The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Stradivarius can prove Frankie wrong in St Leger
With Dettori choosing to ride Coronet, James Doyle has what looks like the plum classic ride
Frankie Dettori may have opted to ride Coronet, but his decision could prove costly as his discarded mount STRADIVARIUS has all the right credentials for the William Hill St Leger at Doncaster.
Dettori feels the ground may not be suitable for Stradivarius which leaves James Doyle to pick up what looks the plum mount.
Stradivarius is quite the consolation prize, given his stellar trajectory this year, winning off a mark of 78 at Beverley before going on to add a Royal Ascot triumph and Group One honours.
He lines up at Doncaster on a rating of 116, which does give him a bit to find with Irish Derby hero Capri, but it was hard not to have been impressed as he just edged out Gold Cup hero Big Orange in the Goodwood Cup last time.
Admittedly, he had a chunky pull in the weights that day, but the way Stradivarius picked up from off the pace certainly caught the eye and he clearly has the heart for a fight after outbattling one of the toughest horses in training.
While that victory came over two miles, Stradivarius’ previous success in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot shows a mile and six furlongs holds few fears as he picked off the reopposing Count Octave in the final furlong, with possibly a little more in reserve than the neck verdict suggests.
Gosden set his sights on this race some time ago with Stradivarius and given the Newmarket handler has won three of the last 10 renewals, he obviously knows a Leger candidate when he sees one.
DREAM TODAY made a big impression when winning the Convivial Maiden at York last month and he can secure a quick double in the Howcroft Industrial Supplies Champagne Stakes.
This is a swift and sizeable step up to Group Two company, but Dream Today was all business on his debut, racing prominently before quickening from the front.
He did wander around a little in the finish that day, but that was understandable at the first attempt and he must surely be wiser for the experience.
Mark Johnston clearly thought a bit of him to have given him some big-race entries in the autumn and as a full-brother to Al Wukair, it would not be unreasonable to have some lofty ambitions.
ACLAIM hit the crossbar at Group One level in France last time but can finally get his head in front in the Alan Wood Plumbing And Heating Park Stakes. SELECTIONS: DONCASTER: 1.50 Stake Acclaim, 2.25 Aclaim, 3.00 Dream Today, 3.35 STRADIVARIUS (NAP), 4.10 Westerland, 4.45 Battered, 5.55 Game Starter.
MUSSELBURGH: 2.55 Hypnotic Dancer, 3.30 Gamesters Icon, 4.05 Set In Stone, 4.40 Pantera Negra, 5.15 Amelia Dream, 5.45 Red Forever, 6.15 Cosmic Sky, 6.45 State Residence.
DOUBLE: Stradivarius and Dream Today.