St Leger runner breakdown: Galileo Rock

It has to be deemed somewhat of a surprise that a horse that is without a victory in each of his four starts, since winning on his racecourse debut, is on the cusp of being sent off favourite for one of the biggest contests of the racing calendar.

However, this is the case for Galileo Rock, with Ladbrokes currently offering the top price of 5/1 that he finally secures the victory that some of his performances arguably deserve in the St Leger.

Since claiming his Leopardstown maiden in taking style, Galileo Rock has improved on a race-by-race basis and has looked more at home on each occasion he has been stepped up in trip.

This is no real surprise given he is a three-parts brother to 2m Group 2 winner Saddler’s Rock and a first attempt at 1m6f in the St Leger is expected to suit.

His form heading into the St Leger is arguably among the best on show, taking third in the Epsom Derby and then running to a similar level at the Curragh to finish second in the Irish equivalent.

Half of the last 10 St Leger winners had competed in the Epsom Derby and three of the last 10 have run in the Irish equivalent. Interestingly, no horse did either of these doubles.

There is no horse entered that possesses a higher Racing Post Rating, although it is not common among the St Leger winners of the last decade to be without winning form over a distance further than a mile or to have never triumphed in Group class.

Key to his chances could prove to be the ground, as although his pedigree suggests he should see out the trip better than most, trainer David Wachman is convinced he needs a fast surface.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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