Jockey Plans Going to the Wire for St Leger Hopeful Lazy Griff

[Wandering Eyes]

Owners Middleham Park Racing will have to play the waiting game before firming up riding arrangements for St Leger contender Lazy Griff, with Christophe Soumillon now heading to Leopardstown to deputise for the injured Ryan Moore aboard some of Ballydoyle's leading lights.

Soumillon, who was in the saddle when the son of Protectionist filled the runner-up spot in the Derby at Epsom, had been lined up for the ride, but connections have been forced into a rethink as a result of the Belgian-born jockey's recent change in circumstances.

William Buick is in pole position for the mount after partnering Lazy Griff to a third-place finish in the Irish Derby at the Curragh last time, though he too could be required elsewhere by Charlie Appleby and Godolphin.

“Obviously, Christophe was going to ride, but he's now going over to Ireland to ride for Aidan,” said Middleham Park's Mike Prince. “It's Irish Champions Weekend, there's racing in Canada as well with Woodbine, so we are just waiting on some clarity on which jockeys are where.

“William, who rode him in the Irish Derby, will obviously have to see where Charlie Appleby is going and what he wants him to ride, so we aren't going to know until Monday or Tuesday of next week.

“So, we have to sit on our hands a little bit and see who is where, really. It's a shame because there is top-quality racing all around the world on the same weekend. It's a bit tricky. Come Monday or Tuesday, we will have a plan in place.”

The Charlie Johnston-trained Lazy Griff is currently trading at 4/1 for the Betfred-sponsored Classic which takes place at Doncaster on Saturday, September 13, behind only Goodwood Cup winner Scandinavia (Justify) at 6/4 and dual Derby hero Lambourn (Australia) at 3/1.

Having also finished behind Lambourn in the G3 Chester Vase back in May, Lazy Griff currently trails that rival 3-0 in their meetings so far this season, but Prince is hopeful of an improved showing when faced with what should be ideal conditions on Town Moor.

“He's had an excellent season so far and it is by no means over yet,” he added. “He's by Protectionist – a Melbourne Cup winner – and the way he finished off in the Irish Derby, he was doing his best work in those last couple of furlongs.

“This is the race that Charlie has had in mind for him since Chester, really, so I think a step up in trip will suit him nicely, as well as this spell of wet weather.

“The more rain the merrier, not that he wants it heavy. He's got a good turn of foot and a bit of juice in the ground will suit him to a tee.”

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