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SMALL FIELD FOR LAST OF THE SEASON'S CLASSICS

By Anil Mukhi | 11 Sep 2015 |


Anil Mukhi

Just as the most famous Classic in the world -- the Derby -- could well have been named "the Bunbury" had a certain toss of a coin gone the other way, so also it is said that the race named after Col. Anthony St. Leger might perhaps have had a different name. It's believed that the Marquess of Rockingham, who first arranged for the race to be framed, was to be honoured by having it named after him but politely refused and suggested the alternative, which has taken root. Although there are still some who refer to it as the "St. Ledger" -- a heavenly account??!!

For the fourth time in the past seven years, a single-digit field will line up for this year's renewal of the  1 mile 6 furlongs and 192 yards test, the Ladbrokes St. Leger at Doncaster, which is the last -- and longest -- of the season's classics. The race is due off at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, September 12th. In keeping with recent trends, the Coolmore team will be strongly represented in the eight-runner field. This year, the Ballydoyle stables will send out three runners, all sons of Galileo, which include two of the best-backed trio, namely Bondi Beach and Order Of St. George, as well as the 6 to 1 Fields Of Athenry.

With the stable's first choice rider, Ryan Moore, still out of action nursing a neck injury, and with the trainer's son, Joseph, otherwise engaged (he will be at Leopardstown to ride Gleneagles), unusual riding arrangements have been made. The mount on Order Of St. George goes to Colm O'Donoghue, who has acquitted himself well for the team of which he is an invaluable, if underestimated, part. Bondi Beach was associated in the press with Frankie Dettori but at declaration time, the name of William Buick was pencilled in. There was also talk of the trainer's younger son, Donnacha O'Brien, taking the mount on Fields Of Athenry but instead there is the eye-catching booking of Silvestre De Sousa.

On form there is little to choose between Bondi Beach and Order Of St. George as they were only a short head apart when they met in the Curragh Cup in Ireland in June, with the latter having the edge on that occasion. Since then, the latter has scored two runaway victories while the former was runner-up in the usually-informative trial, the Great Voltigeur Stakes. And in addition Bondi Beach was perhaps unlucky not to get that race in the stewards' room.

Fields Of Athenry is an early-running type who was last seen finishing fifth in the Betfred Ebor Handicap, not a commonly-used route for a "Leger" prospect but one in which he acquitted himself better than appears on paper. He is not without a chance, more so as De Sousa has the ability to extract every ounce of effort from his mounts.

The winner of the Voltigeur was Storm The Stars (by Sea The Stars, a half-brother to Galileo), previously third in the Investec Derby behind Golden Horn and Jack Hobbs and then runner-up to the latter in the Irish Derby. Arguably Storm The Stars ought to have been the outright favourite, instead of just one of the three runners jostling for that spot, but there seems to be the feeling that he has been having a hard time of it this season with eight starts already and may find the gruelling trip here a bridge too far. William Haggas trains the colt and usual rider Pat Cosgrave will get the "leg-up".

It's been many years -- 23 to be precise -- since a filly last took this prize. That heroine was User Friendly, and aiming to follow in her footsteps is Simple Verse (by Duke Of Marmalade), whose connections have delivered a strong vote of confidence in her ability by coughing up the not-inconsiderable amount of 50,000 pounds to supplement her for this test. Andrea Atzeni, who won with her in the spring, has been booked for the ride. Ralph Beckett's charge has found takers in the betting market at around 10 to 1.

Whenever a horse undertakes the expensive task of travelling a considerable distance to participate one can be sure it is not for "taking the air". Hence French raider Vengeur Masque (by Monsun) deserves a mention. The ward of Mikael Delzangles, to be steered by Umberto Rispoli, does not really have the form for the job but no doubt connections are hoping he will improve over the trip, further than he has previously essayed. Any drops of rain around would help his chances, currently rated at 33 to 1.

Overall, it seems to be yet another of those races which appear predestined to fall to the O'Brien camp, but then anything can happen -- and often does -- which after all is the charm of horse racing!