Saturday 16th September 2023
Author: Jordan Yates (EvRacing_)
Welcome aboard to my preview for the 2023 St Leger Festival that is set to take place at Doncaster over the next few days, running from Thursday to Saturday. I’ll be previewing all three days of the meeting, so, as ever, if you are having a punt, make sure to do so in a responsible manner.
2.25: Portland Handicap: I’m kicking my preview off for Leger Day with the 2:25 which is the Portland Handicap over five and a half furlongs. I’ve tried my hand with two selections in this incredibly competitive affair, the first of which is Happy Romance for Richard Hannon. This is her first attempt at handicap company having previously been tried consistently in the pattern company and she’s got plenty of very smart form to his name. She could well prove to be a cut above these and she also has the added bonus of Alec Voikansky’s five-pound claim. My second pick is Hurricane Ivor for Jessica Harrington, his form has fallen off slightly since winning earlier in the season for this yard, however, he is a course and distance winner and looks on a very workable mark. If he gets some luck in the run he’s every chance of going well at a big price. Happy Romance – 11/1 (Each-Way) Hurricane Ivor – 18/1 (Each-Way)
3.00: Park Stakes: The Group 2 Park Stakes is up next which is contested over a distance of seven furlongs. I think that this is all about Spycatcher who currently heads the betting for the team of Karl Burke and Clifford Lee, who have already tasted success at the meeting this week. He arrives here in fine form having been narrowly denied by just a shoulder last time out within Group 1 company over in France. Slow ground would also be ideal for him and if he’s anywhere near his best it’s likely that he would take a lot of beating here. Spycatcher – 6/4 (Win)
3.35: St Leger Stakes: The feature of the meeting and the final classic of the season comes upon us at 3:35 which is the St Leger Stakes, a Group 1 affair over a mile and six and a half furlongs and I’ve had two each-way picks in this year’s renewal. The first of these comes in the form of Tower Of London who’s seemingly the O’Brien second-string under Jim Crowley, he’s not been seen since being narrowly denied in the Bahrain Trophy back in July when finishing a head second, but he still looks to be a seriously progressive horse who should enjoy the step up in trip. My second pick is Chesspiece for the Crisford team and James Doyle. If you’ve followed the blog all summer you’ll know this is a horse that I’ve been really fond of, he’s another horse that I think will relish the distance and despite having a bit to find with some of the market rivals has every chance of running a big race at a nice price. Tower Of London 8/1 (Each-Way) Chesspiece 12/1 (Each-Way)
