Leger going concern for favourite Kingston Hill

Roger Varian reiterated the ground must be suitable for Ladbrokes St Leger favourite Kingston Hill to take his chance in the Classic tomorrow.

The Derby runner-up has drifted slightly in the betting as the sun has continued to beat down on Town Moor for the first two days of the meeting, with connections of the colt warning that the going must be in his favour if he is to participate.

Although there is no further rain forecast, Varian is hoping the ground does not get any quicker over the next two days.

Speaking from Doncaster yestreday afternoon, the Newmarket handler said: “I’m not going to be here (on Friday) as I haven’t got a runner.

“I’ll be here on Saturday and nothing’s changed. If I’m happy with the ground conditions, I’ll run and if I’m not, I won’t.

“I’ve spoken to Roderick (Duncan, clerk of the course) and he knows my position. It will either be good enough for me to run or it won’t.

“We want to run – the likelihood is we’re going to run – but we want to be running on decent ground.

“If I’m happy with the ground I’ll run. I can’t be more clear than that.

“I’ll be here on Saturday and let’s hope we’re here competing.”

Kingston Hill will face 13 rivals in the world’s oldest Classic – if he runs.

John Gosden has a terrific record in the race and has three contenders.

William Buick has chosen Derby third Romsdal, with Frankie Dettori on Forever Now and the Robert Havlin-ridden Marzocco making up the team.

Mark Johnston has three chances in Alex My Boy, Eclipse third Somewhat and Royal Ascot winner Hartnell, the pick of stable jockey Joe Fanning.

Sir Michael Stoute runs two, headed by Great Voltigeur runner-up Snow Sky, who will be ridden by James Doyle and Kings Fete, who won a York handicap earlier in the year and will have the assistance of Ryan Moore.

Richard Hannon looks for another Classic with Windshear, while Aidan O’Brien relies solely upon Granddukeoftuscany, who will be ridden by Colm O’Donoghue..

Odeon, Scotland and Min Alemarat complete the field.

Ladbrokes St Leger – sponsors bet: 5-2 Kingston Hill, 5-1 Snow Sky, 6-1 Romsdal, 8-1 Windshear, 12-1 King’s Fete, 14-1 Hartnell, Scotland, 16-1 Alex My Boy, Forever Now, 20-1 Granddukeoftuscany, 25-1 Marzocco, 33-1 Min Alemarat, Somewhat, 40-1 Odeon.