earlier in the week, is another with solid credentials.
Top Tip: ARREST (2)
Watch out for: GREGORY (7)
5 5:10 PM – PJ Towey Construction Handicap
LA YAKEL had a perfectly valid excuse for his Shergar Cup defeat when his rider Joao Moreira appeared to feel something go amiss at a crucial point. The four-year-old has been given a month to recover and remains capable of further progression based on his return effort when runner-up at Ascot in July. Symbol Of Light ran with plenty of credit on his debut for Julie Camacho at Newcastle and is respected up in trip. Akhu Najla is now tried in blinkers and could bounce back from an ordinary York performance.
Top Tip: LA YAKEL (3)
Watch out for: SYMBOL OF LIGHT (1)
6 5:45 PM – British EBF 40th Anniversary Maiden Stakes (GBB Race) (Str)
BELLUM JUSTUM showed marked improvement from his first to his second start when runner-up at Newmarket and with further progress expected, he can get off the mark. Deira Mile didn’t do himself any favours when racing wide and running about a bit on his debut at Sandown, but the fact he was beaten just half a length says much about his ability. Redhot Whisper and well-bred newcomer God’s Window can also have a say in proceedings.
Top Tip: BELLUM JUSTUM (1)
Watch out for: DEIRA MILE (3)
7 6:20 PM – Hippo Pro 3 Sealant Handicap (Str)
SONNY LISTON has long threatened to land one of these valuable mile handicaps, and today could be the day with Ryan Moore keeping the partnership intact. Ralph Beckett’s charge has a head to make up with Spirit Catcher (third) from his recent fourth at York but is 2lb better off, while last year’s second in this contest, Empirestateofmind, is another leading contender. Completing the shortlist are the likes of Blue For You, Liberty Lane and The Gatekeeper.
Top Tip: SONNY LISTON (2)
Watch out for: SPIRIT CATCHER (7)
