St Leger Festival SmartPlays: Friday September 12

Our first bet of the day comes in the opening contest on the card, the Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes over five furlongs (13:40) and it looks a competitive renewal. Cotai Glory clearly demands respect as a previous Group winner whilst there's more to come from Moonraker and Accepted, but the one to keep on side is the unbeaten Irish raider Ainippe. She looked a smart prospect when bolting up on debut at Naas and did nothing to alter that view when making a successful step up to listed level at the Curragh last month. With significant improvement on the cards she looks capable of taking another step forward and winning this on her way to bigger and better things. 

The next contest under consideration is another Group 2, the Doncaster Cup over 18 furlongs (14:40) and the guaranteed stamina of Estimate means she gets the nod. She put up a huge effort when narrowly failing to defend her crown in the Ascot Gold Cup back in June before failing to handle the track at Goodwood. That run is easily ignored as she clearly didn't take to the unique demands of the Sussex Downs and was right back on track in the Lonsdale Cup at York last time, only losing out to a rapidly improving filly in Pale Mimosa. With none of today's opponents boasting the same profile she is a confident selection to return to winning ways. 

Our final bet of the day comes in the sprint handicap over an extended six furlongs (15:45) and it's hard to ignore Danzeno. He made a seamless transition into pattern company when landing the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle when last seen and with just five career starts to his names it's possible to say with confidence that his best days are in front of him. He gets a three-year-old allowance here too and although it's a cliché to back the 'group horse in a handicap' this afternoon looks a prime example of why it's become common parlance. Badr Al Badoo ran a fine race in defeat here last month and is respected but in all likelihood the selection will prove a very tough nut to crack.

St Leger Festival SmartPlays
All at Doncaster

Back Ainippe @ 4.216/5 in the 13:40
Back Estimate @ 2.588/5 in the 14:40
Back Danzeno @ 3.1511/5 in the 15:45