‘Thriving’ Persian heads Godolphin bid for further Leger glory

This is arguably the busiest and most important weekend of international racing this year, and Godolphin are expecting to play a prominent role on all fronts.

In the Northern Hemisphere, Britain, Ireland, France and Canada all feature Godolphin entries in a series of G1s, while Australia, remaining Winx-focused, also generates interest for our followers, as well.

Charlie Appleby sends Old Persian and Loxley to Doncaster for the G1 St Leger, the world’s oldest Classic and a race that has been given a makeover recently.

First run in 1778, this staying test for three-year-olds had looked in danger of being opened up to older horses at one stage, but such has been the resurgence of staying blood in Europe, it has taken on a fresh guise as a nursery for high class Cup horses as well as those worthy of a crack at the G1 Arc.

Appleby is trying to add to the six winners to have won the St Leger in Godolphin royal blue. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed has also owned a further three St Leger winners, who carried his famous maroon and white silks: Oh So Sharp (1985), Moonax (1994) and Shantou (1996).

“Old Persian has been responsible for some very solid performances all season, and I expect him to acquit himself well in the Leger,” Appleby said.

“His only disappointment came in the G1 Irish Derby (sixth to Latrobe) but he was backing up quick, and the race wasn’t run to suit him.

“I was delighted the way he won the G2 Great Voltigeur under a penalty at York. It is one of the better tests, and he appears to have thrived for that experience. I expect him to handle the step up in trip very well,” he added.

The trainer also saddles Loxley, who he described as “a work in progress.”

He continued: “He also had an entry in the G2 Prix Niel at Longchamp on Sunday, which he probably could have won, but we would not have learned much from that. This is the last Classic of the season, and while he lacks experience, he is progressing well.”

A total of 12 will go to post for this staying test, with the Dubawi filly Lah Ti Dar, trained by John Gosden, strongly fancied to build on her exciting 10-length victory in Listed company at York. The Aidan O’Brien-trained Kew Gardens is another contender of note.

On the same Doncaster card, unbeaten Dark Vision has his first start in Godolphin colours, having been snapped up following his third consecutive victory, in Goodwood’s G2 Vintage Stakes.

The Dream Ahead colt, trained by Mark Johnston, runs in the G2 Champagne Stakes, over seven furlongs, in which he meets Too Darn Hot, also unbeaten, and a brother to Lah Ti Dar.

Johnston said: “Dark Vision was absolutely fine after Goodwood. He’s in great shape. At home, he’s not a demonstrative type. He’s laid back and he does everything effortlessly.”

The race will help determine a pecking order for juveniles in Britain, and the clash of two talented, unbeaten colts makes the race unmissable.

“It’s not your typical G2,” Johnston pointed out. “These are likely contenders for next year’s Guineas and Derby. It’s a very tough race,” he added.

In Australia, Godolphin interest revolves around Kementari in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington, while It’s Somewhat faces a formidable challenge, lining up for the G1 Colgate Optic White (George Main) Stakes at Randwick against champion Winx, who will be attempting her 20th G1 victory.