4.35 Comer Group International Irish St. Leger (Group 1) 1m 6f
Arabian Force: Last year’s Great Voltigeur third isn’t a frequent winner but has been knocking on the door in listed and Group 3 company lately. Possible he could improve with the addition of cheekpieces for the first time, and for a gelding procedure since last seen in July, but he’ll need to step forward a fair deal on all known form. His trainer has a fine record when sending runners to Ireland.
Jan Brueghel: Officially the second highest rated runner in the field (5lb behind Scandinavia) but possible he might sharpen up for this first appearance since finishing fourth in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot. Clearly high class on his day and this looks a good fit trip-wise. Ronan Whelan rides.
Leinster: Group 3 winner over this course and distance last year has been consistent enough without really progressing this season. Seven and a quarter lengths to find with Queenstown from his latest third here.
Queenstown: Fair performance to win a Group 3 trial for this race here on his first start for 300 days last time, and every chance he’ll improve. Stays strongly and has some classy form from last season, albeit he was well held in this race 12 months ago and probably ideally wants further. Wayne Lordan, who was aboard last time, riding him over Jan Brueghel looks another encouraging sign.
Scandinavia: Champion of the staying division comes here seeking an eighth win in succession and his fifth Group 1, though this is strangely the first time he’s ever raced at the Curragh. If there is one possible area to crib him, it’s that this distance is probably the bare minimum at which he can show his best, but he’s top drawer.
Tennessee Stud: Far from disgraced in classic company last season and improved as expected when stepping up in trip, winning a one-mile-seven-furlong Group 2 at ParisLongchamp last October. Lightly raced and without fireworks this season. Was beaten when suffering interference in the Group 2 Curragh Cup on his latest appearance in July. Application of cheekpieces should be right up his street and he could run well at a big price, albeit he needs a sizeable step forward.
Trustyourinstinct: Likeable nine-time winner often saves his best for the Curragh, with form figures here of 1223117221. Showed a new dimension to his game when winning over this trip for the first time in the Curragh Cup eight weeks ago and is fully entitled to a shot at this now. Still remains officially 12lb behind Scandinavia’s rating, though.
Conclusion
If this drop in trip doesn’t catch him out, Scandinavia should be a cut above this level of opposition, though his typical style of racing means he mightn’t be likely to put up a big margin of victory.
Queenstown and Jan Brueghel are two different styles of horse at this trip, and the rider bookings are indicating that the former might be the more ready for the current assignment. Trustyourinstinct should be on the premises, though it wouldn’t be a shock if stablemate Tennessee Stud produced his best performance of the season to threaten the frame at long, long odds.