Hi all,
It’s the final day of Doncaster’s St Leger Festival. The meeting ends on a quieter note, with the Group 3 Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes the feature.
Over in Ireland it’s day two of Irish Champions Weekend, the action moving from Leopardstown to the Curragh for an eight-race card. Four Group 1s headline the afternoon, all live on ITV Racing alongside five races from Doncaster.
It’s worth flagging the weather. Heavy rain is forecast at Doncaster from around 4pm, so conditions could change for the later races. Similar story at the Curragh, where rain is expected from late morning. If it comes in the predicted amounts, the ground should ease as the day goes on.
Inside today’s main piece is my quick guide to the best of the action at the Curragh including the four ITV races. Plus, there’s a look at four of the Doncaster races on the final day of it’s St Leger Festival.
Curragh
1:30 – I’ll side with Jon Riggens and Betsen against the field, with an honourable mention for Greek Flower, who looks well-treated on soft ground.
2:40 – Venetian Sun may not run if the ground turns soft, but even if she does, I’m hoping Beautify can show why she’s seen as a 1,000 Guineas contender.
3:15 – If the rain has arrived, I’m with Art Power.
3:50 – A fascinating Group 1 National Stakes. Gstaad is the right favourite, but the gap to Zavateri shouldn’t be as wide. Add in the improving Saba Desert, from a yard with a fine record in the race, and it looks one to watch rather than bet.
4:25 – A cracking Irish St Leger, and my pick is Illinois in the first time cheekpieces.
5:35 – Crown Of Oaks will be tough to beat after his win at Ascot 8 days ago, but I’ll chance dual course winner State Actor on his first try at 1m2f.
Doncaster
2:30 – Indian Springs could be leniently treated on handicap debut. Brighton Boy could bounce back returned to easier ground and has each way claims. Pietro is in good form and stablemate Back In Black should be closer to his best here.
3:00 – Oliver Snow looks interesting dropping back to 6½f, but if the rain has arrived, the pick is Purosangue who/s on a winnable mark.
4:10 – Jabaara has solid claims in the feature but easing ground would be a concern so its a no bet race for me.
4:40 – Should the ground ease, Jer Batt has a good chance to get off the mark for the first time this season, though at 4/1 I can leave him.
5:18 – Last year’s winner Fantasy Master and Marching Mac are both weighted to strike again back on an easier surface.
Staking Challenge Selection
A winner at Doncaster on Saturday courtesy of Marvelman means the losing run finally came to an end. Today’s staking challenge selection is from Doncaster.
3:00 – Purosangue – 17/2
I’ll be back tomorrow to begin my look back at a fabulous weekend of racing on Irish Champions Weekend.
Good luck with your Sunday’s bets.
John