ITV Racing Tips: Three selections as Leger Festival begins
The final Classic of the season is now on the horizon on Saturday and on Thursday we see the St Leger Festival kick off at Doncaster. Billy Grimshaw has scoured the cards and has three recommended bets...
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14:25 Doncaster - Weatherbys Scientific 300,000 2-Y-O Stakes
When I first looked at this race, I thought it was ripe for a favourite taking on - however as I write this piece on Wednesday afternoon the market leader is drifting like a barge and I've decided I think he's going to be fairly friendless in the market due to misfortune rather than talent, and I'll be siding with CAMILLE PISSARRO. Ryan Moore's mount here looked to disappoint in sixth - one place behind the second fav in here Cabourn - in the Gimcrack last time out at York, however upon watching thar race back it is clear he was not given a hard time once Moore realised the real action was unfolding in the middle, with his mount stuck on the wing.
Putting a line through that run, he actually got closer to what looks a bit of a rocket in Babouche for Juddmonte than his more high profile stablemate Whistlejacket has managed. That is smart form and the fact he has had plenty of runs - this'll be his sixth start - is a positive in my eyes given his stable. Often we see horses that are unexposed improve past those who have been out regularly in the season at two, but this son of Wootton Bassett looks to be learning all the time. I think he'll win and hope we get north of 4/1 about him.
15:00 Doncaster - May Hill Stakes
I pondered whether Desert Flower was a good price or not as favourite at around 11/8 in here, because clearly she is a hugely exciting filly for Charlie Appleby. Two runs, two wins and the latest coming in a Newmarket demolition by six and a bit lengths showcased her class and although that race was hardly a top notcher, the style of her win was most impressive. Nevertheless, in a race packed with unexposed types like this she is a smidgen too short to be steaming into, so I'll hunt one at a bigger price.
Elsie's Ruan caught the eye making just her second appearance in the Sweet Soleria last time out, running with huge credit for third and shaping as though this step up in trip would bring out more improvement. It would be no surprise to see her get involved at a big price, nor the second favourite Flight with Oisin Murphy in the saddle following her impressive Sandown romp last time out. In a race packed with quality, I'd not rule out either Ballydoyle runner (Ecstatic is Ryan Moore's choice) but would favour the bigger priced January on the back of the style of her maiden win.
Anshoda also made appeal for the Loughnane team, though despite her group 3 win over seven last time out I'm not overly convinced she won't want even further than a mile in the fullness of time and she could be done for a bit of speed here. Miss Tonnerre showed a good attitude to win late on at Newmarket on her debut and is another who looks all about stamina.
At a huge price I'm going to throw a few pennies on SERVING WITH STYLE for Karl Burke - who does well with this sort of horse. She has won both starts so far this season and I think because both were on soft she is being pigeon holed as a mudlark. I'm not convinced that will prove to be the case and think she has the right blend of speed and stamina to at least trouble those making the frame. Her wins thus far have been in far inferior races to this, but if you don't buy a ticket you won't win the raffle and I was impressed with her toughness in edging out the reopposing outsider of the field Manilla Thriller at Goodwood last time out.
15:35 Doncaster - Park Hill Fillies' Stakes
Billy has penned a full race preview of the feature race of the day on Thursday at Doncaster, which you can read below...