This year’s renewal of the oldest classic race in the world, The St Leger, takes place this Saturday and with a hot favourite dominating the exchanges in the shape of the Aidan O’Brien trained Idaho, it doesn’t look like the greatest in betting opportunities. However, with just nine declared, there are plenty of enticing each way scenarios and considering some of the question marks surrounding the favourite, this race is no foregone conclusion.
So how good is Idaho? After a very respectable third behind Harzan in the Investec Derby at Epsom in June and going one better behind Harzan in the Leopardstown Irish Derby, he followed up with a resounding success at the York Ebor Meeting with a convincing win over stable mate Housesofparliament in the 1 mile 4 furlong Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes. The manner of this victory, with him surging away from the field, suggests he may appreciate the extra stamina test in the Leger. His jockey, Seamie Hefferman believes the horse is improving and claims that we have not seen the best of him yet. However, his recent performances have been over good to firm ground and with the overnight rain forecast, it’s questionable whether his running style will suit with a bit of give in the ground. Nevertheless, he is the form horse of the race by some considerable margin. If you’re still confident, then make your way to SkyBet to grab their 5/6 which is the best odds on offer for Idaho.
Housesofparliament was 1 and half lengths behind Idaho in the York race and this is clearly his best form to date. He also ran a decent race at Royal Ascot finishing a 2 length 4th to Across The Stars and Muntahaa. Probably not good enough to win a classic but at 10/1 with Paddy Power he certainly represents excellent each way value. He doesn’t seem to mind ease in the ground either.
Idaho’s nearest rival is Muntahaa who looks a tough campaigner. His recent win in a valuable handicap at Chester suggests he will relish the trip and he has the beating of Housesofparliament as confirmed in the Ascot race. Recent comments in a TV interview with Muntahaa’s trainer John Gosden provided some interesting revelations. Gosden, who has won the race three times since 2007, believes Muntahaa is as good as, if not better, than his 2010 winner Arctic Cosmos. Gosden is also confident that Muntahaa will stay the trip but raises questions to whether he has the speed to cope with Idaho. Muntahaa is best priced at 5/1 with Bet Victor and Paddy Power.
Looking down the card, I have picked out a couple who might put in a decent run at value laden odds. Don’t forget its only 9 runners but you will be placed on the third horse! I really like the look of the Aidan O’Brien second string Sword Fighter. He ran a blinder in The Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot (2 miles) and although the shorter 1m 6f Doncaster trip might not be the ideal test of Sword Fighter’s proven stamina credentials, he will is certain to be there or thereabouts and is an each way steal with Bet 365 and SkyBet at 12/1.
Best Odds:
Idaho 5/6 (SkyBet) - Bet now with SkyBet here!
Muntahaa 5/1 (Bet Victor, Paddy Power) - Bet now with Paddy Power here!
Housesofparliament 10/1 (Paddy Power) - Bet now with Paddy Power here!
Sword Fighter 12/1 (Bet 365, SkyBet) - Bet now with Bet365 here! Bet now with SkyBet here!
Ventura Storm 18/1 (Bet 365, SkyBet, Bet Victor) - Bet now with Bet365! Bet now with SkyBet here! Bet now with BetVictor here!
25/1 bar
Min deposit requirement. Registration Required. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply
Click to Claim
