Idaho is unopposable in the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster this afternoon. While earlier in the week there may have been grounds for taking him on, the fact that neither Red Verdon or Twilight Payment have made the final field has made his task that much easier.
Third in the Derby at Epsom behind Harzand, he got even closer to Dermot Weld’s star in the Irish version, when, if anything, he was outstayed.
However, such is his class edge over his rivals he might not truly need to see out the extended mile-and-three-quarters to claim the final Classic of the season.
According to the bookmakers his chief danger is John Gosden’s Muntahaa, but his form is some way below the level which Idaho has already reached, with Aidan O’Brien at pains before he ran in the Great Voltigeur to stress his charge would only improve after a break.
It looks to be his to lose, with stablemates Housesofparliament and Sword Fighter looking the main threats so an O’Brien clean sweep is not out of the question.
Judicial finally looks like delivering on his early promise and can land the Ladbrokes Portland for Julie Camacho.
A winner at Thirsk early in the season and last time out at Chester, this five-and-a-half furlongs is ideal.
Up to a career-high mark of 99, the four-year-old is filling out his frame and Roger Charlton’s former inmate, although having a quirk or two, is very talented.
William Haggas’ Rivet created a huge impression when winning the usually informative Convivial Maiden at York and can handle the step up in grade for the At The Races Champagne Stakes.
Just about the only runner during the Ebor meeting to shun the far rail, if anything it enhanced his profile as he came around the whole field to win under Frankie Dettori.
The form has not worked out as yet, but he is a promising individual booked for big things.
In Ireland, the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes is undoubtedly the race of the season with Minding taken to have too much speed for Derby winner Harzand.
Dermot Weld has made no secret of the fact Harzand’s big target is the Arc so he is unlikely to be fully tuned up for this return to action after a mid-season break.
Also in Minding’s favour is that 10 furlongs is her best trip, while Harzand would surely be suited by further.
IRISH NEWS YANKEE
Nap: Idaho (3.45: Doncaster)
Double: Judicial (2.35: Doncaster)
Treble: Rivet (2.00: Doncaster)
Yankee: Minding (6.45: Leopardstown)
