Illinois heads the field for the final Classic of the season.
Aidan O’Brien is set to field a formidable three-horse team in the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster this Saturday, as seven horses have been declared for the final Classic of the season.
Leading O’Brien's Ballydoyle squad is Illinois, a Royal Ascot winner who later finished as the runner-up to stablemate Los Angeles in the Great Voltigeur at York. Notably, Los Angeles has not been entered for Doncaster, as anticipated.
Joining Illinois in the lineup are two other impressive Colts who would shine as stars in most other yards. Jan Brueghel remains unbeaten after three outings, including a victory in the Group Three Gordon Stakes at Goodwood in his most recent race. Also in the mix is Grosvenor Square, who has shown steady improvement this season, culminating in a spectacular 20-length triumph in the Irish St. Leger Trial.
The competition is headlined by David Menuisier's Sunway, who will be ridden by Christophe Soumillon. Sunway narrowly missed victory against Los Angeles in the Irish Derby and performed admirably against older horses in King George at Ascot.
Owen Burrows’ Deira Mile, who finished fourth in the Derby behind City Of Troy, is expected to benefit from the step up in trip. Adding an intriguing dynamic to the race is Ralph Beckett’s You Got To Me, a filly who claimed victory in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh and has been supplemented following her valiant attempt to repeat her success in the Yorkshire Oaks.
Completing the lineup is Wild Waves, trained by Andrew Balding, rounding out a competitive field eager for a shot at Classic glory.
