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| Staff Writer |
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Aidan O'Brien is flexing his muscles ahead of the Gr.1 Betfred St Leger, with the Ballydoyle maestro responsible for more than half of the field following Tuesday's acceptance stage. The Irish trainer, who claimed last year's final British Classic with Continuous, has nine potential runners among the 15 entries remaining for the Doncaster showpiece.
O'Brien's formidable contingent is spearheaded by ante-post favourite Los Angeles, whilst the unbeaten Jan Brueghel, Illinois, and Grosvenor Square are all prominent in the betting. Completing the Ballydoyle battalion are Chief Little Rock, Euphoric, The Equator, The Euphrates, and Port Fairy.
Standing tall against the O'Brien juggernaut is Godolphin's Ancient Wisdom. Trained by Charlie Appleby, the colt was last seen landing the Group Three Bahrain Trophy and boasts course form, having struck in the Group One Kameko Futurity Trophy at Doncaster last October. Ancient Wisdom's familiarity with Town Moor could prove crucial in his bid to thwart the Ballydoyle domination.
Other notable contenders include the David Menuisier-trained Sunway and Owen Burrows' Deira Mile, both of whom have stood their ground at this stage.
Charlie Johnston faces a pivotal decision regarding the progressive Align The Stars. The son of Sea The Stars, who completed a hat-trick with victory at Glorious Goodwood, holds entries in the Group Two Lonsdale Cup and Melrose Handicap at York, as well as the St Leger.
Johnston, mulling over his options, said: "We have three races we can sit down and look at. We have the Lonsdale Cup on Friday, the Melrose on Saturday and the Leger itself to decide on what is best for the horse. The Lonsdale would be a big step up in class and distance, while the Melrose would be the gradual step. However, I wouldn't rule out us going straight to Doncaster if we felt it was the best thing for him. He's in good order and we'll plot our way as best we can."
The acceptance stage saw ten horses scratched from the Group One contest, including Chantilly, Gasper de Lemos, Highbury, London City, and Portland from the O'Brien yard. Despite these withdrawals, the remaining field promises a thrilling renewal of the world's oldest Classic.
With prize money expected to exceed US$900,000 (£750,000), the St Leger represents not only a prestigious title but also a substantial payday for connections. As the final declarations approach, all eyes will be on Ballydoyle to see which of O'Brien's nine will take their chance in this historic contest.