The William Hill St Ledger Stakes at Doncaster this Saturday looks on paper to be another battle between Kew Gardens and Old Persian. However, the late money for the John Gosden trained Lah Ti Dar has certainly added a new dimension to the betting market. This race is the final classic of the 2018 flat racing season.

Kew Gardens

The St Ledger Stakes has been a major target for Aiden O’Brien and the Ballydoyle team since Kew Gardens won the Grand Prix de Paris in fairly convincing style. His performance in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot also demonstrated a nifty turn of foot and staying credentials.

In the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, and running under a 5 pound penalty, Kew Gardens was played late and again stayed on in an eye catching fashion to indicate that 1 mile 6 furlongs could be his ideal trip (eventually coming 3rd behind Old Persian and Cross Counter).

A line can probably be drawn through his disappointing run to finish just 9th in the Epsom Derby, given (now it is even more apparent...) that the undulations really do not suit his running style.

Doncaster being a flat track should provide an appropriate galloping test for this improving 3 year old. Long term ambitions state that he will be aimed for the 2 mile championships hence his entries for the Qipco Long Distance Cup for Ascot in October and indeed The Melbourne Cup.

However, value in the betting markets is arguably short for a horse that has yet to provide his best: 7/4 with Betfair and Paddy Power. The performance in the Voltigeur is convincing enough though to give Kew Gardens the narrow nod for this oldest of classics. The biggest danger should emanate from the winner of the aforementioned race at York, Old Persian.

Old Persian

The Charlie Appleby trained Old Persian has been a model of consistency this season. His Royal Ascot triumph in the King Edward VII Stakes indicated that it was the right move to step up to 1 mile 4 furlongs and this was again vindicated in his best win to date in the Voltigeur at York.

Stepping up further to 1 mile 6 furlongs for the St Ledger will certainly be entering unknown territory and it is widely agreed that Kew Gardens would have taken his scalp at York with an extra furlong. However, with the weather set to stay dry for the next few days, it is unlikely to be a staying slogathon which would probably favour Kew Gardens more. Old Persian should certainly improve for this run and is widely available at 6/1.

Lah Ti Dar

By far the best backed horse of the week so far and it is abundantly clear to see why thanks to a demolition job in the Galtres Stake at York last month. This filly demonstrated enormous ability in that race and with John Gosden’s runners flying in at the moment, the antipost money is fully justified.

The participation is not entirely guaranteed however with the horse declared for the Vermaille at Longchamp on Sunday. Connections have stipulated that they do not want the ground too fast for Saturday’s Leger, and with only a little rain forecast the situation is giving punters quite a conundrum.

If you are going to bet on Lah Ti Dar, we recommend checking thoroughly with the firm you are placing the bet with regarding whether this is a “NRNB” or “Full Antepost Rules Apply”. At the time of writing, it seems most firms are operating on full ante post rules which means of course that you will lose your stake if Lah Ti Dar is switched to the Sunday race instead. As things stand, William Hill are offering the best price of 100/30 with full ante post rules applying.

The Rest

Dee Ex Bee is a very interesting each way contender. His second behind Masar in the Epsom Derby was a blistering performance and confirmed that he is guaranteed to stay beyond 1 mile 4 furlongs. However, his form has dived since that run and it is anybody guess to which horse will turn up on Saturday. He will be a potent threat if he is anywhere near that Derby for and is available at a best price of 12/1 with Coral.

Two other live each way contenders worth considering are:

Southern France has been mighty consistent in the extended distances most notably when he finished 4 lengths behind Kew Gardens at the Queen’s Vase at Ascot, before going on to finish a respectable 4th in the Irish Derby at The Curragh. He is sure to improve again and good value for a place (10/1, William Hill).

Maid Up has been performing well in recent handicaps. This is obviously a massive step up in class but 20/1 (Bet Victor) is great value for an improving horse.

Round Up

This is an intriguing hot St Leger Stakes contest with plenty of horses certainly in with a shout. Nevertheless, the sensible form head suggests that Kew Gardens has the class, the staying power and the pedigree to see this home and register a sixth triumph for Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle team. Maid Up could also be a worthy and valued each way speculation.

BEST OF LUCK AND ENJOY THE RACE!