3 minute read
Timeform runs the rule over the final classic of the British Flat season, the St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday.
Brown Panther: Likeable type who has progressed rapidly through the ranks, impressing with the way he won the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot. He was a good second to Census in the Geoffrey Freer last time and should go well again.
Buthelezi: A tricky ride but it didn't stop him winning a mile and a quarter handicap at Newmarket on his reappearance. He has finished in the frame on all four of his starts since, but was behind two of these in the Geoffrey Free last time and faces a stiff task tried in a hood.
Census: Landed a maiden on his final two-year-old start and has done nothing but improve since, turning the tables from Royal Ascot on Brown Panther when beating him in the Geoffrey Free last time. He should have even more to offer.
Genius Beast: Had some good form in maidens as a two-year-old and has duly made his mark at a higher level this year, winning the Sandown Classic Trial in the spring. His form seems to have stalled since and any further rain would be a negative.
Masked Marvel: Built on his reappearance in the Sandown Classic Trial when winning the Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood. He improved again when beating Census in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket's July Meeting but needs to pull out even more now.
Sea Moon: Close relation to the Leger winner Brian Boru and has come a long way in a short space of time himself, winning a handicap and the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on his two outings this season, the latter by eight lengths. That form is already above St Leger-winning standard and he's very much the one to beat.
Seville: Still has only a win in a minor event to his name but there's no doubt he's a very smart performer, finishing second in the Irish Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris. He was well behind Sea Moon at York, though.
Blue Bunting: Surprise winner of the 1000 Guineas, but has since confirmed herself a very smart filly, putting a rather luckless Oaks run behind her when landing the Irish equivalent and the Yorkshire Oaks. She is sure to relish this longer trip and is not to be underestimated.
Rumh: Made all to win a listed race at Newbury in June. She had performed pacemaking duties for Blue Bunting on her last two starts and is booked for a similar role here.
Timeform: 1. Sea Moon; 2. Census; 3. Brown Panther
Timeform View: Blue Bunting is respected after her Oaks wins at the Curragh and York, but she'll do well to overhaul Sea Moon who looked potentially top-class when running away with the Great Voltigeur. The Geoffrey Freer first and second Census and Brown Panther may not have peaked yet and are others capable of reaching a place.
