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'A breathtaking performance' - our experts assess Pyledriver's St Leger claims

Pyledriver: showed his excellent turn of foot when skipping clear in the Great Voltigeur
Pyledriver: showed his excellent turn of foot when skipping clear in the Great VoltigeurCredit: David Davies (Getty Images/Pool)

I thought Pyledriver might have peaked at Royal Ascot but this was a breathtaking performance to give 3lb to a high-class field. Clearly he'd have slammed his rivals by further off level weights and he certainly wasn't stopping at the line over 1m4f. A son of Harbour Watch, his pedigree doesn't suggest he should be suited by the distance of the Leger but the way he finishes out his races wouldn't put you off. A general 6-1 shot for Doncaster glory, I think that price still underestimates this perennially underrated colt's claims.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

He didn't get the credit he deserved at Royal Ascot, but having now given 3lb and such a thumping to rivals as smart as Highland Chief and Mogul few can doubt that he has the class to be right in the mix at Doncaster. The St Leger is a very different test though and will he stay? He's certainly not bred to, and he's not short of speed, but he's already proved himself a bit of a freak and it would be brave to rule him out should he take his chance.
Graham Dench, reporter

He is becoming a hard horse to knock because he seems to be continually underrated in the market but keeps producing impressive results. He absolutely bolted up in the Voltigeur and the same can be said about his Royal Ascot victory. There must be a big engine in there. Improvement will be needed if he is to beat favourite Santiago, and Hukum is progressing nicely as well. But Pyledriver certainly deserves to be towards the front of the market.
Graeme Rodway, tipster


Watch: Pyledriver pours it on in Great Voltigeur romp


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Published on 19 August 2020inReports

Last updated 19:42, 19 August 2020

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