DOUBLE HANDFUL

John Shaw’s racing betting column in association with

THE St Leger is the oldest Classic in the world, it’s so old it dates back to a time when emojis were referred to simply as ‘hieroglyphics’.

When the St Leger comes along it is usually a sign that summer has ended, in the same way that regaining consciousness in a strange place while clutching a kebab is a sign you should stop drinking.

Regular readers may recall I tipped CRYSTAL

OCEAN to win the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood last month and also to snap up the 14-1 about Sir Michael Stoute’s colt winning today’s final Classic of the season.

I’m happy to report that Crystal Ocean is now as short as 4-1 favourite to win here, meaning my £20 each-way investment at 14s has left me feeling rather smug — or at least more smug than usual.

Harbour Law won last year at a whopping 22-1 and there have also been recent winners at 25-1, 12-1 and 14-1. But favourites do prosper in this race and it’s worth noting that 11 of the last 15 winners went off at 8-1 or shorter and that 12 of the last 15 favourites claimed at least a place. Capri and Crystal Ocean are vying for the mantle of favouritism with Defoe a nudge behind. The weather forecast suggests rain will arrive to produce some cut in the ground. Neither Capri or Crystal Ocean have been further than 1m 4f so you can see why the bookies are happy to lay them. I can see money coming for Defoe. The Roger Varian yard is flying, he loves the soft ground, is proven over the distance and has Andrea Atzeni gunning for a third win in four years. But I’m sticking with Crystal Ocean, who, like a typical Stoute improving stayer, will relish the step up in distance. I have word that the yard is very confident in a good showing.