Middleham Park syndicate 'gutted' as leading St Leger contender Lazy Griff ruled out after setback

Middleham Park Racing's dream of landing a Classic evaporated on Sunday when Lazy Griff was revealed to be a non-runner in the Betfred St Leger.

The syndicate's colt will be taken out of the race at the confirmation stage on Monday. He had been second favourite for Doncaster, quoted at no bigger than 4-1 at the time his absence was announced.

Lazy Griff had been earmarked for the race ever since finishing second to Lambourn in the Derby at Epsom, shaping as though he would be suited by the step up in trip to a mile and six and a half furlongs.

He was third behind Lambourn in the Irish Derby later in June, after which Charlie Johnston immediately said how much he was looking forward to the Leger.

Charlie Johnston: trainer of Lazy GriffCredit: Edward Whitaker

Middleham Park Racing manager Mike Prince said on Sunday: "He was due to have his last piece of work yesterday but he missed that. He's had a small setback and that's probably him done for the season.

"The plan is that he'll have the rest of this year off and come back next season, probably looking at a long-distance campaign.

"Obviously the syndicate is gutted. Middleham Park have had plenty of big winners but a Classic is special and he was going there with such a big chance, everything looked like it was setting up nicely for him. It's frustrating to miss out just a week away."

Lazy Griff's absence only strengthens the Irish dominance at the head of the Leger market, particularly that of Aidan O'Brien. The Ballydoyle trainer has won the Classic on eight occasions, including in the last two years with Continuous and Jan Brueghel. 

O'Brien is responsible for this year's 5-4 favourite with bet365 in Goodwood Cup winner Scandinavia, while Lambourn is next in the market at 7-2. The Paddy Twomey-trained Carmers is available at 5-1 ahead of another contender trained by O'Brien, Stay True, at 9-1.

Betfred St Leger (3.40 Doncaster, Saturday)
bet365: 5-4 Scandinavia, 7-2 Lambourn, 5 Carmers, 9 Stay True, 14 Arabian Force, 16 Furthur, 33 bar.

Read more . . .

Strong Varian squad flex muscles for St Leger meeting - including the trainer's first winner for Godolphin 

Christophe Soumillon gives up Lazy Griff ride in St Leger following Ballydoyle call up 

St Leger favourite Scandinavia one of three Melbourne Cup entries for Aidan O'Brien - and JP McManus has a mare in contention 

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