The Ballydoyle Battalions
When it comes to the leading trainer in recent years, you don’t have to look any further than Aidan O’Brien.
Illinois Number One?
At the time of writing, Illinois is the current favourite, with Rhino at 2/1. He’s been quite progressive this season, which included a win in the Group 2 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot. The last time we saw the three-year-old colt, he finished second in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month. That race has often been a good guide for finding the winner of the St Leger over the years, so it’s always worth looking at. Illinois has shaped like a typical Leger horse, who just kept on galloping.
Los Angeles To Swerve
The winner of the Great Voltigeur was his stablemate Los Angeles, who probably just had a bit more class than him on the day. Los Angeles, who is currently 11/4 for the St Leger, might not take his chance, with several options on the table for him, including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. I personally don’t think he’ll run in the St Leger, and even if he did take his chance, I’m not sure he’ll stay. Therefore, he’s not making my shortlist.
Other potential Ballydoyle contenders include Jan Brueghal and Grosvenor Square. Jan Brueghal has always been touted for the St Leger, and I was very impressed with his debut win at the Curragh. However, last time out I thought he won a weak race at Glorious Goodwood and was workmanlike to say the least. He just looks slow, and I am not sure he is good enough to win the St Leger.
The Dark Horse?
Grosvenor Square is an interesting one. He bolted up in the Group 3 Irish St Leger Trial last month, but it’s hard to know the substance of that form. Aidan O’Brien said that Doncaster could be on the agenda for him, and if the ground is soft, that will definitely play to his strengths. If he does take his chance and the ground does soften up, then that price will probably shorten.
Autumn Campaign For Ancient Wisdom
Away from team Ballydoyle, the one who makes the most appeal to me is Ancient Wisdom for Godolphin. He’s become somewhat of a forgotten horse this season, but Charlie Appleby has always said that he will be aimed with an autumn campaign in mind, with the St Leger as his main target. The key to him seems to be soft ground, as he’s got a high knee action, which enables him to get through it. That’s why we’ve not seen him very much this summer.
The last time we saw him, he won the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy Stakes at Newmarket in a tactical affair, but he showed his stamina by outstaying all of his rivals. Though he’s by Dubawi, there is plenty of stamina on the dam side of his pedigree, so going up in distance to 1m6f shouldn’t be a problem for him. Charlie Appleby won this race in 2021 with Hurricane Lane, so he knows what it takes to win. At 15/2, he makes the most appeal to those at a single-figure price, but we will need a raindance.
Beware The Johnstons
Of those at bigger prices, Align The Stars, who is currently 50/1 with Rhino, is an interesting candidate for Charlie Johnston. Though he would have to find plenty of ratings, he’s got a fascinating profile. The son of Sea The Stars has been very progressive this season, coming through the handicap ranks, and he racked up a hat-trick of wins in the summer. However, the last time he saw him, he probably found life a little tough in a Group 2 at York when taking on older and more seasoned horses.
Despite that, the Johnsons have to be respected with their runners in the St Leger. They don’t send too many horses to this race, but when they do, they usually run well. In 2019, they saddled Sir Ron Priestley, who came second, and Nayef Road, who came third. Both horses had a similar profile to Align The Stars, so he’s a horse that should be worth a second look.
St Leger Ante Post Shortlist
Ancient Wisdom (15/2)
Align The Stars EW (50/1)
