Galileo Rock entered into St Leger race
Dual Classic-placed Galileo Rock is one of 43 entries for the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster on September 14.
Third in the Investec Derby and second in the Irish equivalent, David Wachman’s colt is one of the sponsors’ 5-1 joint-favourites along with the Aidan O’Brien-trained Leading Light.
Galileo Rock’s three-parts brother, Saddler’s Rock, landed the Doncaster Cup at the 2011 meeting and Wachman said: “We are definitely thinking about the St Leger for Galileo Rock.
“He has come out of his run in the Irish Derby fine and there is not a bother on him.
“I suppose that his second behind Trading Leather was his best run to date, although his run at Epsom wasn’t too bad either. The Irish Derby was a good race and we will see how the form stacks up when the winner runs in the King George this weekend.
“Galileo Rock’s pedigree suggests that he is going to get better with age and we are hopeful that he can keep improving.
“The St Leger is still a long way away and there is no rush to decide where he runs next – we will make up a plan as we go along.”
O’Brien, who was narrowly denied a clean sweep of English Classics and an historic Triple Crown last year when Camelot could only finish second to Encke, has 12 entries headed by Queen’s Vase winner Leading Light, Irish Derby third Festive Cheer and Epsom fourth Battle Of Marengo.
Ralph Beckett has entered his Oaks first and second Talent and Secret Gesture, while Godolphin will look to repeat last year’s success through Derby runner-up Libertarian, Cap O’Rushes and Secret Number.
John Gosden, a four-time Leger winner from his nine most recent runners, has Bahrain Trophy winner Feel Like Dancing, Excess Knowledge and Nichols Canyon to choose from, while Sir Michael Stoute has entered smart filly Liber Nauticus and The Queen’s Bold Sniper.
However, Ruler Of The World, Telescope and Trading Leather have not been entered by connections.
Hayley O’Connor of Ladbrokes said: “There appears to be plenty of depth to the entries and we think Leading Light and Galileo Rock currently set the standard for the final Classic of the season.”
