Ryan McElligott

4.50 PALMERSTOWN HOUSE ESTATE IRISH ST LEGER (GROUP 1) 1M 6F

Achtung: Still a maiden after 10 flat starts and has been well held at a much lower level on his last couple of starts. He is destined to struggle.

Brown Panther:Admirably consistent stayer who was a close third in this race two years. Looked as good as ever earlier this season when starting the campaign with a pair of Group 3 triumphs. Has met with defeat on his last three starts but has still performed with credit behind the likes of Leading Light and Cavalryman and every reason to believe that another bold showing is in the offing.

Certerach: Was in the form of his life in Dubai earlier this year with a campaign that culminated with a neck victory over Cavalryman in the Dubai Gold Cup. Returned to the fray with a good second in the Curragh Cup but he has been some way below his best on his last couple of starts and now needs to step forward markedly.

Encke: It is almost two years to the day that he sprung a 25/1 surprise in the English St Leger to deny Camelot the Triple Crown. Has since spent a well publicised period out of action and only returned at Goodwood last month when an encouraging second to Pether’s Moon in a 1m 4f Group 3 at Goodwood. Could be dangerous with that run behind him.

Eye Of The Storm: Did especially well as a three-year-old stayer last term when twice successful at listed level as well as running a fine third in an excellent Group 3 at Ascot. Won at Group 3 level on his penultimate outing and is easily forgiven a below-par run in Chicago last time and, while he has to improve on the balance of this season’s form, a decent showing isn’t out of the question.

Leading Light: Top notch colt who has won eight of his 10 career starts. Turned in a fine effort to win last year’s English St Leger and just as good this year as evidenced by a tremendously brave win in the Ascot Gold Cup. Warmed up for this with a smooth win in a trial over this course and distance last month and can surely improve off that pipe opener. He sets a high standard and will take beating.

Pallasator: Lightly campaigned five-year-old whose efforts this year would indicate that he can hold his own outside handicaps. A neck second off 101 over 1m 4f at Haydock in July and a fine fourth to Mutual Regard off 107 in the Ebor are both commendable efforts. There isn’t much doubt that he could do better still and he is a very interesting each way proposition.

Royal Diamond: Won this race two years ago and has since remained a force at the head of the staying division. Comes here off just three runs this season and finished down the field in the Ascot Gold Cup but has run very well in defeat against Leading Light on his two other starts and his 1¼l second to that rival last time makes him a contender.

Willing Foe: Talented but sparingly campaigned seven-year-old (has run just 15 times) and has run just twice in the last two seasons. Returned to action with a fine second to top flight scorer Seismos in a Newbury Group 3 last month and that run does represent a highly encouraging effort – he is not one to discount.

Pale Mimosa: Quality mare who gained a well deserved first victory at pattern level when edging out Estimate in a 2m Group 2 at York last month. That effort makes her a credible contender and she is entitled to mount a significant challenge, although she does have a little bit to find with the likes of Leading Light and Royal Diamond on some of her previous form.

Shu Lewis: Posted a fine effort to win a 1m 6f conditions event at Killarney in May and has since run some fine races in defeat behind the likes of Missunited and Leading Light. She can be relied upon to run her race but she is still likely to find several of these too strong.

THE VERDICT

Leading Light is firmly established as a top notch stayer and the stage is set for him to record his third victory at the highest level. While he needs to improve if would come as no surprise to see Pallasator emerge as a threat to the selection as he still has more to offer. Royal Diamond and Brown Panther can be relied upon to run their races and both should be involved at the finish.