St Leger Runners 2024: A guide to the seven Classic contenders

The stage is set for the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday (15:40), with a field of seven declared for the fifth and final Classic of the season.

I’ve produced a guide to the St Leger Runners 2024, including the confirmed jockeys, latest odds and a brief assessment of their chances.

Illinois (Aidan O’Brien/Wayne Lordan) @ 15/8

The current favourite for Aidan O’Brien, who bids to win his eighth St Leger. The Galileo colt won the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot earlier this year before going on to finish second in the French Derby and later the Great Voltigeur. His form is solid, although he has only won one of his six attempts in Listed and Group company – albeit that one victory was over this 1m6f trip. Undeniable chance, but far from bombproof.

Jan Brueghel (Aidan O’Brien/Sean Levey) @ 4/1

Another son of Galileo – and full-brother to 2019 Irish Derby winner Sovereign – who debuted in May with an emphatic victory at the Curragh before a couple of Group 3 successes, including the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. He lacks experience, but he’s unbeaten, full of potential and improving with every run. Exciting.

You Got To Me (Ralph Beckett/Hector Crouch) @ 4/1

Irish Oaks heroine who was supplemented on Monday morning at a cost of £50k. The daughter of Nathaniel, who is the only filly in the field, has progressed all season and tackles the Leger trip for the first time. Interesting, for all I have reservations about her being a Classic winner.

Grosvenor Square (Aidan O’Brien/Gavin Ryan) @ 5/1

The odds suggest this – you guessed it – Galileo colt is Ballydoyle’s third string, but don’t underestimate him. He was an excellent runner-up to stablemate Tower Of London in the Curragh Cup in July on his first attempt at the trip, before a 20-length hammering of his four rivals in the Irish St Leger Trial over the same course and distance. He was absolutely deadly from the front and it would be no surprise to see him do the same on Saturday.

Watch our exclusive interview with Aidan O’Brien, who gives the lowdown on his Betfred St Leger hopefuls – plus updates on his stable stars, including Betfred Derby hero City Of Troy.

Sunway (David Menuisier/Christophe Soumillon) @ 13/2

On his narrow second to Irish Champion Stakes-bound Los Angeles at the Curragh in June, he’s of interest. However, the rest of his form leaves a bit to be desired and there’s a slight suggestion he wants slower ground than is forecast. Not without a chance, but others appeal more.

Deira Mile (Owen Burrows/Jason Watson) @ 16/1

I tipped this son of Camelot at 20/1 antepost and I haven’t lost any faith. He was a staying-on fourth in the Betfred Derby won by City Of Troy earlier this summer before an adequate prep at Windsor over a less-than-ideal trip. That ought to have put him spot on for Saturday’s assignment and while he has something to find on the market principals, there’s every reason to expect such improvement, especially over this new trip.

Wild Waves (Andrew Balding/Daniel Tudhope) @ 66/1

Progressive in handicaps earlier in the season but upon reaching a mark of 92 he’s found himself in the grasp of the handicapper. That’s a long way off what’s usually required to win a Betfred St Leger. Hard to fancy.

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