4.25 Comer Group International Irish St. Leger (Group 1) 1m 6f

Al Qareem: A three-time winner at this trip earlier in the year, before a mid-division finish in the Lonsdale Cup last time;. Readily forgiven that latter effort, given that he doesn’t look to have the stamina for two miles. Will appreciate dropping back to optimum distance but faces a stiff task nonetheless.

Al Riffa: Dual Group 1 winner who looked to improve for the extra test of stamina when stepping up to this trip to win over course and distance last time. A classy five-year-old who should take all the beating before a potential Melbourne Cup bid.

Crystal Black: Came forward from belated reappearance to finish runner-up at Leopardstown last time. Has his first start both in Group 1 class and over this distance. Overall profile suggests that he is racing for a place at best.

Dallas Star: Yet to win at beyond 10 furlongs and overall form doesn’t look good enough. Likely to be up with the pace but could struggle once stamina kicks into play late on.

Illinois: Beat Al Qareem in Ormonde Stakes on reappearance, before finishing runner-up in the Ascot Gold Cup next time. No disgrace in just failing to concede 14lb to smart three-year-old last time out. Strong stayer who will make this a proper test.

Leinster: Graduated from handicaps to win a Group 3 over course and distance last time. Will need to take another step forward and looks stable second string on jockey bookings.

Queenstown: Carried a big weight when third in the Ebor Handicap at York recently. Previously well-beaten by Al Riffa over this course and distance. Looks to face a stiff task in this grade.

Waldadler: German raider who narrowly landed a listed race last time. A six-year-old gelding with four wins from 33 starts, it is unlikely that he can get competitive in this much stronger company.

Amiloc: Unbeaten in all five career starts to date. Form of latest Royal Ascot win received a boost when runner-up landed the Group 3 Royal Whip Stakes. Has progressed with each step up in trip, so every chance of more to come now that he races over 14 furlongs for the first time.

Conclusion:

A decent renewal in which Al Riffa can land the spoils before a potential Melbourne Cup bid. A classy performer, the Joseph O’Brien-trained five-year-old is an exciting recruit to the staying ranks. The unbeaten Amiloc has to be respected for the Ralph Beckett yard, while Illinois will expose any stamina chinks in his opponents.