Andrew Balding: My thoughts on our 8 runners this weekend
The Betway ambassador previews his weekend runners, including two going to post at the Doncaster St Leger Festival.
Sunday runners
Scampi has been a bit frustrating in that he’s yet to win, but he’s run some good races in defeat.
This looks his easiest assignment by some way and, if he runs to the form of his recent run at Newcastle, he should be the one to beat (14:45 Bath).
Florence Street has been disappointing. She didn’t seem to see her race out last time, so we’re coming back in trip in the hope that it’ll help her (18:00 Haydock).
Cadeau D’Or is in a competitive race with plenty of runners (18:25 Haydock).
It was good for him to get his head in front last time, and he showed he enjoyed dropping back to 1m2f. He’ll have a chance.
Saturday runners
Stone Of Destiny has gone in his coat, literally within the last week, but I’m not too worried as he did the same 12 months ago and went on to win this race (13:45 Doncaster).
He ran okay at Haydock last weekend and, under these conditions, he could go very well.
Alounak will like the rain that has fallen at Chester (14:00). He’s done very little wrong this year and has done us proud.
I’m not sure how he’ll act around the course, and it could be a tactical affair, but he’s got the ability to run well.
Invite is still rather new to us. She’s got some fairly good form in the book including her run in the Italian Oaks.
Her fitness levels are good, and she should go well on her first start around Chester (14:00).
Youth Spirit runs in the St Leger (15:35 Doncaster). He’s done nothing wrong, bar his underwhelming performance in the Derby, but he’s run well since in all of the good Leger trials. That puts him right in the mix for this.
The race has really improved over the past year as a result of an increase in prize money. It will be competitive, as a classic race always is, but he’s got the ability to be there or thereabouts.
Group One Power has conditions set to suit and has some good form around Chester (16:25). This is a much more suitable trip for him and, all being well, he can be very competitive.
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