Tregoning gloom over Aqaleem Leger prospects

Marcus Tregoning is “pretty certain” Aqaleem will miss the Ladbrokes St Leger.

The Lambourn trainer revealed on Wednesday the Epsom Derby third had met with a setback, thought to be pulled muscles in his hindquarters.

And the news was no better 24 hours on.

“The horse is lame, I’m afraid, so I’m pretty certain he won’t be running in the Leger. It’s too close to the race and he’s not right,” said Tregoning.

Aqaleem, who had been ante-post favourite at around 3-1 for the final Classic of the season at Doncaster on September 15, was removed from the betting market by several bookmakers.

In the meantime, support has continued for the Aidan O’Brien-trained Honolulu.

Last week’s Ebor runner-up has taken over from stablemate Soldier Of Fortune at the head of totesport’s Leger betting.

Spokesman Damian Walker said: “All the money was for Honolulu this morning. We opened up a top-priced 4-1 and were soon forced to go 7-2.

“The money continued throughout the day and Honolulu is now our 3-1 clear favourite, with Soldier Of Fortune out to 4-1 from 7-2.

“There has been a sustained gamble since we went 9-1 after Honolulu’s three-quarters of a length second in the totesport Ebor last week.”