Four Doncaster tips from Architect for Day 3 of the St Leger Festival.
13:50 Doncaster
I’m quite surprised to see WOLF OF BADENOCH (best price 7/2) the price he is, because I would firmly have him favourite based on his rating and latest second at Goodwood.
Hugo Palmer’s candidate cruised to victory over C&D on debut, and although he was flat to the boards early doors in the Vintage Stakes but stuck to his guns and was nearest the finish.
The way he swept past subsequent Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes winner Cool Hoof Luke was impressive. That is the best form on offer and it will take a good effort to see his colours lowered.
14:25 Doncaster
The George Scott-trained BORN TO ROCK (best price 20/1) has been highly tried in each of her starts since winning on debut at Yarmouth, and having only found one too good over C&D last time out, she represents fair each-way value at the odds back in this grade.
This filly was conceding 10lb to the eventual winner and did the best of those that were held up in rear, only being denied by half-a-length, which was a solid effort. Off only a 2lb higher mark, she’s the most alluring proposition, as I can see her being very competitive.
Six places are widely on offer and advised.
16:15 Doncaster
George Boughey does well in these types of events, and I’m pinning my hopes on KING LEAR (best price 15/2) to back up his latest eye-catching second and go one place better.
Having beaten an 88-rated horse by four lengths in August last year, he then followed that up with a neck-second at Goodwood. He found life tough starting out in handicaps but has steadily improved and lost little in defeat last time.
I liked the way he finished his race off under his big weight to be denied by less than a length, and the return to the turf off only a 3lb higher mark seems quite generous. He can go close under Pat Cosgrave.
17:25 Doncaster
David O’Meara is continuing to fire in the winners this year, and he may well add to the tally with MIRSKY (best price 9/1) in the concluding race on the card, the Cepac 25th Year Anniversary Handicap.
The five-year-old shaped promisingly when fifth of 14 on his stable debut in the Thirsk Hunt Cup and wasn’t disgraced on his next three outings before running a blinder to finish second in the Clipper Handicap last time out.
Despite starting the race at odds of 28/1, he did very well to keep himself in the fight up the home straight, only being denied by an extremely well handicapped horse in the shape of Thunder Run.
Back in third was Holloway Boy, who subsequently advertised the form by landing a Group 3 race at Haydock. The selection has only been hit with a 2lb rise and should have more to offer in the UK after just a handful of starts. Four places on offer and advised.
