Appleby: Old Persian has all the credentials to give Godolphin another St Leger

Charlie Appleby believes Old Persian is ready to take the step up to the Classic standard in his stride in the William Hill St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday to add to “a fantastic year” for Godolphin and the trainer.

Appleby, buoyed by a first Derby success in the Godolphin colours with Masar, reckons Old Persian has what it takes to give the owners’ colours a seventh winner in the oldest British Classic, six years after the most recent with Encke.

Hunting down his first St Leger with the general 6-1 second favourite behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained Kew Gardens, Appleby said: “Old Persian has gone from strength to strength this year and has all the right credentials for the race. He galloped on Saturday and is in good form."