Richard Hannon | St Leger Day One: “She’s tough and genuine and is in good form, so I’m hopeful she can acquit herself well”

WE are relatively quiet on the first day of the St Leger meeting, but it’s always a great fixture to have runners at, and we’ve enjoyed plenty of success there, although my worst memory was when Rosallion got beaten in the Champagne Stakes a couple of years ago – I couldn’t believe it! Thankfully he’s won three Group Ones since then and I’m sure he will finish his four-year-old career with another one!

He’s been terribly unlucky so far this season, but I’m pleased to say he has come out of the Moulin in good shape, and, while all the cards are still on the table, we’ll look towards the QEII on Champions Day. Obviously the ground will play a pivotal part, and we do have the option of the Breeders’ Cup, but Ascot is the most likely at this stage.

People are very quick to knock him, but let’s remember he’s been beaten by a short head and a neck in two Group Ones this year, so in my book, he’s still the best older miler around.

DONCASTER

1:50 Weatherbys 2-y-o Stakes

Slay Queen (Joe Leavy)

She’s an improving filly who has won her last two races, most recently at Goodwood, where I thought she did well considering the ground was heavy and she pulled very hard but still stayed on to win with a bit up her sleeve.

This is a completely different ball game, and she needs to improve again, but she’s tough and genuine and is in good form, so I’m hopeful she can acquit herself well.

Battle Apple (Billy Loughnane)

He ran quite green on debut at Ascot and definitely ran better than I thought he would, so is clearly a promising colt.

That run will have brought him on again, and I think this big field, where they’re likely to go a decent gallop, will suit because he can be quite free at home.

I notice that Unibet are paying an extra place each way, so I certainly wouldn’t put you off having a little wager at decent odds.

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