St Leger Betting: Donny gets serious on Day Three

/ Graham Cunningham / 11 September 2008 / Leave a Comment

The bar is raised another notch on day three of the St Leger Festival and, better late than never, Channel 4 are joining the party. Racing UK analyst Graham Cunningham outlines his best Betfair angles on a card featuring the Doncaster Cup and the Flying Childers Stakes.

1.35

Lord Shanakill is the key contender after two fine efforts against some of the best juveniles around and, unlike some, I suspect he will be every bit as strong over five furlongs as he is over six and seven. A fast pace looks guaranteed, with Senor Mirasol and Coconut Shy bound to be prominent, but Lord Shanakill will relish that and soft ground doesn't seem to pose him any problems, either.

2.05

Stamina will be important in this fiercely open handicap as Laterly is one of several potential pace angles. Finding a solid win option is tough, but Bogside Theatre has thrived in defeat of late and looks sure to run another bold race. On the negative side, I'm less positive about Pippa Greene and Bollin Felix. The former showed a worrying lazy streak last time, while the latter is a grand mudlark but will find life tougher under a penalty for his latest success.

2.40

A forgiving nature is required for some leading form hopes here. Honolulu ran a jaded race at Goodwood and remains much less reliable than his illustrious stablemates Yeats and Septimus, while Sagara shaped better last time but isn't a guaranteed stayer. Royal And Regal was also below par on his latest start, but he ran as if needing the race after a summer break and his earlier fine efforts give him a great chance. In short, he relishes soft conditions and looks one of the most interesting horses of the day.

3.50

Jamie Spencer's loss is Robert Winston's gain as Spacious bids to bang in what many will see as a penalty kick. There can be little doubt she has the best form in the race. She also impressed on her sole previous trip to Donny, and James Fanshawe's subdued form is the sole knock against her chance. In theory, Alexandros is the biggest danger to the favourite. However, he ran a lacklustre race last time and Moyenne Corniche could be the one to capitalise if Spacious doesn't measure up.

4.55

Rightly or wrongly, I suspect I will be opposing King Olav here. Granted, he's unexposed and drew clear late on in his Kempton maiden, but he still looked very green in doing so and this big field of seasoned handicappers looks a tough school for him to prosper in. Closertobelieving is bang in form and finds plenty off the bit, while Sky Dive, Suits Me, Albaqaa and Demolition are all weighted to ensure King Olav has his work cut out.