Kingston Hill is the one to beat in St Leger

Yorkshire’s premier racing week hits the turf tomorrow, Wednesday, with the start of Doncaster’s St Leger Festival.
Picture: Nick RobinsonPicture: Nick Robinson
Picture: Nick Robinson

Four days of high class racing culminates in this year’s final classic but before Saturday’s showcase race there are three days of exceptional racing to enjoy.

The feature race on the opening day is the five furlong Scarborough Stakes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A few of these runners are double entered with Saturday’s Portland Handicap Sprint the alternative.

Course and distance winner Reckless Abandon ran a fine race at Newmarket last time out after having a lengthy lay off.

He is taken to improve for the run and with going conditions likely to suit should take the race.

The biggest danger to the aforementioned Godolphin charge is likely to be Online Alexander.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On Thursday, the action steps up a notch with two group races, the highlight of which is the Park Hill Stakes.

James Fanshawe’s Seal Of Approval sets out to atone having fallen in last season’s renewal.

She went on to win a group one after that mishap and ought to play a part despite a small rise in the weights.

Another with a notable chance is the Ger Lyons’ trained Roheryn.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On the penultimate day of racing, the field faces a marathon trip in the Doncaster Cup.

Winner of this in both 2012 and 2013, Times Up, bids to record a historic hat-trick of victories.

Punters shouldn’t be overly concerned with his opening season form as he tends to need a few runs to hit his peak.

Guaranteed to get the trip, the horse is given to make the frame at what could be rewarding odds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Inaugurated in 1776 the big race on Saturday and main event of the week, the one mile and six furlong St Leger takes centre stage.

Clear favourite Kingston Hill deserves his place at the head of the market after finishing second in this year’s Epsom Derby.

A winner at Doncaster as a two year-old, the Roger Varian trained grey has been crying out for soft ground and that wish should be granted this week.

His class is unquestionable and with less to prove than his rivals, he has to be the one to beat.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Of the rest, big outsider Somewhat hasn’t won for over a year but should get an easy lead and may be hard to peg back.

Selections:

Reckless Abandon

Seal Of Approval

Times Up

Kingston Hill

For more racing previews, tips, competitions and more visit PicksfromthePaddock.co.uk

Tickets to the meeting are still available to purchase by calling 01302 304200 or visit www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk.

Related topics: