Scorpion stings Leger rivals
Scorpion justified strong favouritism under Frankie Dettori when giving Aidan O’Brien his third success in the Ladbrokes St Leger at a packed Doncaster.
The 10-11 market leader was always in command under the Italian rider and he powered away to beat The Geezer (7-2) by a length in the final Classic of the season.
Tawqeet made promising headway under Richard Hills down the home straight but could not sustain his effort and finished third.
“Normally I’m riding for Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin in these races but today I am in for Coolmore, who are normally the opposition,” said Dettori.
“I have to thank Coolmore because it was a very good ride to get. When I went for him to go and win his race he just slipped but I always knew if something had got to him he would have found some more.
“This is my third St Leger – let’s hope I am back riding the winner for Godolphin next year.”
Dettori allowed his mount to settle in front after a quick break from the stalls and he set a moderate pace through the early stages of the extended one-mile-six-furlong showpiece.
He then started to up the gallop just before entering the home straight and really kicked on four furlongs out.
His supporters were starting to count their money as O’Brien’s charge pulled away from his five rivals, but Scorpion gave them an anxious moment as he jinked after running towards the rail in the closing stages.
However, Dettori managed to keep him straight and although The Geezer came with a late run from the back of the field, he was no match for the winner.
The latter’s trainer David Elsworth was delighted with his performance, although he felt the colt, ridden by Richard Quinn, did not get the best of runs.
He said: “You only get one bite and we probably weren’t in the right place to make a challenge. I’m certainly not blaming Quinny though – it was just one of those things.
“At the finish it looked like we needed another furlong really which is a bit surprising considering that some pundits thought we might not stay a mile and three-quarters. I wouldn’t swop my horse for the winner and he’s run a really great race.”
Jeannie Brown, assistant to Elsworth, added: “What can I say, he has run another great race. He was getting there all the time but didn’t quite make it.
“That was his ninth race of the season but he is still running his heart out and I think that may be it for the season. I believe he is going to stay in training, I certainly hope so.”
Richards Hills rode Tawqeet, and said: “I thought I was going to get there.
“He has got a lot of pace but he couldn’t pick up in that ground – it was like riding in the Gold Cup, the ground is very heavy.”
Scorpion was following in the footsteps of stablemates Milan (2001) and Brian Boru (2003) when landing the world’s oldest Classic for the Ballydoyle handler.
The winner is now an 8-1 chance for next month’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with William Hill.
Michael Stoute is still searching for his first winner of the Doncaster Classic though, as Hard Top failed to break his Leger hoodoo when finishing fifth.
