Black-Type Analysis: Classic Glory On The Line In St Leger

[Wandering Eyes]

Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 15:40, THE BETFRED ST LEGER S.-G1, £700,000, 3yo, Open, 14f 115y

Field: Carmers (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Furthur (Ire) (Waldgeist {GB}), Lambourn (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Rahiebb (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Scandinavia (Justify), Stay True (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Tarriance (GB) (Frankel {GB}).

TDN Verdict: Judged on the evidence of the first day's racing here, staying power is going to be a must and Scandinavia certainly has that. From one of Coolmore's finest Classic families, he has surged to promise in the last two months and mastered last year's Leger runner-up Illinois in the Goodwood Cup. Lambourn was so disappointing in the Voltigeur that it leaves a question mark over what looked a rock-solid Leger proposition beforehand. Winning the Derby and Irish Derby in the manner of a true stayer, he would probably be the more likely candidate of the pair if he is back to his best. Galileo's last Classic runner Stay True and the Queen's Vase winner Carmers were in front of Lambourn at York and both promise to improve significantly for this step up in trip in what will probably be an Irish-dominated affair. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 17:30, ROYAL BAHRAIN IRISH CHAMPION S.-G1, €725,000, 3yo/up, 10f 0y

Field: Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Royal Champion (Ire) (Shamardal), Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Mount Kilimanjaro (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Zahrann (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}).

TDN Verdict: Given the likelihood of soft ground for this, it is very hard to envisage Anmaat not having a big say. One of the few to have beaten Calandagan, he may have too much for the race's obvious favourite Delacroix who won a falsely-run Eclipse but yet is described by Aidan O'Brien as needing a strong pace. This renewal is light on heavyweight players, so Japan's Shin Emperor who was third in what was probably a stronger renewal of this 12 months ago may not have to improve on that to continue Japan's fine recent record in Europe. Zahrann is on the upgrade, but his win in the Royal Whip leaves him probably short of what is required. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 16:25, COOLMORE AMERICA 'JUSTIFY' MATRON S.-G1, €240,000, 3yo/up, 8f 0y

Field: Duckadilly (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Queen Of Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Sparks Fly (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Vera's Secret (Ire) (Epaulette {Aus}), Atsila (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), California Dreamer (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}), Cathedral (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Cercene (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Exactly (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}).

TDN Verdict: Revived by her win in the Prix Rothschild, Fallen Angel bids for another overseas triumph with January looking to close the narrow gap between them from Deauville and become the bride for once. Second to Porta Fortuna 12 months ago, Fallen Angel holds the key but it might be a mistake to have taken Danny Tudhope off given how well they connect. The surprise Coronation heroine Cercene reverts to a mile after being put in her place by Whirl in the flag-started Nassau, while Vera's Secret is three-for-three around here and has two Group 3s over seven under her belt from her trio of visits. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 13:50, THE BETFRED CHAMPAGNE S.-G2, £150,000, 2yo, Open, 7f 6y

Field: Cape Ashizuri (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Cape Orator (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Gewan (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Oxagon (Fr) (Frankel {GB}), Puerto Rico (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}).

TDN Verdict: Under new ownership, the Acomb winner Gewan continues exactly on the Chaldean path for the same stable. Oxagon earned TDN Rising Star status with his eight-length Sandown romp, while the two “Capes” have claims. Cape Orator looked ready for this grade when bossing Deauville's Arqana Criterium d'Ete and Cape Ashizuri registered a taking debut success at Ayr. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 15:00, THE BETFRED PARK S.-G2, £140,000, 3yo/up, 7f 6y

Field: Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Devil's Point (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), King's Gamble (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Quinault (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Room Service (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Ten Bob Tony (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Zoum Zoum (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), East Hampton (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Marvelman (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Zabeel Alkabeir (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}).

TDN Verdict: Back over seven, last year's Middle Park and Dewhurst winner Shadow Of Light bids to get back on track and it is probably a case of leaving it as late as possible to employ his deadly kick. Connections of the John Of Gaunt winner Ten Bob Tony have been patient and the ground has come right at last, while Audience needs to bounce back after a spell in the wilderness but has a flat track and his ideal trip to help. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 16:55, TONYBET SOLONAWAY S.-G2, €120,000, 3yo/up, 8f 0y

Field: Chicago Critic (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Johan (GB) (Zoffany {Ire}), Lord Massusus (Ire) (Markaz {Ire}), Mutasarref (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Skukuza (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Alakazi (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Comanche Brave (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Scorthy Champ (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Copacabana Sands (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}).

TDN Verdict: Comanche Brave probably has the most upside, with his Jersey third backing up a fine effort behind Henri Matisse in the G3 Ballylinch Stud Stakes here in March. Things haven't happened for last year's Vincent O'Brien National Stakes winner Scorthy Champ this term, but there is always another day for a colt of his class while there is no reason to expect a drop-off from the G3 Desmond Stakes-winning veteran Johan. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 15:20, KPMG CHAMPIONS JUVENILE S.-G2, €90,000, 2yo, Open, 8f 0y

Field: A Boy Named Susie (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Benvenuto Cellini (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Hardy Warrior (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Montreal (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Nil Bua Gan Dua (American Pharoah).

TDN Verdict: It's an all-O'Brien affair, as Aidan, Joseph and Donnacha supply the runners in what will be a historic moment for Irish racing's supreme dynasty. The colts that Ballydoyle choose for this staging post are pointers to their Derby thoughts for the year ahead and it is no surprise that Benvenuto Cellini and Montreal carry the standard here. Kept back since his taking maiden win at Killarney, the former is a son of Newspaperofrecord who has already produced the smart full-sister Giselle, while TDN Rising Star Montreal is a half to Cayenne Pepper who couldn't have done any more than win by eight lengths over course and distance last month. As ever, Joseph has irons in the fire in Hardy Warrior who had Montreal back in third over this track and trip in July and the maiden Nil Bua Gan Dua, while Donnacha's Futurity fourth A Boy Named Susie completes the landmark line-up. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 15:50, CMG GROUP S.-G3, €60,000, 3yo/up, 12f 0y

Field: Al Aasy (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Sons And Lovers (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Trustyourinstinct (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Fleetfoot (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Sunchart (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}), Mo Ghille Mar (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), Acapulco Bay (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Convergent (Ire) (Fascinating Rock {Ire}), Omni Man (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Reyenzi (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), It's A Heartbeat (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}).

TDN Verdict: This is competitive stuff, with the perpetual Group 3 winner Al Aasy looking to see off some smart Irish runners and the Deutsches Derby runner-up Convergent. Last year's winner Trustyourinstinct looks even better in 2025, while there is a chance that we haven't seen the best of Ballydoyle's Acapulco Bay during a frustrating campaign. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 14:15, BALLYLINCH STUD IRISH EBF INGABELLE S.-L, €60,000, 2yo, Open, 7f 0y

Field: Brownstown (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Caught U Sleeping (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Diamond Necklace (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Inbox (GB) (Ectot {GB}), Kensington Lane (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Killashee Warrior (GB) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Mighty Danu (Ire) (Coulsty {Ire}), Red Autumn (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Sukanya (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Teewinot (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Venosa (Gun Runner).

TDN Verdict: TDN Rising Star Diamond Necklace will be a warm order to kick off Irish Champions weekend in style for Ballydoyle and with good cause. The blueblood went through her Curragh debut with so much promise it is impossible not to envisage her in the 2026 Classics and anything other than a win will be deflating. Mighty Danu looked one to follow on her winning debut at Galway, while the Prestige fourth Sukanya had that form boosted on Thursday. [Tom Frary].

Sunday, Curragh, post time: 16:25, COMER GROUP INTERNATIONAL IRISH ST LEGER-G1, €290,000, 3yo/up, 14fT

Field: Al Qareem (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Crystal Black (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Dallas Star (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}), Illinois (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Leinster (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Queenstown (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Waldadler (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Amiloc (GB) (Postponed {Ire}).

TDN Analysis: Now that Al Riffa has proven his stamina for this trip with a clear-cut win in the G2 Curragh Cup, he holds obvious claims but last year's St Leger runner-up Illinois will be a tough nut to crack back at a trip that suits better than the marathon ones. The question is, can either live with the unbeaten three-year-old Amiloc, who gave a comprehensive beating to the Irish Champion hope Zahrann in the King Edward VII. He would be the first of his age group to win since 2019, but he is one of the best to have tried and gets eight pounds from his elders on ground he will relish. [Tom Frary].

Sunday, Curragh, post time: 14:40, MOYGLARE STUD STAKES-G1, €240,000, 2yo, f, 7fT

Field: Beautify (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Composing (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Pivotal Attack (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Precise (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), SKydance (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Suzie Songs (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Venetian Sun (Ire) (Starman {GB}).

TDN Analysis: Composing has done nothing wrong so far and it is probable that she will be able to complete the Silver Flash-Debutante-Moyglare treble here. Venetian Sun will have her own thoughts on that subject, but this will represent an entirely different test to Deauville's six-furlong Prix Morny. Her class cannot be questioned, but her stamina certainly can be especially if the ground is testing so this will answer some questions. Aidan O'Brien also has the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes and G3 Prestige Stakes winners Beautify and Precise and both are fascinating contenders, with the former bred to get a lot further than the six over which she put away Lady Iman last time. [Tom Frary].

Sunday, Curragh, post time: 15:15, BAR ONE RACING FLYING FIVE STAKES-G1, €240,000, 3yo/up, 5fT

Field: Art Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Erosandpsyche (Ire) (Sepoy {Aus}), Night Raider (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Two Stars (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Arizona Blaze (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev), Powerful Nation (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never), Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), Mgheera (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), Nighteyes (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), She's Quality (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Vadream (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}), Grande Marques (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Lady With The Lamp (Ire) (King Of Change {GB}), Saratoga Special (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}).

TDN Analysis: Having won the Nunthorpe, Asfoora owes nobody anything and she has to do it all over again on this very different track. Amo Racing's duo have in their armoury the fact that they have excelled on it, with the Phoenix, Railway and Phoenix Sprint Stakes winner Bucanero Fuerte joining the Sapphire Stakes and Marble Hill winner Arizona Blaze. After Friday's Flying Childers, King Power and Tim Easterby are flying high but Ireland-lover Art Power could put the cherry on top if able to muster one of his big efforts, while the unexposed Two Stars warrants respect at a venue he clearly appreciates. [Tom Frary].

Sunday, Curragh, post time: 15:50, GOFFS VINCENT O'BRIEN NATIONAL STAKES-G1, €240,000, 2yo, c/f, 7fT

Field: Dorset (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Gstaad (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Italy (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), North Coast (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Saba Desert (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Zavateri (Ire) (Without Parole {GB}).

TDN Analysis: In an era where genuine two-year-old stand-offs are becoming increasingly rare, thankfully this is a proper conundrum with none of the protagonists readily written off. Ballydoyle supply the Coventry winner and Morny runner-up Gstaad and two TDN Rising Stars Italy and Dorset and it is not a given that Soumillon is on the right one. Charlie Appleby has kept the Superlative winner Saba Desert back for this since Newmarket's July Festival and he treads the proven path of the yard's 2018 and 2021 winners Quorto and Native Trail, while the July and Vintage winner Zavateri is very much in the mix along with the Tyros scorer North Coast whose stable have won three of the last five renewals. [Tom Frary].

Sunday, Curragh, post time: 17:00, MOYGLARE 'JEWELS' BLANDFORD STAKES-G2, €120,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 10fT

Field: Apercu (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}), Higher Leaves (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Naomi Lapaglia (GB) (Awtaad {Ire}), One Look (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Snellen (Ire) (Expert Eye {GB}), Ballet Slippers (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Barnavara (Ire) (Calyx {GB}), Merrily (No Nay Never), Red Letter (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Spicy Margarita (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}), Tarima (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}).

TDN Analysis: One of the weekend's less high-profile contests but always fascinating in its own right, it features a clash between Wathnan's new acquisition One Look and Juddmonte's progressive Red Letter. Both come into this off career-best wins with confidence high, while the race's outlier is Ballydoyle's three-year-old Ballet Slippers who is having a strange seasonal debut having last been seen finishing third in the Fillies' Mile. [Tom Frary].

Sunday, Doncaster, post time: 16:10, THE JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION SCEPTRE FILLIES' STAKES-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 7f 6yT

Field: Spiritual (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Arolla (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Bright Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Chic Colombine (Fr) (Seahenge), Circe (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Fair Angellica (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire]), Fair Point (GB) (Farhh {GB}), Havana Pusey (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Jabaara (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus]), Lou Lou's Gift (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Queen's Reign (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Queen Of Mougins (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Shuwari (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Stop The Cavalry (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Sunfall (GB) (Twilight Son {GB}), Bermuda Longtail (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Betty Clover (GB) (Time Test {GB}), Hey Boo (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Miss Nightfall (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}).

TDN Analysis: Third last year, Queen Of Mougins looked an improved performer on her seasonal bow in a Curragh handicap last month and is the current market-leader as a result. The 2023 Fillies' Mile runner-up Shuwari is on the way back judged on her latest win in the Listed Prix de la Cochere, while Lou Lou's Gift upped her game at Newbury last month and has the breeding to be Group-class. [Tom Frary].

Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 13:58, PRIX DU PETIT COUVERT-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, 5fT

Field: Spartan Arrow (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), Ciao Pa' (Fr) (Shamalgan {Fr}), Lesslepasser (Fr) (Penny's Picnic {Ire}), Burhan (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Monteille (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Estepona (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), Rayevka (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}).

TDN Analysis: Czech speedster Ponntos makes a fourth pit-stop in this stepping stone to next month's G1 Prix de l'Abbaye and, as always, the focus will be on his ability to hold out from the front. If or when that veteran trailblazer stutters, G1 Commonwealth Cup third Rayevka and G3 Prix du Gros-Chene victrix Monteille are best-placed to take advantage. Both have finished close-up, albeit unplaced, in subsequent Group 1 contests and this should be a case of class will out. The Andre Fabre stable is firing on all cylinders and Burhan merits respect dropping down in trip. [Sean Cronin].

Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 14:33, PRIX DU PRINCE D'ORANGE-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, 10fT

Field: Bolster (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Daring Prince (GB) (Zarak {Fr}), Croix Du Nord (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Daryz (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Uthred (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Nahraan (GB) (Make Believe {GB}), Dumonet (Ire) (Soldier Hollow {GB}).

TDN Analysis: John and Thady Gosden nurtured freshly minted World's Best Racehorse Rankings topper Ombudsman through wins in Deauville's Listed Prix Nureyev and the latest renewal of this contest last year, and attempt to repeat the dose with Nawara Stud homebred Nahraan, who bids to complete the same double this time around. His mettle will be tested by dual Group 1-winning Japanese superstar Croix Du Nord, who returns off a scintillating triumph in June's G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), and is yet another representing a country eager for a first taste of G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe glory. Daryz floundered on quick ground when last of six home in York's G1 Juddmonte International and is better judged on his victory in June's G2 Prix Eugene Adam. Antoine Griezmann's homebred Uthred posted a confidence-boosting seven-length romp in July's Listed Prix Pelleas when last seen and is no back number. [Sean Cronin].

Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 15:50, PRIX DU PIN-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, 7fT

Field: King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}), Roshvar (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Poet Master (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Divine Libra (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Siam Paragon (Fr) (Shalaa {Ire}), Omicrone (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Exxtra (Fr) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Stolen Kiss (Fr) (Chachnak {Fr}), Polyvega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}).

TDN Analysis: This launchpad to Arc Weekend's G1 Prix de la Foret plays host to the comeback of Karl Burke trainee Poet Master, whose last-of-nine effort in March's Listed Gladness Stakes was his lone start since posting a close fifth in last year's Foret. He encounters a solid home defence, which includes Claire Stephenson's ultra-consistent Siam Paragon, who was a below par seventh in July's G3 Prix Messidor last time, 2023 G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest hero King Gold, the multiple Group 3-placed TDN Rising Star Polyvega and Aga Khan Studs homebred Roshvar, who returns off wide-margin wins at Clairefontaine and Dieppe. [Sean Cronin].

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