St Leger challenge proves poor draw

Ballydoyle quintet cannot paper over growing cracks in Classic's pulling power

(PA)

With the connections of 2,000 Guineas and Derby hero Sea The Stars declining the ultimate challenge of the Triple Crown, the St Leger has the look of a party without the guest of honour. Just 11 horses – none of them yet a Group 1 winner – remained in the longest and oldest Classic at yesterday's elimination stage, although another two are under consideration for a supplementary entry five days before the Doncaster showpiece two weeks on Saturday.

Five on the current list are trained by Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle, once home to Nijinsky, the last horse to complete the Triple Crown. O'Brien has won three of the last eight St Legers – with Milan (2001), Brian Boru (2003) and Scorpion (2005) – and his pair of challengers this time are likely to be Age Of Aquarius, seventh in the Derby and last seen chasing Cavalryman home in the Grand Prix de Paris, and Changingoftheguard, who failed by a head to justify favouritism in the Ebor Handicap at York last week. "They are the two we are training for the race," he confirmed.

The St Leger is not only the longest and oldest Classic, but also the toughest, over an extended mile and six furlongs with a daunting home straight of more than half a mile that demands stamina and considerable fortitude as well as class. And, despite the excellent performances of last year's winner Conduit over shorter trips since his victory on Town Moor, it has, sadly, become commercially expedient for a potential top-class Flat stallion to avoid displaying all of those qualities. The three Ballydoyle winners are all now jump sires.

But another outfit not afraid of the racecourse challenge is Godolphin, successful four times with Classic Cliche (1995), Nedawi (1998), Mutafaweq (1999) and Rule Of Law five years ago. The Blues field this year's ante-post favourite Kite Wood – at 5-2 with race sponsors Ladbrokes since his defeat of older horses in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newmarket, with Age Of Aquarius second choice at 3-1 – and also can call on the Italian Derby winner Mastery, runner-up in the Great Voltigeur Stakes last time out.

They also have an intriguing candidate in twice-raced Urban Poet, who cost $2.9m as a yearling and has recently been transferred from Mark Johnson. After winning on his debut at Hamilton, the son of Dynaformer caught the eye in staying on well when third at Goodwood late last month and returns on Saturday to the Sussex track for the March Stakes over the St Leger distance. He would need to be added to the field, at a cost of £45,000, if he comes through that test; the other under the same consideration is Great Voltigeur winner Monitor Closely, from the Peter Chapple-Hyam yard.

Henry Cecil, too, has four St Legers on his CV, though none for a while. The last to return in triumph to Warren Place was Michelozzo twenty years ago, preceded by Reference Point (1987), Oh So Sharp (1985) and Light Cavalry (1980). Cecil has a lively candidate this year in Father Time who, given cut in the ground, is likely to step up on his Great Voltigeur third on a firm surface he clearly hated, and can currently be backed at 14-1.

Little man walks tall

Andre Fabre is undoubtedly small in physical stature, but a sarcastic personal remark to the effect by Christophe Soumillon at an awards ceremony in France proved one breach of public etiquette too many for Soumillon's employer, the Aga Khan, who has abruptly terminated the flamboyant – and some would say over-flamboyant – Belgian rider's contract with effect from the end of the season.

The diminutive Fabre – also known as 'le petit Napoleon' – is, however, a giant of his profession, champion trainer on 21 occasions. One of the particular specialités de la maison at 14 Avenue de Bourbon is the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and if money spoke correctly yesterday, then an eighth edition of the Parisian showpiece is heading for the Chantilly fastness.

Fabre's leading candidate Cavalryman has been backed to 10-1 ahead of his trial, the Prix Niel at Longchamp the day after the St Leger. The late-developing Halling colt, owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed, beat Age of Aquarius and Mastery in the Grand Prix de Paris last time out, a route also taken by his trainer's most recent Arc winner Rail Link three years ago.

Turf account: Sue Montgomery

Nap

Adele Blanc Sec (3.50 Lingfield) Came home strongly under considerate handling on her debut to split two well-regarded fillies (the winner has scored since) and will have learned much from the experience.

Next best

Tagula Night (4.50 Lingfield) This Walter Swinburn-trained three-year-old showed plenty of dash to win on his handicap (and seasonal) debut over this trip at Windsor and a 4lb rise in handicap this time out may prove an underestimation of his potential.

One to watch

Lady Hestia (Marcus Tregoning) has been off the track since winning a minor race in May but, having been given the summer to strengthen and with her stable back in form, should be followed when she reappears, particularly over 12 furlongs-plus.

Chris McGrath's Nap

Captain Ellis (4.30 Southwell)