St Leger at Doncaster

Betting tips and picks!

The final Classic of the UK horse racing calendar takes place this weekend as Doncaster Racecourse hosts the St Leger. Here at freebet.com we will preview all the major players in the St Leger, providing the best odds courtesy of our betting partners, BetVictor.

Race history

Raced over 1m 6f, the Group 1 St Leger Stakes has a rich history, dating back to 1776. As the last Classic of the flat racing calendar, the St Leger is also the final leg of the English Triple Crown. Not since Nijinsky in 1970 has a horse achieved the coveted Triple Crown (2000 Guineas, Derby and St Leger). Camelot came up just short in 2012, finishing second in the St Leger having already won both the 2000 Guineas and Derby earlier that summer.

With a step up in trip compared to the 2000 Guineas (1m) and the Derby (1m4f), the St Leger is often dodged by previous Classic winners. Neither Poetic Flare (this year’s 2000 Guineas winner) or Adayar (2021 Epsom Derby winner) will contest the St Leger.

The odds-on favourite

This year’s race features a red-hot favourite in Hurricane Lane. The Godolphin star was tipped for Derby success but had to settle for third behind stablemate, Adayar and Mojo Star. However his two subsequent races have seen him carve out impressive wins in the Irish Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris.

With little doubts about Hurricane Lane’s stamina or ability, if he arrives at Doncaster in peak condition, he will not be beaten. However, it would be foolish to write off a field littered with top class challengers.

Mojo Star finished ahead of Hurricane Lane in the Derby and after being badly hampered when finishing fifth in the Irish Derby at the Curragh he bounced back with a comfortable maiden win at Newbury.

Ottoman Emporer has won his last four with success in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood rounding off an impressive four-timer. The St Leger is another step up in both trip and class but there is a feeling that he’s still improving.

Ballydoyle challenge

Aidan O’Brien has a rich St Leger history, boasting six previous winners. The Ballydoyle trainer has no fewer than four entries on Saturday. High Definition seems his best prospect but is yet to rediscover his two-year-old form as a three-year-old. High Definition flopped in the Irish Derby and was a disappointing sixth in the Great Voltiguer last time out. Jockey, Frankie Dettori has been booked which is a major positive.

Interpretation is three from three this year, winning at the Curragh and twice at Leopardstown. His most recent win saw him get the better of Fernando Vichi in a Listed race. Interpretation can undoubtedly improve further and with Hollie Doyle booked, he’s at least worth each-way consideration.

The O’Brien quartet is completed by Sir Lucan and The Mediterranean. The duo were both placed in the Great Voltiguer Stakes and should not be ruled out.

Race odds

• Hurricane Lane – 4/5
• Ottoman Emporer – 7/1
• High Definition – 8/1
• Mojo Star – 8/1
• Interpretation – 14/1
• Sir Lucan – 18/1
• The Mediterranean – 22/1
• Youth Spirit – 25/1
• Fernando Vichi – 50/1
• Scope – 50/1

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