The historic final leg of the English Triple Crown will be staged at Doncaster this Saturday. Horses aged three will be involved in the longest race of the Classics in the United Kingdom, which will cover a distance of a mile and six furlongs.
However, commonly in recent memory, there will be no previous winners of the 2,000 Guineas or Derby lining up in Doncaster this weekend. But, the race is still expected to be a thrilling renewal of the Group One.
St Leger History
The St Leger is the oldest of the five Classics on the British calendar, with the first renewal of the race dating back to 1776. It is the final leg of the Triple Crown, which begins in May with the 2,000 Guineas and continues in June with the Derby.
One of the most significant changes to the race was made in 1906 when it was determined that geldings couldn’t compete. During the First World War, the St Leger was staged at Newmarket, before it was cancelled throughout the duration of the Second World War.
Bill Scott is the leading jockey in the race after claiming nine victories between 1821 and 1846. Meanwhile, the fastest winning time was set by Logician in 2019 after clocking a time of 3m 00.27 s.
St Leger 2024 Leading Contenders
Illinois
Aidan O’Brien dominates the St Leger field at this stage, with five of the ten runners coming from his stable. Illinois is the top-rated of his runners, and has looked like a potential staying type all season.
His best performance came at Royal Ascot when beating stablemate Highbury by over a length in the G2 Queen’s Vase over a mile and six. Lost little in defeat behind Los Angeles in the G2 Great Voltigeur Stakes last month.
Jan Brueghel
Jan Brueghel is another runner from the yard of last year’s winning trainer. The O’Brien runner is the most unexposed contender from his yard, winning on all three starts to date.
A considerable step up came on his previous outing when beating subsequent winner Bellum Justum by a neck in the G3 Gordon Stakes over a mile and four. This step up to a mile and six looks perfect for this son of Galileo.
You Got To Me
You Got To Me has been the talking horse in the lead-up to the St Leger this year after being supplemented for the Classic on Monday. The three-year-old filly has shaped as though a mile and six should suit throughout the season, and her form on paper is rock solid.
She recorded a win over Content in the G1 Irish Derby in July, before that form was reversed in the G1 Yorkshire Oaks at the end of August. Has the ratings to play a key role this weekend, and will get weight from all her rivals.
St Leger 2024 Prediction
O’Brien holds a strong hand for the St Leger this weekend, and it will be interesting to see which of his contenders turn up. Jan Brueghel looks to be his best chance, while You Got To Me is a fascinating second choice on this first attempt over a mile and six. Deira Mile also shouldn’t be ruled out based on the strength of his finishing effort when taking fourth behind City of Troy in the G1 Derby.
Win: Jan Brueghel To Win The St Leger At BetXchange.
Each Way: Deira Mile To Win or Place At BetXchange.
