Buick in fast Lane
HURRICANE LANE was the perfect storm for punters in the Cazoo St Leger — to set up a Prix de l’arc de Triomphe clash with stablemate Adayar three weeks today.
After suffering his first – and, so far, only – defeat when third to Adayar in the Derby at Epsom in June, the Charlie Applebysaddled son of Frankel went on to lift the Irish version at the Curragh three weeks later before a six-length supremacy in the Grand Prix de Paris over the Arc course and distance in July.
William Buick’s mount went off the 8-11 hotpot to last home over the oldest Classic’s trip of one mile, six furlongs and 115 yards at Doncaster and give dual Derby winner Appleby a first St Leger triumph. And Buick oozed confidence, sending his chestnut mount to the front entering the final quarter mile to beat Derby runner-up Mojo Star by two and threequarter lengths. “It’s great to be part of it and to win this historic Classic is extra special,” said the Godolphin trainer. “For a staying horse, thishorse has got a gear change.
“When you watch these races, of
course you always get a little bit ‘toey’, but I could not have been much more comfortable watching that the whole way round.
“He travels for fun, and the Derby form has held up as well, with Mojo Star running a great race.”
The result gives Buick a major selection headache ahead of the Arc at Parislongchamp on October 3.
Ladbrokes trimmed Hurricane Lane’s odds to 6-1 ( from 7-1).
Adayar is the firm’s 9-2 second choice behind 9-4 market leader Snowfall, who has her Arc warm-up in the Prix Vermeille in the French capital today.
“We’ve only just passed the line in the Leger, but they are two fantastic colts,” said the jockey (with the St Leger trophy, above), capturing the final Classic for the third time.
“They’ve both got to get there. We will see how this horse is, and then we’ll make a decision.”
At Leopardstown, connections of St Mark’s Basilica had to endure a stewards’ inquiry before the officials allowed the result of the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes to stand.
The Aidan O’brientrained son of Siyouni fended off Tarnawa by three-parts of a length as Poetic Flare looked set to land the prize before fading into third close home.
O’brien, whose winner carried the second across the width of the track to the stands’ rail in the home straight, said: “They sprinted up the straight and he’s an exceptional horse.
“He quickens well and can really turn it on.”