Waiting game for Dunlop on Snow Fairy’s Leger raid
Ed Dunlop’s Intikhab filly only won one of her six races during a busy juvenile campaign, but she has improved out of all recognition this summer.
Having won the Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood on her return she benefited from a nerveless ride from Ryan Moore in the Oaks at Epsom.
She looked even better in the Irish version at the Curragh, despite racing on unfavourable soft ground, and lost no caste in defeat behind the brilliant Midday on the Knavesmire.
Snow Fairy is one of 16 remaining entries for the Doncaster Classic on September 11, but plans remain fluid.
“She’s fine. She’s come out of the race well,” said Dunlop.
“As yet there is still no decision on the Leger. She’s also in the Prix Vermeille (September 12 at Longchamp) and we want a little longer to think about it.
Snow Fairy is currently 5-1 second favourite with the sponsors for the final Classic of the season. Impressive Great Voltigeur winner Rewilding is Ladbrokes’ 7-4 favourite.
Rewilding represents Godolphin, who are looking for their sixth victory in the final Classic of the season, although this would be a first for rookie trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni.
Stablemates Buzzword, winner of the German Derby, and Vibrant Force are also engaged.
“Rewilding has been very well since the Great Voltigeur Stakes. The race didn’t take as much out of him compared to the Derby as he didn’t go to York fully wound-up,” said Al Zarooni.
“The course at York suited him better than Epsom and Goodwood, where he didn’t look comfortable, and the strong pace also helped him. I think that he will enjoy the step up to an extended mile and three-quarters because he is a light horse.
“We don’t do much with Rewilding at home and we pushed him too hard earlier in the season to get him ready for the Derby, which took a lot out of him. We know him better now and we know that we don’t have to be too hard on him. He has the class to run well.”
Aidan O’Brien is looking for a fourth win in the St Leger and has left in Midas Touch, Joshua Tree and Cape Blanco – as well as likely outsiders Flying Cross, Await The Dawn and Bright Horizon.
James Given’s Gordon Stakes runner-up Dandino, as well as the respective third, fifth and sixth Arctic Cosmos, Corsica and Theology are also engaged.
Ted Spread and Total Command complete the 16.
Ladbrokes St Leger
Sponsors bet: 7-4 Rewilding, 5-1 Snow Fairy, 6-1 Arctic Cosmos, 7-1 Dandino, Midas Touch, 10-1 Cape Blanco, Joshua Tree, 22-1 Corsica, 25-1 Buzzword, Ted Spread, Theology, 33-1 Flying Cross, Total Command, 50-1 Await The Dawn, 100-1 Vibrant Force, 200-1 Bright Horizon.
