And so to the main attraction of the meeting the Group 1 Betfred St Leger Stakes over 14 furlongs 115 yards for three year old non geldings, and it was the “figure” horse Continuous (117) who came home in front by a comfortable 2 3/4 lengths from Arrest. Surprisingly, the Aidan O’Brien trained colt only went off 3/1 second favoutite despite winning the Great Voltigeur trial at York with the highest speed rating in the field (118). The drying ground over the past three days was always going to be an issue for eventual 11/4 favourite Arrest who couldn’t match the winner’s turn of foot at the business end of the race. Conditions were described as Soft (GSft Places in the Straight) with the Straight Course (6.5) and Round Course (6.3) on the Going Stick. The winning times showed the Straight Course riding 7.5 lengths per mile slower than standard, and the Round Course similar to opening day times at 14.5 lengths per mile slower than standard. The ground appeared to stay “tacky” over the three days, as described by some of the jockeys, and it didn’t appear to dry out as might have been anticipated. The winner had a less than perfect trip with jockey Ryan Moore stating that he wasn’t totally happy with his position during the race. Connections have mentioned the Arc De Triomphe in two weeks, for which he will have to be supplemented, and is available with some firms at 10/1. A win on Very Soft ground as a two year old in a Group 3 at Saint Cloud augurs well for this type of engagement.
The Andrew Balding trained Sandrine (114) bounced back to winning form when taking the Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes by 3/4 length from Audience, reversing form from last month’s City of York Stakes. She had been in the wilderness somewhat, before that, having won only one of her previous thirteen starts, and it would appear that the application of the visor has seen a step up in form. It should be noted that this type of ground wouldn’t be her forte, and it may well be worthwhile bypassing next month’s Group 1 Prix De La Foret at Longchamp in which she ran unplaced in last year. Karl Burke’s 5/4 favourite Spycatcher appeared not to run in his race having previously finished ahead of the winner in France.
Iberian (103) took the opening Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes for two year olds for trainer Charles Hills stepping up on his previous (102) speed rating behind Haatem at Goodwood in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes. He showed a nice attitude to finish 2 lengths ahead of Sunway, and is held in high regard by connections. The Group 1 Dewhurst at Newmarket could be next on the cards for the son of Lope De Vega. Richard Hannon’s 4/5 favourite Rosallion failed to settle early on, and disappointed in third place beaten 3 1/2 lengths.
Annaf (109) and Liberty Lane (109) both took their respective handicaps equalling Par, with La Yakel (106) winning his first race of the season in the PJ Towey Construction Handicap, while the John & Thady Gosden trained, and delightfully named God’s Window (97) took the maiden on the card.
Back Tomorrow,
Graham