Libertarian the pick of Godolphin trio taking on the St Leger
Published:
Godolphin are preparing a three-pronged assault on the St Leger as they look to secure a record-equalling seventh victory at the Doncaster showpiece.
Charlie Appleby is responsible for two of the team’s entries in the shape of Cap O’Rushes and Libertarian.
The latter is the stable’s best hope.
Libertarian has a real chance at 13/2, especially if recreating the sort of performance that secured an unlucky second in the Derby and his impressive victory in the Dante.
Backers will have to forgive him his last performance though, in which he failed to perform and finished eighth in the Irish Derby.
His rating of 117 far outweighs the average rating of 111 for the previous St Leger winners and if he can reproduce his Dante form then he is sure to be challenging come the conclusion of the 1m 6f race.
The former struggled in the Voltigeur finishing just sixth but was impressive when fourth in the Irish Derby. Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford is convinced that should the ground hold up for the three-year-old, he could be a real threat.
“He didn’t like the ground at York and wasn’t letting himself down.” He explained.
“I can’t claim he’s got the same profile as some of our previous winners, he’s not rated quite high enough to be winning a Leger, but there’s more to come for him and I’d say he has an each-way chance.”
And at 16/1 it could prove a wise investment to go with Crisford’s suggestion.
Saeed Bin Suroor ‘s Secret Number was good when third in the Voltigeur but finished well behind Cap O’Rushes at Goodwood and hasn’t had a victory since scoring at Meydan in March.
Crisford was also unsure of his chances when speaking to Racing UK: “He doesn’t have any gears, he’s a little slow to be a Classic winner. He’s bred for a mile and a quarter, that’s proved too short, but hopefully he can run a big race as he’s very well.”
The colt is priced at 20/1 but with so much class around him that has bettered him before he could struggle to keep pace.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim three £10 free bets when you bet £10
