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Leger Day at Doncaster

I must say that I am really looking forward to this weekend's racing. There is quality fare in England, Ireland and France with a whole host of top class horses on show. The Leger itself promises to be a wonderful contest and in my opinion the winner will come from the top of the market. The fairytale story would of course be Pyledriver and I'm sure the neutrals will be cheering him home but I'm not sure they will get the chance to. If the race was over a mile and a half, he would be an odds on shot, but it's not and the extra two furlongs could be his downfall against quality opposition. I actually think if he settles he has a good chance of staying but he tends to be keen in his races and the slower tempo could really set him alight. If that happens then the fuel light could be on with a couple of furlongs to go and he faces two strong stayers in Santiago and Hukum. Santiago was really impressive at Ascot before winning the Irish Derby the following weekend but I think the race is made for Hukum and he has an extremely progressive profile. If he improves as much from his last run as he has with every run this season he will be impossible to beat but even slight improvement will put him right in the mix. I thought his win in the Geoffrey Freer last time at Newbury had Group 1 horse written all over it and tomorrow could well be his day. The long straight at Doncaster will suit him and I am surprised he is not favourite for the race and odds of around 7/2 are good value.

The 6 year old horses seem to sweeping clean this flat season and Century Dream has been performing at the top of his game. He runs in the Group 2 at Leopardstown at 4.45 and looks to have an outstanding chance. He was very impressive when winning in the same grade at Goodwood last time, after running very respectably behind Palace Pier the time before that. His main market rival, Safe Voyage, is yet to win over a mile and will not be allowed a solo in front like he was at York last time. Vatican City has a lot to prove after his last couple of runs and the Irish Guineas form is hard to figure out. As well as Century Dream having the best form in the race, the stable could hardly be operating at a higher percentage (over 35% for the last 14 days). 

In the other races, I am eagerly awaiting the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster with a view to the future and the Champion Stakes at Leopardstown could be a fascinating race tactically. Best of luck!!


1pt win Hukum (7/2 General) Doncaster 3.35

1pt win Century Dream (5/2 General) Leopardstown 4.45


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