Idaho has been placed in two Derby races so far this season, and has been a strong favourite for this afternoon’s St Leger at Doncaster since grinding out victory in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, a traditional route into the British Flat season’s final Classic. The fact that he is trained by Aidan O’Brien adds further lustre to his profile, but Idaho is also entering unknown territory at this trip and an overall record of two wins from seven starts is unconvincing at such cramped odds.
Idaho’s stablemate Housesofparliament was not far away in the Voltigeur and has winning form beyond 12 furlongs, but Muntahaa (3.45), whose preparation has been anything but conventional, could well beat them both. John Gosden’s colt did not race at two and broke his duck at the third attempt in June, but he has improved dramatically since. He won a handicap off 108 in an excellent time on his latest start and seems sure to improve further stepping up in trip again today.
Tips for Saturday’s other TV races
Doncaster 2.00 This is an abrupt and significant step up in class for Rivet, from a maiden at York to a Group Two, but he was a very impressive three-and-a-quarter length winner in what is always one of the year’s strongest maidens despite showing clear signs that he still has plenty to learn. He can improve past Thunder Snow, runner-up in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.
Chester 2.15 A tightly-knit field of handicappers, but Alejandro has the perfect draw for a front-runner in stall one and that tilts the balance in his favour.
Doncaster 2.35 This is always one of the most open and competitive races of the year, but Final Venture should give the high numbers a useful lead from stall 18 and it may pay to narrow the search down to the double-figure stalls. Captain Colby is a worthy favourite after an excellent third at York last time, but at the prices, Soie D’Leau is worth backing at around 16-1 to follow up his win at Haydock last weekend off a 4lb higher mark. Kristin Stubbs’ gelding was a winner at Newmarket’s July Festival too, but his Haydock run was his best yet and he has the early pace to settle in a handy position from stall 14.
Chester 2.50 Foundation was one of the favourites for the Derby over the winter but has not registered a win in five starts this season and drops to Listed level here. Even that might not be enough to get his head back in front, with the progressive Desert Encounter likely to put up stiff resistance. His four-race winning streak came to an end in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock last time out, but he was given plenty to do and his eventual third-place finish was arguably his best run yet.
Doncaster 3.10 Only one of the eight runners can be ruled out with confidence. Toormore is the best horse in the race according to the ratings, but ran poorly last time and preference is for Richard Pankhurst, who arrives in the form of his life after winning the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury last month.
