William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Sunday’s action, including the conclusion of Doncaster’s St Leger Festival and Group 1 racing from the Curragh.
Curragh, Sunday
BEAUTIFY is a sporting pick for the Moyglare, the first Curragh race on ITV on Sunday (2.40). Aidan has a strong hand, while Venetian Sun will be a tough nut if the rain doesn’t come, but the selection really impressed me when dispatching Lady Iman earlier in the year and must surely move forward again for the extra furlong.
NIGHTEYES is a big-priced each way pick in the Flying Five (3.15). I think this drop to five on soft ground could be completely inspired, and she really doesn’t have much to find with Bucanero Fuerte on that Phoenix Sprint form, particularly considering the wild pace bias that day.
ITALY might be another Aidan second string to surprise (3.50). My reading of him thus far is that he’s a high class cruiser who just wants a bit of a trip and – very possibly – slightly softer ground. That’s what he’s going to get here, and he can go well again.
AMILOC might be good enough to win a pretty smart edition of the Irish Leger (4.25). Everything he’s done suggests further and softer, and the form of his Ascot win – when plenty was against him – has been boosted more than once. He’s been given a nice break since, and Ralph Beckett does a nice line in winning Irish Classics.
Doncaster, Sunday
DEFENCE MINISTER is the pick in a really tough opener at Doncaster (2.30). He’s coming back judged on his good run at Goodwood, and won’t mind a little more cut in the ground.
PUROSANGUE can go close in a decent sprint (3.00). He’s been running ok, but really wants this autumn ground and is now on a ridiculously tempting mark.
MOONJID could be a very good bet in the Leger legends (3.35). He has the most recent winning rider on board, looks to have improved for his new yard, and might just make all and win.
MISS NIGHTFALL is a bold each way play in the Sceptre Stakes (4.10). Ratings tell you she can’t win, but I’ve lost count of the amount of apparent “handicappers” that have won stakes races wrong the weights this season. What she has here are perfect conditions and a trainer and jockey in blinding form.
GETREADYTORUMBLE can take the finale (4.40). He keeps running well, handles any ground, and is showing no signs of flagging. He was a little unlucky not to win at Newbury last time and is able to race off just one pound higher here.
