Leger highlights memorable week
Classic action abounds on all sides this week, with top-class racing not only in Britain but also here in Ireland and France including Scorpion, trained by Aidan O'Brien.
Although the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster will not sadly be featuring Derby winner Motivator, the Epsom form will be represented nonetheless.
Hattan, Unfurled and The Geezer – sixth, seventh and eighth in the blue riband - are all on course for the Group One event.
But it is Aidan O’Brien’s Scorpion who is the hot favourite and rightly so.
He put in a record-breaking performance in France on his last visit to the track and along with stable companion Avalon, he represents powerful connections with a fine recent record in the Town Moor showpiece.
The Leger is the finale to a four-day bonanza at the South Yorkshire track, a meeting which also boasts the Park Hill Stakes, Doncaster Cup, Champagne Stakes and Portland Handicap among others.
Motivator might not be in action in the final Classic of the season, but he is expected to start his autumn campaign in the Baileys Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
Michael Bell’s colt will have to contend not only with a new rider as regular partner Johnny Murtagh is suspended, but also the considerable talents of the home side.
Azamour, winner of the Diamond Stakes on his last start, will try to repeat last year’s victory in the 10-furlong race, further adding to an already illustrious campaign.
He is just one of a strong Irish defence with Grey Swallow and Alexander Goldrun also possibles, although the latter has an alternative target in the Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes on the same card where she could clash with Mark Johnston’s Attraction.
And as if Saturday’s excitement were not enough, Longchamp hosts the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe trials on Sunday.
The Prix Niel, restricted to three-year-olds, and the Prix Foy for the older horses often drop a useful hint, with the former undoubtedly the number one pointer to the big one.
The Group One Prix Vermeille for the fillies adds further lustre to the card and is likely to feature Ed Dunlop’s Ouija Board.
